“Jake and Emma are shifters. His ranch locks down tight and his crew are all shifters. He’s dealt with rogues before and he has a sweet setup to protect his family. I’d like to take a look at it, and he wants you to know you’ve got a place to go in an emergency.” He was careful to keep his tone to information only. He didn’t want to push her one way or the other. He was already pushing her in too many other areas.

“I’ll think about it.”

Her voice was so sleepy—sensual sleepy—his body tightened again. That was fine with him. He didn’t mind both of them drifting off with his cock still buried inside of her. If he didn’t have his cock there, he’d be tempted to put his fingers inside her and then she’d really be shocked.

“I’ve asked for the groceries on your list and a few clothes. You’ll need the clothes for learning to get rid of them fast for shifting. The faster you shed clothes, the faster the ability to shift on the run.”

“You left my boots. I paid so much money for them.” Her voice was sleepy and he knew she was drifting a little.

“Your boots?”

“I loved those boots.”

He made a mental note to replace her boots with something she’d love equally. “I’m sorry about the boots, baby. Are you awake enough to listen?”

She nodded, but her lashes persisted in drifting down.

“We keep extra clothes in vehicles and also around the property. Jake’s men do the same on their property. Are you fairly good at reading maps?”

He felt her head nod, but she didn’t answer him aloud. He knew he was losing her to sleep. She needed it and she’d need more over the coming days. Once her leopard emerged, they would have twice the work.

He stroked his hand over her hair, his fingers sliding into the thick braid. He’d almost lost her. He’d been that close. He still had to tie up loose ends with his work. He’d already sent in his resignation. They knew he was angry over the way the case had been handled, and the moment his boss had informed him that Rafe Cordeau had been told of Catarina’s whereabouts, everyone in the building knew they’d lost him as an agent. He’d nearly come across the desk and punched his boss’s face. He knew no one would be surprised at his resignation, but they’d try to persuade him to stay. He’d already had several emails from his boss, Brady O’Connell, trying to backtrack.