“Gideon.” She tapped the chest beneath her cheek with her fingers.

His chest moved beneath her cheek, alerting her to the fact that he was already awake.

“Put the gun down, Cooper,” he said quietly.

Claire didn’t breathe, didn’t move. Her fingers curled around Gideon’s bicep.

“Point that gun somewhere else.” Gideon’s voice lifted, rumbling beneath her ear, the command unmistakable.

Cooper glowered at her like she was something dirty on the bottom of his shoe. She self-consciously pulled the bedding higher to cover her nudity.

“Could have seen this coming with other agents.” Cooper’s cold gaze cut to Gideon. “But never you.”

“She hasn’t shifted yet. Hasn’t taken a life. She’s still got a chance. We can save her.” His hand gripped her shoulder, more to reassure him, or herself, she couldn’t guess.

Cooper gave a bitter laugh. “What chance?” His gaze swept over her, cold as winter sleet. She tightened her hold on the sheets, pulling them to her neck. One look in those eyes told her this man wasn’t interested in saving her. No matter what Gideon said in her defense.

Cooper frowned thoughtfully. “I had plans for you, Gideon. Saw you taking over after me. Just never would have pegged you—” He paused to shake his head fiercely. “You seemed impervious to a pretty piece of ass. Guess I was wrong. Hope she was good.”

A growl rumbled from deep inside Gideon’s chest. He tucked her more closely against him. So tight she could hardly draw air. It suddenly hit her that he was trying to make it impossible for Cooper to get a clear shot at her. At least not without risk to himself.

“You’re not killing her,” Gideon announced.

“Gonna stop me, Gid?”

“If I have to.”

She looked between the two men, her chest tight and hurting as if a heavy weight had been placed upon it. They had a long history. They were more than friends. Almost family. Claire couldn’t come between them.

Gideon tried again, saying, “If you would listen—”

“Oh, I understand perfectly. You’ve lost your edge. Too busy thinking with your cock.” His hard stare swung back to Claire. “Move away from her.”

“No.” The single word fell into the charged air, a gauntlet tossed down.

Her gaze met Cooper’s over the barrel of the gun and she read cold-blooded determination in the dark depths. He wouldn’t stop until she was dead. Even if it meant hurting Gideon. The hairs on her nape stood. She couldn’t let that happen.

Cooper widened his stance and trained his gun on what he could see of her. His gaze swung to Gideon. “Move out of the way, or I’ll shoot the silver-eyed bitch dead in your arms.”