Rurik had tried to find out where she and the other children had been sent to next, but those were chaotic times. A time when technology was good but not what it was now. A time when paper records were still the primary way things were handled. He’d sifted through endless mounds of paperwork, looking for clues or answers, to no avail.
He’d even asked for help from operatives who were better with technology, but they’d come up empty as well in their hunt for details about the little ones. It was as if the children had simply vanished.
Now, knowing far more about what had gone on back then, he understood why that was. Operatives in high places within PSI knew better than to permit a trail leading to the children. It would have given the enemy a road map to them.
As much as Rurik wished he knew if Little Paw was all right, he took some solace in the fact she’d been hidden away from those who would seek to do her more harm.
At least that was his hope.
Had she been taken in by someone who could be trusted? Someone who cared for her as she should have been cared for? Or had she fallen through the cracks like so many kids apparently had back then—when the infrastructure was overwhelmed and taxed by the sheer number of children they were bringing in?
Had she ended up in the human foster care system or, worse yet, back in enemy hands?
Rurik began drawing in quick, shallow breaths as a ringing started in his ears. The therapy room felt warmer than it had. Much warmer.
Sweat beaded on his brow as nausea settled over him at the very idea the bastards who’d harmed Little Paw might have gotten their hands on her once again. His bear pushed up within him, wanting to be free, wanting to go on the hunt for her.
Why was it so fucking hot in the room all of a sudden?
“Romanov,” said Garth sternly, ripping Rurik from his thoughts.
“Yes?”
Garth eyed him closely. “Everything all right?”
He inclined his head.
“You sure?” questioned Garth. “Kind of seemed like you were having a panic attack. Can’t say that’s something I ever thought I’d say when talking about you.”
“I had no such thing,” snapped Rurik, positive he now had sweat dripping down his spine.
The therapist offered another wide smile. “Looked a lot like a panic attack in the making to me too.”
“I didn’t ask you,” he said firmly.
She smiled sweetly. “I know.”
“Be nice,” snapped Garth.
Rurik shot him a hard look, squeezing the damn ball more.
“You’re doing great, aren’t you?” asked the therapist.
He groaned.
She smiled wider.
How her face didn’t crack was a wonder to him.
Garth gained amusement from it all and chuckled.
Rurik entertained shoving the tension ball up his captain’s ass. He eyed the ball before sweeping his gaze to Garth.
The Viking had the nerve to laugh more. “I know what you’re thinking. And I’d advise against it. I’d feel bad having to hurt you when you’re already all banged up.”
Rurik grunted. “Nice shiny hair you have there, Captain. Is that peaches I smell? Mated life has softened you. Tell me, does your mate do your braids now too?”
“Get it out of your system now, Rurik,” said Garth. “My gut says your single days are fast coming to an end. If you’re not careful, you’ll be the next one of us who finds their mate. You’ll find yourself giving on a lot of things you normally wouldn’t.”
At the mention of mating, Rurik squeezed the damn tension ball to the point it popped. He expected to get a sharp tongue lashing from the therapist.
She grinned as she bent, retrieving the various bits of it. As she stood, she swept her gaze over him. “I knew you had it in you. Way to dig deep. Had I known all the motivation you needed was to threaten you with getting mated, I’d have been doing that all along.”
“I do not like you,” he snapped.
“You never really have, but I’m okay with that.” She winked, then reached into her pocket and pulled out yet another ball. She set it in his hand as she put the broken bits of the previous ball into her pocket. “The more you dislike me, the harder you’ll work, then get back on your feet fully and into the field. That’s the goal, right? Getting back out there?”
“Why do I think you’re testing my patience to goad me into doing these ridiculous exercises?” asked Rurik.
“Maybe it’s my kink,” she said. “One of many.”
He grunted.
She nodded to Garth on her way out. “I’ll be back to give him some homework, so don’t let him take off before I see him again.”
“Thanks, Miranda,” said Garth.
She patted Garth’s arm. “Good luck. He’s something of a bear.”
Garth laughed at her obvious play on the fact Rurik was indeed a bear-shifter.
Rurik watched her go. “Miranda? That is her name?”
“She’s been working with you for days and you didn’t even know her name?” A disbelieving smirk slid over his face.
Rurik tipped his head slightly, causing discomfort to shoot down his spine. “I’m sure she said it. I wasn’t paying attention. You know how I am with names.”
“What have you been calling her?” Garth asked, concern on his face.
“Evil,” replied Rurik, earning him a laugh from his captain.
Garth eyed him suspiciously. “Rurik, when is the last time you dated anyone?”
“Dated? I never date anyone,” he responded, trying and failing to recall the last time he’d had the urge for sex. Maybe his dick was broken. He hadn’t really paid much attention. He’d been too focused on things like work.
“Okay, the last time you had sex then,” pressed Garth.
Rurik leaned back from his friend. “Captain, are
