The Wolf at the Door (Big Bad Wolf, #1)

by Charlie Adhara

“Something bothering you, Agent Dayton?” “Nope. Just want to solve this case. And go home and hug my very live cat.” “Should have known you were a cat person.” “Why, because I don’t like you?” Cooper muttered as Park left the trailer. Park called over his shoulder, “Because you’re an antisocial asshole.”

“Park. Agent Park... John Park? Fred? Freddy Park?” Cooper guessed. “Frederick?” Sure. ’Cause guessing his first name was what was going to make the difference here. Stupid. Maybe he deserved to have someone drop a rock on his head and put him out of his misery. “C’mon, you bastard. Show me your super hearing. Asshole Park. Huge alpha Park. Big, strong, muscular Park. Amazing Ass Park. Pretty Eyes Park.”

“Tell me what you’re thinking about,” Park said as he continued to maneuver the rope down. “Um, I don’t think I’ve ever been this grateful for having a fat ass?” Park chuckled softly. “It is a great ass.” Whether he was agreeing to its usefulness in that moment or saying it had other...aesthetic qualities, Cooper wasn’t sure. But his surprise at the comment distracted him from the aching in his back for one or two precious milliseconds. Had Park checked him out? Was he interested in him sexually? Was this a reasonable time to be thinking about it? Probably not seemed to cover all three.

“Hey,” Park said. “Oliver.” “What?” Cooper’s voice sounded huskier than usual. Maybe due to breathing the foul air of the crevice. Maybe not. “My name’s Oliver. Though if you want to call me Pretty Eyes Park again, I promise I’ll still come running.”

“Do you think you’re in danger?” Park said. Cooper took a moment to remember why he’d be in danger. “The lock looks untouched,” he said. He clumsily unlocked and swung the door open to reveal the dark, still room. “Wait here,” Park said, and walked inside. Cooper watched from the doorway as Park looked around and poked his head in the bathroom and closet, sniffing delicately. He came back out and said, “All clear.” Cooper nodded absently. “Good.” They looked at each other. “Well. Goodnight, Dayton.” Park started to turn. “Wait,” Cooper said. He wet his suddenly dry lips. “Aren’t you going to check under the bed?” The words come out slow, thick and suggestive. Park stared at him for a moment, and then suddenly Cooper was being pushed inside. The door slammed behind them and he was shoved against it.

“I suppose you know they, uh, want us to keep working together.” “Yes.” “I understand if you don’t want to. I’ll tell them no and take full responsibility if that’s easier for you. I don’t know if you have to do what Cola says or if your debt is paid now or whatever. I mean, I only spent five minutes with her and I was pretty close to kneeling at her feet and offering up a lifetime of servitude, but just say the word and I’ll say no. I was sort of mentally preparing for a career change, anyway.” Oliver looked puzzled. “Why wouldn’t I want to work with you?” “Why would you?” Cooper asked bluntly. “Since we first met, I’ve done nothing but stick my foot in my mouth and my head up my ass.” “Very flexible of you. Good trait in a partner.”