Immediately, my gaze was drawn to the opening door and the dark-haired panther who entered. Like most panthers in human form, his skin was golden brown, indicative of their species’ heritage. Lithe and with eyes that struggled to blend in with the human world, the young panther was mesmerising.

Securing the door behind him, he didn’t take his gaze off me. It was only after the pop of the soundproofing being engaged that he finally flicked his focus to Thatch. He stood at attention before the desk, his gaze ahead.

“At ease, recruit,” Thatch ordered. “Take a seat.”

Curiosity fluttered to life inside me, not only at the reason for Thatch bringing him in, but at the young man himself.

I expected I had at least eight years on him. Likely more. It was the confidence he exuded, though, that sparked my interest.

Sure, SICB recruits could be cocky bastards, but there was something more about this one, different somehow. Yeah, he was good-looking, ridiculously so, something I could usually see past within an instant, especially of late. But with his golden eyes sparking with intelligence and pouty lips that I struggled to glance away from, I was ensnared.

Thatch clearing his throat jerked my attention away. His brow was quirked high, amusement seeming to battle with concern in his stare. I clenched my jaw and gave him a firm nod, returning my attention to the recruit, who now sat before the desk, interest clear in his eyes as they roamed over me.

“Jett Shaw, meet Agent Michaels. Shaw here is going to be supporting you while you’re on campus.”

Snapping my eyes in Thatch’s direction, I frowned. Any amused expression he may have had earlier was gone. This was full-on “I will kick your arse if you question me” mode.

“Shaw’s already in the loop, and yes, there’s a reason why you’re on campus, as this will be the focal point of our investigation. Shaw here is the top of the class for—” Thatch tilted his head, gaze on Shaw. “—well, everything.”

That got my interest as I refocussed on Shaw. While I wouldn’t exactly describe it as challenge evident in the young panther’s eyes, there was certainly a boldness there I kinda liked.

“He’ll be graduating in two months and is already in talks with Lucas.”

“No shit?” My eyes widened. Lucas was interested in this kid joining our unit? Not that I needed to look at Shaw with renewed interest, since he already had my attention, but if Thatch had recommended him to Lucas, our team, which I had no issues declaring was fucking awesome, then he must be good.

“Yes shit,” Shaw responded, a smirk on the cusp of being cocky forming.