His Lost Mate (A Steamy Paranormal Romance Novel) by Kathy Kulig Page B

trying to write your thesis in your head? You’ve been working hard on it all week.”
    She felt heat rise up her neck into her face. “Huh? Thesis? No, I was sort of compiling a theory.”
    He raised his eyebrows. “You’ll have to discuss that theory of yours with me later. Maybe I can help you out.”
    She shrugged and tried to keep a professional tone, clenching her jaw to keep from grinning. “Just collecting data right now. I’ll appreciate your input when I have adequate information.” By his expression, she thought that he probably sensed her teasing innuendos. Stop flirting.
    Lauren picked up her coffee cup took a large swallow and made an attempt to change the subject. “The coffee is wonderful. Wish I knew how they made it.”
    “They grind the coffee beans with peanuts. It takes the bitterness away,” Deven said as he raised his cup to his lips and smiled.
    * * *
    The ride to Tikal was a lesson in international intrigue. Deven and Sylvia were engulfed in a discussion again. Lauren was enthralled but a bit uneasy.
    “I would like your assessment of the confiscated artifacts, noting any damage, as soon as custom officials ship them back,” Deven told Sylvia.
    “I may not get them for a few weeks. They’re being held for evidence,” Sylvia said. “The museum claims that only three items were stolen, however, customs said there are seven pieces. They’re trying to figure out where the other four pieces came from.”
    “That’s odd. Have there been reports of other thefts?”
    “Not that I’m aware of. Someone will show up to claim them soon.” Deven nodded. “Does the government have any theories on where the artifacts were headed?”
    “Intelligence agencies believe that the artifacts were heading to private collectors overseas.”
    “Where?” Lauren asked.
    Sylvia glared at Lauren over her shoulder as if she was a rude child interrupting an adult conversation. “Europe, most likely. There is quite a demand for ancient Mayan artifacts in the underground European market right now.”
    Justin closed his paperback and Kyle pulled his headphones down around his neck. They exchanged a curious glance and then leaned forward.
    “Wicked secrets, like do we get to hunt down international smugglers?” Kyle asked.
    “Sure, some spy you’d make,” Justin said. “With those tunes of yours, you couldn’t sneak up on a corpse.”
    “Did they catch the smugglers?” Lauren asked Deven.
    Deven stared at Lauren from the rearview mirror. “Don’t worry, Lauren, the government and intelligence agencies are handling it.”
    “Oh, I’m not worried,” Lauren lied. She was concerned that this issue would threaten the field school and her chance to learn the required skills. She tried to hide her impatience. “It comes with the territory. They’re like modern-day pirates looking for buried treasure. I’m sure this is a typical problem at most excavation sites. I can’t understand why they won’t let us into the field camp so we can get to work.”
    An awkward silence followed. Did she say too much? Lauren shifted in her seat and stared out the window.
    After they parked at the entrance of Tikal, Sylvia left for the museum and the rest of the group paraded up the dirt trail toward the ruins. As they walked, Lauren studied the map. “Can we go to the Temple of Inscriptions? It says here, ‘the temple is eighty feet tall and has a roof comb that’s completely covered with hieroglyphic text’.” She held the map up and pointed to a trail that branched off to the left. “It’s this way. I’ll lead.”
    “That works for me,” Kyle said.
    “It’s a long walk so we can stop there first,” Deven said.
    The path was shaded by giant sagging ferns. Vines as thick as trees dangled from the tall trees. Bright green parrots squawked loudly attempting to be heard above the monkeys.
    “Boy, they’re noisy,” Lauren said. “I expect to see Tarzan swinging through the jungle any minute.”
    Margaret