Page 85 of Shiny Things

Her eyes widened. “Not now. We have a house full of people. Are you crazy?”

“I’ll be fast. You just have to stay quiet.”

“Me? What about you?”

I frowned. “What are you trying to say, mate?”

I knew she’d never go for it, but if I thought she would, I would have kept pushing her.

“Get dressed, or I’m going to lock the door and devour you.”

She shivered with desire.

“I think you meant that as a threat, but it sounded more like a promise.”

God, I loved this woman.

Much too quickly, she was dressed, and her long black hair was brushed and pulled back into a bun. I preferred it when she wore it down but was in no place to complain when I was literally about to throw her to the wolves.

“You must be Kim,” Silas greeted her when we finally left the bedroom. “I’m Silas, and I’m so sorry to hear about what happened yesterday. I was hoping maybe you could walk me through everything you remember. It’s just a formality. Helps us to get a better picture of what the Collectors are up to.”

“Collectors? As in more than one?”

“I’m afraid so. We’ve encountered dozens of them and are doing the best we can to shut down their trading operation.”

“Trading operation?”

Lachlan stepped in and helped her to the couch. He sat next to her, and I took the space on her other side. I didn’t know if I fully trusted the wolves or not. The verdict was out. But more importantly, I’d made a promise to my mate not to leave her side, and I had no intention of breaking it.

“How about you tell us what you can remember about your encounter with one of the Collectors? Then I’ll be happy to fill you in on everything we know about them and answer any questions you may have.”

“Okay. Where to even begin?”

“Just start from the beginning. Where did you first see them?” Silas prompted.

“Well, I was upset and flying home.”

“Why were you upset?”

“That’s not pertinent to your case,” I explained in a tone that let them know that was not up for negotiation.

“Go on then.”

“When I flew by my house, I noticed two cars I didn’t recognize . . .”

I sat there listening to her retell her story and was filled with pride. She’d been so brave through it all.

Time passed by but eventually they started wrapping things up. I could tell by the look on Kim’s face that she was exhausted.

“Okay, I think that’s enough for today,” I finally said.

“It’s okay. I can keep going.”

Silas chuckled. “I think we’re good for now. Most of us are mated too. He’s just trying to protect you. Let him.”

I shook the man’s hand and ushered them out of my house.

“Are you kicking me out too?” Gia teased.

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