Page 90 of Fangs and Fudge

Annoyance flashed in Vena’s expression.

“Tell me everything, Sierra,” Cross said softly.

Her lips parted, and any hint of petulance faded from her face, replaced by subjugation. “When he was at my house, I overheard him asking Miles about a book and rings. He saw me and sent me away before I heard anything else.”

“What about Anchor? What did your master want with him?”

“Anchor? He’s just a wolf. My old master’s only interest in them was how many there were.”

“Tell us more about your old master,” Cross said.

“He can shapeshift into a cat.”

My mouth fell open at that revelation.

“That’s how he moves during the day,” she continued. “The wolves think he’s just a vampire’s pet cat. He’s old. Older than his boyfriend. He likes sharing human men and women with him.”

Shepard swore.

“What does he look like when he’s a cat?” Cross asked.

“All black.”

“Is there anything else you haven’t told me?”

“No.”

“Good,” Cross said. “You will be more cooperative and less confrontational with the werewolves and your coworkers in the future. Now, sleep until Shepard tells you to wake. Do you understand?”

Sierra nodded, lay down, and fell asleep right on the dusty entry tiles.

Cross looked at Vena.

“She truly knows nothing about Anchor. I’m sorry.”

Vena nodded in acceptance as Cross’ gaze shifted to mine. I saw the tenderness there and recalled how he’d woken me up a few hours ago.

“Where are you?” Shepard asked, reminding me of the trouble I was in.

“We’re at the abandoned office building that your men checked last night,” Cross said. “Have your men fetch Sierra. I will spend some time with Everly before I return her.”

The slow smile Cross gave me as he plucked the phone from my fingers turned my insides to mush. As Shepard swore, Cross tossed the device to Vena. He reeled me into his embrace. His fingers stroked over my back, warming my skin through the thin barrier of my shirt.

“I’ve done as you’ve asked. Now will you grant me a favor?” He dipped his head closer to my mouth. “Have lunch with me, Everly. Please.”

I heard Shepard’s curse cut off mid-way.

Cross chuckled and glanced at Vena. “Well done.”

She grinned and lowered the phone. “I don’t know why you like poking the wolf so much, but I have to admit it is pretty fun.”

Realizing she’d let Shepard see Cross and me at the end, I swatted Cross’ chest and scowled at her. “What you both just did is not okay. We’re supposed to find ways to help Shepard trust Cross.”

“Oh, you are,” Cross said. “He listened. It’s a start.”

I sighed in annoyance. “I’ll take a rain check on lunch and do you a bigger favor by running damage control with Shepard.”

Cross nodded and kissed my forehead. “Call me if you need anything.”

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