Page 7 of Broken

Now, I just have to figure out what to do with him because fuck if he’s going to mess up all the work we’ve done so far. Then again, if he’s the one gathering all the clues and not the police department, he could be useful.

I continue observing Lev as he straightens his shirt. Amand is just as curious as I am. “How can you smell magic, Lev?” That’s not what I expected Amand to ask but I am curious.

Vince chokes on his coffee, but I am focused on the creature before me as he pales, his entire body stiffening. And then he just fucking disappears before my eyes, a soft ‘fuck’ falling from his lips.

Chapter 5

LEVIATHAN

Talking about my magic is the last thing I want to do. I also will not be addressing the need to sink into Rowan’s side and lap up his scent like a goddamn wolf. There’s a few reasons that this explosive attraction is unfolding right in front of us but I won’t be addressing that either. This conversation needs to end so I can go home and jerk off a few times before falling asleep.

Tomorrow, the Petrovs can handle their business and I’ll handle mine.

The problem is that I’m currently frozen, blended into my surroundings and I can’t fucking move. This has happened a few times, fear and anxiety taking over my rational thought until I’m frozen in place. I’m sure this is supposed to be a protective piece to my designation but it feels like a design flaw. The fight or flight response is long gone.

No, I just get to sit here and act like they can’t fucking see me or my clothes that haven’t faded into the background with me. So fucking embarrassing.

Amand reaches forward, his fingers grazing my arm and effectively pulling me out of my frozen stance. I jump nearly half a foot into the air before scurrying to the other side of the room. My preservation instincts are kicking in and I feel like prey in their presence. This hasn’t ever happened before.

I swallow nervously, trying to ignore the way the Basilisks are staring at me, their heads tilted, pupils slit in the most terrifying-

“Lev, for the love of god, sit down so we can have a discussion.” Vince slams his hand on the table, no doubt agitated with our late-night arrival but there’s no way in hell I’m stuffing myself between them again.

“Nope, I’m good right here.” Squished in the corner, one step from the exit. Just in case.

Rowan’s nostrils flare but he doesn’t seem angry at me, seem being the operative word. Amand looks a bit more understanding, but not by much. Vince raises his coffee cup to his lips again, obnoxiously slurping at the liquid until I wish I had magic to make him choke on it. His eyes move from me to the Basilisks several times before he rolls his shoulders back, determination flooding his expression.

Vince sets his coffee mug down and folds his hands together on the desk. “Lev, I’ve told you before that I want you nowhere near this one but you’ve done good work so far.”

“I’ve done all the work,” I mumble, Vince narrowing his gaze at me.

“You have two choices. Stay the fuck out of the investigation or work with the Petrovs. I will not have a billion loose ends as you work the way you do. You’re always almost dying and I’m sick of having to vouch for you. So, you’re either hired with them or I don’t want your hands on this.” Vince leans back in his chair, throwing his hands behind his head as if he’s accomplished something.

The only thing he’s accomplished is making me angry. He knows I don’t play well with others. It’s kind of why I do the whole private investigator thing—a one-man show and no one to answer to. I chew my bottom lip, attention drifting to the two men who both intrigue and terrify me. Rowan’s gaze is making my belly do all sorts of funny things. There’s no way in hell we could work harmoniously.

Amand stands, patting Vince’s desk twice. “Thanks for the offer. We work better alone but I’m sure you know that.” His words sound like a threat and I slide an inch closer to the door.

Vince isn’t perturbed as he downs the rest of his coffee and then sighs. “Sure, but you’ve never had Lev’s assistance.”

Rowan growls out the next word and it does funny things to my insides. And my dick. But we’re not going to talk about that. “Explain.”

Vince gives us all one of his award-winning smiles, “He’s a little goldmine of information. This isn’t just for the case, mostly selfish on my part. I need to know how he does it.”

“Does what?” Both Basilisks hiss at Vince. He shrinks back in his chair and I grumble to myself that this is getting out of hand. If I knew that it was going to be this serious, I would have backed out a long time ago. Then again, no one knew I could smell magic.

“Figures out his cases, because it’s nearly impossible.”

A moment of silence passes between us until Amand speaks with a certain annoyance that tells me working together is going to suck ass. “You want us to help figure out his designation.”

“Absolutely.” Vince licks his lips, staring at me and waiting for a reaction. But I won’t give him one.

“I assume we won’t be getting paid for this shit?” Rowan is getting ticked off and I don’t blame him. When Vince starts shit, everyone else gets pissy.

The officer smirks again, eyes downcast for a brief second before meeting my gaze again, “I assumed you’d want to anyway… I mean you seem interested.”

I choke on my spit, reminding everyone in the room that I am still present. But when Rowan looks at me this time, it’s with heat in his eyes. And when his magic wraps around me, the only fucking thing I can do is moan.

Vince’s eyes widen and I freak again, shaking myself free, and head straight for the door.

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