Page 25 of Kodiak's Heart

“Are you sure about that?” Jensen probed.

Laramie lifted a brow and nodded toward the washcloth Jensen held. “Other than the fact I took her virginity tonight?”

“Shit,” Jensen muttered, shaking his head. “I forgot. Listen, if you really think there’s something going on, I’d have better luck tracking it down if she gave me a sample of blood. Send her to the lab tomorrow.”

Laramie shook his head. “She won’t. She’s already said that remember. When she refused to let you look at either her or Ruby.”

“That’s right,” Jensen conceded. “What are you thinking?”

“She’s hiding something,” Laramie murmured.

“If you think she’s dangerous—” Jensen began, but Laramie cut him off with a shake of his head.

“I’m more worried she might be in danger,” Laramie confessed.

Jensen’s gaze narrowed on the closed cabin door.

“When she approached me to begin with, she asked me if I’d protect her,” Laramie told him.

“From what?” Jensen asked.

“She didn’t go into detail. Just that Malachi was chasing something down and asked her to bring Ruby here, to us.”

“We need to find out what the hell is going on,” Jensen muttered. “First, our den was attacked. Then, this den in Washington. What was there to gain? I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“Neither do I,” Laramie agreed. “We’ll talk in the morning. I promise. First, I need to get Emersyn into the house without anyone waking up and interfering. Hell, I’d prefer they not even know until I have her locked down.”

“The whole family sleeps in the same wing as you, Laramie,” Jensen warned. “You can’t take her to your bed without everyone knowing. That includes Malachi’s sisters and the female shifters who expect you to pick one of them as a mate.”

“Not happening,” Laramie snarled.

“Whoa, easy there.” Jensen’s gaze narrowed on him. “I want a vial of your blood. Now.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve never seen you like this. You’re always in control of your bear. Just now, I swear your bear was ready to burst out of your skin and take me out. Something’s definitely off. If she’s drugged in some way and you’ve ingested her blood, I might have a better chance of finding the anomaly in you.”

Laramie nodded. “Grab what you need and meet me at the house.”

“No. Chances of you making it to the house without waking Emersyn are slim. I’ll run to the lab and be right back.” Jensen grabbed Laramie’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “We’ll figure this out. Promise.”

“She’s my mate,” Laramie said again, not even trying to control the possessive growl that rose from his chest.

“We’ll figure it out,” Jensen repeated, concern clear in his gaze. “I’ll be right back.”

Laramie waited outside until Jensen returned. His brother was quick, and Laramie could tell by the look in his eyes he’d be up for the rest of the night working on the blood samples. Hell, Jensen was already going over tests in his head by the time he’d finished poking and prodding Laramie. His brother had even taken a swab of his cheek. For what, Laramie had no idea. He’d been in the middle of asking when Jensen had turned and walked off.

As soon as Laramie walked back into the cabin, he reached for the button of his jeans and started shedding them as he crossed the room. They had time. He wanted to hold her. He wouldn’t say no if she awoke and wanted to make love again, but he’d be content to press her body close and breathe her in. He carefully lifted the covers and slid in beside Emersyn. She made a throaty sound as she wrapped around him, one arm over his chest, palm resting against his heart, a leg thrown over his hips, knee riding high on his stomach. His cock rose to kiss the inside of her thigh.

He slid one arm under her, curving it around her back to press her even closer. Her breasts pressed into him, her nipples pebbling either from the slight chill in the air or from him. He wanted to believe it was him.

“You planning to use that?” Pale, blue eyes blinked up at him while she slid a palm along his shaft, rubbing her thumb over the head and giving it a squeeze.

“I thought you were sleeping,” he murmured, reaching down to cup her ass and give it a pat.

She took the invite and crawled atop him, sitting astride his thighs, gaze firmly planted on his straining cock.

“I want to taste you.” She licked her lips, ripping a groan from him.

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