Page 21 of After the Fall

“No. We didn’t find him, but we figured out how he’s traveling through the county. He’s using the rivers.”

Harper’s eyes searched mine. “If it’s not my dad, then who did you find?”

“Let me get more information, and then I’ll fill you in on everything, okay?” I released her from my grip.

She rubbed her arm where I had grabbed her.

“I’m sorry.” I kissed her hand and then placed my hand on her forearm. “I forget how strong I am sometimes.”

“Why can’t you just tell me now?” She ignored my apology, and guilt churned in my guts. I needed to be careful with Harper. Her lifespan wasn’t hundreds of years, like ours, and even the smallest thing like a black widow spider could kill her.

“I have to go deal with this, but I promise I’ll explain everything. Just give me a few minutes.”

I kissed her and she wrapped her arms around my waist, squeezing me tightly. “Well, I’m glad you’re at least home safe.” My cock pulsed. I was tempted to let Atticus deal with the man in the basement so Harper and I could go upstairs and fuck.

Removing her hands from my body was like taking off a toasty wool coat in the winter. “How about you go upstairs and put that slippery little nightgown back on?”

“Can I just come with you? It will be easier to show me what you’ve got down there, rather than tell me about it later.”

Her persistence was usually endearing, but we had kidnapped a man and were holding him tied up in the basement. There were more important things than kissing and catching up after a day apart. “No.” I crossed my arms. “I told you. Go upstairs.”

“I thought that I was supposed to treat this house like my own?”

I felt like an asshole. “You are. And I’ll explain everything. I just need you to give me a few minutes.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I—”

“Tell me later.” I turned and walked away. I was mildly surprised when the pesky reporter side of her didn’t take over and follow me as I headed back down the stairs.

The security guard stepped into the foyer. “Miss Davis. Your guests have arrived.”

“Guests?” I turned and raised my eyebrows.

“Yeah.” Harper’s hands were on her hips. “That’s what I was trying to tell you. I invited Savannah and Connor over. If you’d have given me the chance, I would’ve told you. Instead, you brushed me off, and you’re keeping me in the dark, treating me like…” Her voice quivered and tears welled in her eyes.

“Sir. Should I let them in?” Denny looked from me to Harper.

My girlfriend had invited a werewolf into my home. I didn’t mind Connor, but the rest of the guys weren’t so forward-thinking. Of course I knew there would be some road bumps in the beginning, but I couldn’t believe that Harper would do something so foolish without checking in with me first.

“No, Denny. They won’t be coming inside.” It was hard to keep my voice even.

“What would you like me to say, Miss?” Denny looked to Harper. He took orders from me, not her, but was trying to be respectful

I interjected. “Harper. Get rid of them.”

“But…”

“We’ll talk about this later.”

“Wyatt.” Harper started to follow me. I turned and took a breath so I didn’t raise my voice.

“Later.” It came out as a growl.

I knew I was being a dick, but Harper had been foolish. I’d have to smooth it over later. Right now, we had more important things. Like figuring out what the hell was going on in Stirling County.

Maybe Harper wouldn’t see it that way, but I was doing all of it for her. To keep her safe, like I’d promised.

ELEVEN

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