Page 26 of Teeth To Rip & Tear

I placed my hand on my stomach before I curled my fingers into a fist. “The Wolfkin are cursed?”

“The wolves belong to the Huntsman.” Dean’s jaw hardened. “It was the only way to end the war. We helped his wife, Éabha, escape the Aos Sí. We all bear the punishment for those who betrayed the Huntsman.”

“Will Kaleb be okay?” My voice was tiny.

Dean didn’t answer my question. “I would like to introduce you to the Others of Locket. I believe you might be at the center of whatever is happening.” Dean explained. “You are the only Sídhe in Locket, and though your knowledge is limited because you do not hail from the Aos Sí, your grandmother was a respected and powerful female.”

“I…” I tried to speak but struggled to grasp the words I needed. “I am not a powerful Weaver like my grandmother. I don’t want people to think I am available to make artifacts that can turn their neighbors into goo or make bulletproof sweaters. My magic doesn’t work that way. It’s more about suggestion. I was fortunate today with the‘can’t see me’charm. It only works on the weak-minded. I doubt you or any of your wolves would fall for something like that.”

Dean rubbed the stubble of his chin with his knuckles. “The weak-minded?”

I shrugged.

“The witches and the demons of Locket need to know about HAOB. It is up to you how much you wish to reveal of yourself.” Dean dipped his head, sliding to the end of the booth and standing. “Kaleb has asked to see you. He said some very interesting things once the healer gave him something for the pain.”

“Interesting?” I feigned confusion. I couldn’t lie, but that didn’t mean I had to offer up truths left, right, and center.

Dean watched me, his expression benign, as he waited for me to fill in the blanks. I said nothing, watching him with a subdued smile. He sighed and held out his hand, offering to helpme from the booth. I took his offer—physical touch was a big deal for the Wolfkin and if it would help him feel less threatened by me, then I was willing to offer the small concession.

The moment my bloodstained hand slid into his, dwarfed by his large fingers and broad palms, Dean’s whole face changed. Something akin to sunlight brightened his features, though his stoic expression didn’t change save for the widening of his eyes. A breath lodged in my chest, and refused to budge as we stood, our hands linked together, next to the booth in the dark corner of the biker bar.

I could smell the leather of Dean’s cut. See the ugly stitching on each patch. The frayed edges of his t-shirt collar, where he had undoubtedly pulled it over his head dozens of times before. His eyes were the strangest shade of orange, not bright like peels but deep umber. His nose was crooked, just a bit. He studied me just as I studied him, without knowing why the other person suddenly became the only thing in a room filled with people chatting and drinking beer.

His pupils expanded, and his nostrils flared.

I knew what he was trying to scent, but he wouldn’t find it.

I wasn’t Wolfkin.

I was Fae.

I snatched my hand back and rubbed my clammy palm down the front of my shirt.

“Kaleb asked for me?” I prompted.

Dean blinked, shaking his head as if trying to flick the moment away from his thoughts. “This way.” His voice was brusque. Deeper somehow.

He turned away, walking toward the staff room. His gait was stiff and on edge.

I wanted to press myself against his back and rub against him.

I wanted him to whisper my name.

I imagined how his voice would sound, pressed against my skin.

Inside of me.

I stopped walking.

“I need to go home.” I blurted out. “I need—” I shook my head to clear it, struggling to gather my thoughts. “I need my things. I need to sleep. I need—”

“You can stay here.” Dean glanced over his shoulder; a shadow cast over his face as he frowned. “You cannot risk going back home this evening. Even if you don’t believe those humans will return to try and finish whatever they started, it’s not safe to be alone right now, and I don’t have any wolves to spare.”

“Mitchell?” I pleaded. “Wyatt?”

Dean gave me a dry look. “Is there any reason you are listing my beta and lead-enforcer?”

“They could come with me,” I begged. “I just need—” I stopped the truth from falling from my lips again. I bit back thepleaseon my tongue that would put me in his debt whether I wanted it to or not.

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