Page 9 of Protected By the Wolven

“Okay, but we may get caught. I’ll move heaven and earth so you don’t wind up in his clutches, but the police might get involved.”

“I trust you.”

He shakes his head as though he disapproves, then says, “Okay. Let’s go.”

We pad down the steps and sit in what Lash calls the den. He motions me to sit in the chair he sat in last night, somehow knowing I’ll be more comfortable sitting away from all the other Wolven.

They are all kind to me as we make introductions.

There’s Fang who I met last night. He keeps a respectful distance as he pulls his lips over his fangs so as not to scare me. I should probably mention that I’m not terrified anymore, but I’m too busy greeting the older male Fury, who also has piercing silver eyes, and Bold, who is in charge. Several others introduce themselves, all so soft-spoken and respectful, that I wonder if Lash texted them when I wasn’t looking and asked them to be extra nice to me.

It’s obvious they notice the bruise on my cheek and my puffy lip as well as the finger-shaped bruises on my upper arms becausetheir gazes rest there for an extra moment. Maybe I should have worn something else. I’m so rarely out of the house, so used to being bruised, that it didn’t even dawn on me to hide it.

Soon, they change their focus and get down to business, planning every moment of the operation from start to finish.

Although I can’t wait to see Miska, and hate to think of any of the males, even Lash, pawing through my clothing, I don’t argue when they all agree I should wait in the car with Fang in the front seat, ready to drive off if problems arise.

“Will you be safe?” I ask, suddenly worried about what will happen if the neighbors call the police or if, heaven forbid, Max is hiding in the apartment.

“If the police show up, we have every right to be in the apartment, given that your things are still there and you’ve given us permission. And if Max shows…” He can’t hide the angry gleam in his eyes. “If Max shows up, he’ll lose against three wolven.”

All the males pull their hoods over their heads before we leave the gates of the Zone. The National Guards at the entry gate barely pay any attention. Their job is to keep people out, not keep the Wolven Warriors in.

My heart is beating so hard, I imagine all the males in the car can hear it. I’m terrified not for me this time, but for them.

Lash winks at me and flashes me that fang-filled smile before he gets out of the car. “We’ll be back in a flash.” To Fang, he says,“Keep your head on a swivel and peel out at the first sign of trouble.”

Lash has been full of calm optimism, but those last words underscore my fear that something could go wildly wrong.

I drum my fingers on my thigh, trying to distract myself as the minutes tick by with agonizing slowness. Fang clears his throat.

“So, uh, nice weather we’re having.” His voice overflows with forced casualness.

I peek over at him and can’t help but smile at his attempt to distract me. “Yes, very nice.”

“Perfect day for a little B&E,” he jokes. When I look at him blankly, he clarifies, “Breaking and entering.”

“Ah.” I nod. “Well, technically, I did give you permission to grab my things, even though it’s Max’s apartment…”

“Exactly! Nothing shady about it at all.” His laugh is a little too high-pitched.

Silence stretches between us again. I stare out the window, willing Lash and the others to emerge. What’s taking so long? Did they run into trouble?

Fang’s claws tap out a beat on the steering wheel. “Want to hear a joke?”

“Sure.” Perhaps it will stop my mind from running increasingly dire scenarios.

“Okay, what do you call a bear with no teeth?”

I shrug. “I don’t know, what?”

He grins. “A gummy bear!”

A surprised laugh escapes me. “That’s terrible!”

“Made you laugh, though.” He looks quite proud of himself.

I’m about to ask him to tell another joke when movement catches my eye. My breath catches. But it’s not Max or the police. It’s Lash and his friends hurrying toward the car, a small, white, furry bundle tucked under his arm.

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