Page 16 of Kin of the Wolf

“That’s assault. Acrime. Likekillingpeople.” Was there a frantic note in my voice? Maybe I wasmorethan worried about repercussions. “Even if it’s all in self-defense, this isn’t the Old West. Vigilante justice isn’t allowed in Seattle.”

“It should be. Whether you meant to be or not, you were a hero.” Duncan reached over and rested a hand on my shoulder. “That’s why I was giving you that long look.”

“Admiration for my ball-biting?” I took a deep breath, willing the panic knotted in my chest to loosen and go away.

“Dear God, no. That’s savage. I might possibly be terrified of you now that I know your battle tactics.”

“Hilarious.”

Releasing my shoulder, Duncan turned the van onto the road leading to the apartment complex. I eyed the parking lot as it came into view, half-expecting to spot police cars waiting for me.

“What I was getting at,” Duncan said, “is that you stopped a crime.Again. You’ve protected your apartment complex numerous times now, and you just proved that petty thieves are no match for a werewolf. Now that you’re not taking that potion, you could become…” He tilted his palm upward.

“A vigilante?”

“I was thinking superhero. We could arrange that blanket like a cape and make you a mask.”

“My dignity doesn’t find that any more appealing than being called Fluffy.”

“It’s a noble mission,” he offered. “You did mention you were looking for one. And you’ve commented more than once that crime has increased in this area.”

“Werewolves aren’t superheroes. Superheroes don’t bite people in the genitals.”

“I’m not well-versed enough in comic literature to know if that’s true or not.”

“Thanks to having raised two sons, I am. It doesn’t happen.” I let out a soft breath of relief when we pulled into the lot and it was devoid of police cars. At least for the moment.

“Well, no pressure. I’m only offering it up as a potential solution for your spiritual angst.”

“Myangstis fine. Figuring out the secrets of the wolf case is enough of a mission for me right now.” I didn’t hate the idea of trying to do something about the crime in the area, but… if my magic turned me into a wolf every time someone held up a convenience store or stole a car stereo, someone would figure out my identity before long. Unfortunately, the ship might have already sailed on that.

“I suppose that’s also a noble goal.” Did Duncan sound a little wistful?

“Youwantme to become some furry undercover crime fighter?”

He parked next to my truck. “I’m imagining you in a cape and mask.”

The way he smirked over at me made me ask, “In your imagination, am I wearingonlya cape and mask?”

His smirk broadened. “Possibly.”

I squinted at him.

He lifted his hands from the wheel. “You can’t blame me when you’re modeling your nakedness at this very moment.”

I wrapped the blanket around myself and knotted it so I could dash to my apartment. “A minute ago, you were horrified about where my wolf bites landed, and now you’re fantasizing about my nudity. Does that strike you as odd?”

“Not at all. I’m male. We can be terrified of and aroused by a woman at the same time.”

“I don’t know why I spend time with you.”

“You like my flirting and that I call youmy lady.” Duncan nodded with self-assurance.

I caught myself smiling. He wasn’t wrong. What Ireallyappreciated was that he kept coming to my assistance. Given all the trouble finding me lately, I needed that. Hell, I probably needed a full-time bodyguard. Or ten.

I reached for the door handle, but he lifted his hand and cleared his throat.

“More seriously, I have an offer. I wasn’t sure if I should make it since… Well, I know you don’t trust me fully when it comes to that case, but I do have the magic detector and some other tools that are helpful with paranormal investigations.” Duncan tilted his head toward the back of the van. “I know you’ve had someone with druidic blood and knowledge studying it, but if you want me to take a look with my equipment, we might be able to learn something more.” He shrugged, as if to say he didn’t mind either way if I accepted the offer.

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