Page 15 of Bitten

He’d started his career in the Midnight Transit Authority, so he understood the city’s paranormal immigration law like the backs of his hands. Later, he moved his way up to beat cop in the M.P.D. He should’ve made detective years ago, but his half-vamp status kept him from getting a leg up. When Noah had offered him a spot on a taskforce whose sole mission it was to stop the Midnight Suns vampire gang from taking over the city, he’d jumped at the opportunity.

Before that, he’d spent his off hours hunting smaller nests and taking the bastards out. Now he had a chance to help wipe them out in larger numbers. Vampires had been flocking to Midnight since its inception. The magical barrier over the city prevented UV light from coming in—which was both wonderful and terrible at the same token. It made the city a safe harbor where vampires could step out into the sun without fear of burning—including Halflings like Kane.

But that lack of UV had been too tempting for the creatures. They’d poured into the city, lured by that safe haven. Those who proved themselves able to not kill when feeding were allowed temporary status. After various other terms were met, they could apply for full-time residency. Most Midnighters thought that those vampires were safe.

Those people were dead wrong.

Kane had a feeling some of the wealthier vampire families were likely bankrolling the Suns and their efforts to take over Midnight. The criminals had to be getting their money from somewhere.

He just needed to figure out where.

Kane stared at the board, trying to put the pieces together. He sensed he was missing something, and it was driving him nuts. A large map of the city hung beside the board. His stare roamed the grids of streets, block after block of sprawl.

Where next?

Footfalls fell behind him. After glancing over one shoulder, Kane saw the leader of their taskforce headed his way through the shadows. Noah stopped once he stood under the circle of fluorescent lights. Shadows washed over the bear shifter’s face, the overhead light circling his dark head like a halo.

“Playing in the dark?”

“Something like that.” Kane’s sight worked better in low light. His body had slowly become accustomed to darkness as he’d trained with Madame Lorraine. Even though Midnight’s magical barrier filtered UV and allowed him and the vamps to go out into the sun without burning… he’d already learned to crave the dark. He’d always hated bright lights, even before the bite.

“What’re you doing?”

“Working,” Kane answered vaguely.

Noah—the newly crowned Prince Consort and Sergeant-at-Arms—eyed him. “You’re supposed to be at training today.”

“That gold armor isn’t my style,” Kane murmured.

Noah frowned. “You’re turning down an opportunity to be a member of the King’s Guard?”

“This is where I belong.”

Noah’s stare was watchful a moment. “You can do both. The king wants us to continue our fight—we need to end this threat once and for all. You’re an integral part of the team.”

Kane shook his head. “They’ll have us playing babysitter. Not my style.” And then he realized he was talking to the king’s mate. If it had been anyone else but Noah, he wouldn’t have given a rat’s ass. But since it was Noah, he quickly lowered his head in reverence. “No offense meant… Your Highness?” Kane frowned, lifting his stare. “Does a King’s Consort get to use that term? I don’t know protocol.” Nor did he want to.

“Hell if I know,” Noah answered, adding a shrug. “How about we don’t use it? I’m still the same male I was a few days ago,” Noah said before sighing. “At least I think I am.”

“Meaning?”

Noah sighed, shaking his head. “Just a lot of things to get used to now.” The male took a step closer and eyed the board. “The king is throwing a grand ball tomorrow. To celebrate the victory—as well as our mating.”

Noah and his brother bear, Eilam, had finally convinced the king to submit. To have been a fly on that wall… “I’ve heard about the king’s party. It’s not the time to celebrate. It’s the time to go on the offensive. We’ve got the vampires running—we need to deliver another blow before they rise again.” He turned to look at Noah. “Which is why I’m here and not there.”

Noah nodded. “I agree. But you try telling our monarch he can’t have what he wants.”

Kane winced. “No thank you.”

Noah smiled slightly. “You would be a fine addition to the King’s Guard. We’d be lucky to have you. Your loyalty to this city and its residents is admirable.”

Admirable? If only Noah knew the truth. Kane didn’t give a lick about the city. He only wanted to ensure it didn’t fall into vampire hands. That wasn’t admirable.

Nowhere near.

“What if I could promise you wouldn’t be taken off this taskforce?” Noah asked.

Kane rolled his eyes, making sure he had his back turned to Noah when he did it. “But after, there might be some babysitting involved?”

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