Page 276 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

“Bailey.” Kass risked another step.

Bailey turned his head and lifted his hand, but it stopped short. The handcuff rattled on the metal bed rail.

They had him cuffed even like this?

“Who are you?” the cop said, moving his hand to rest on his gun.

Kass had seconds to decide what to say. Mate would reveal too much. Would the cop realize he was a witch? He could say friend, even though they were more than that. “I’m his boyfriend. What happened?”

“Kass,” Bailey whispered. His hand jerked again.

Kass glanced at the cop and showed his empty hands. “Please.”

The cop gave a single nod.

He didn’t need another invitation. He clasped Bailey’s hand and joined the procession to the elevator. Bailey’s skin was cold, and he was paler than usual. He didn’t know what had happened, only that Bailey had been hurt, and then he’d followed their magic to the hospital.

Bailey’s fingers curled around his. “You came.”

“Of course I did.” This was the first time they’d touched since the kiss that had changed everything. He didn’t want to let go.

The lift stopped, and the doors opened. They exited and made their way to a ward where the nurse parked Bailey’s bed.

“You have to go now,” the cop said. “I’m sorry.”

Kass nodded. “You’ll be all right.” He squeezed Bailey’s hand. “I’ll see you soon. As soon as you’re back…” He couldn’t say it.

“Only four months to go.”

Kass gave him a weak smile. “I know.”

“We can compare scars.”

The cop cleared his throat.

“Yeah. And try not to get anymore, okay?” He’d have to wait for the full story.

“You too.”

“I’m glad you’re okay.” He placed a chaste kiss on Bailey’s lips then drew back, his throat tight. He didn’t want to leave, but the cop gave him a very pointed look and Kass knew he was pushing his luck. “I’ll see you soon.”

* * *

Kass lay on his stomach,staring through the sights. He made a couple of micro adjustments. Just because he had magic to assist, didn’t mean he didn’t understand the math and science. He’d had to pass the qualifications, so people didn’t wonder why he wasn’t lining everything up just so.

He'd spend the last week trying to stay busy. He’d called the hospital with no luck, so he’d called the prison only to be told Bailey was unavailable, which Kass took to mean he was still in hospital.

Bailey had almost died, and that was far more terrifying than when he’d been injured. Kass swallowed hard and refocused on the shot he was about to make. He’d thought training would stop his mind from running in ever smaller circles. It didn’t.

“Are you going to pull the trigger or check out the scenery a bit longer?”

“There’s no rush.” Except for when there was. A whole lot of waiting for a two-second window.

If Bailey had died, how would Kass’ death been explained? Mysterious illness? An undetected heart issue? What if Bailey got hit by a car? God, there were so many ways for a person to die, and then they’d both be snuffed out and forgotten.

He’d been worried when he was shot, but it had been different. This was a cold fear that kept him up at night. This familiar bond was bullshit.

Instead of letting his magic come to the surface, he kept it locked down. He exhaled, and pulled the trigger. With no magic to guide it, the bullet spiraled toward its target. Kass watched, already knowing it was off.

“Miss.”

“Yeah.” He’d do it again without magic. And again. And again.

But each time he was a whisper away.

“You’re having a bad day.”

He glanced up at the guy next to him. He didn’t have a clue how bad, or how much worse it could get. “Ya think?”

Without magic, he was useless. Who was he if he couldn’t do his job and shoot? What would he do? His sister was right; he’d been cheating all his life. Without magic, he was nothing.

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