Page 44 of Spies without a Face
“That’s what they looked like.”
“Okay, then I guess we have nothing to worry about.” She glanced away with a troubled look.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked.
“Just a little spooked.”
“Come here.” I opened my arms.
Pandora stepped closer, and I wrapped my arms around her. She settled against my chest. My bear was joyous about having her so close yet ready to bear claws at any threats.
As I held her against me, an overwhelming sense of wanting to protect her swept through me; one I’d never felt for anyone before. My heart thumped with a slow, steady beat, like a promise—I knew then and there that I’d do anything to keep her safe. She was the only one for me, my mate.
She pulled away. “I feel ridiculous. Getting scared of bats?” She grunted. “What’s wrong with me? I’ve faced much worse.”
“Don’t doubt your feelings, Pandora. I may not know much about the supernatural world, but even in the human one, I know you shouldn’t doubt your feelings. If you sense something is wrong, then there’s probably a reason for it.”
She met my gaze and her pupils widened. “You’re right. Thanks for believing in me and not writing me off as a crazy witch.”
“Never.”
She brought her fingers together. “I need to go to the Network.”
I straightened. “What for?” It was dark out. Why would she need to go into work now?
“I just want to run some searches. See if anything comes up with beings like that, in case they weren’t bats. I didn’t get a good view of them either and doubt my sense of vision is as good as yours, but I know their approximate size and color.”
“I’ll come with you,” I declared.
Her brows knitted. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I’m not going to let you go anywhere alone especially after seeing whatever we saw.”
“Austin…”
When she didn’t continue, I prodded her. “What?”
“You don’t need to protect me.”
“I know I don’tneedto, but I want to make sure you’re safe. Is there anything wrong with that?”
“No, but…” She glanced into the distance. “It’s probably nothing. I mean, they didn’t pose a threat and flew away. But I should let my team know at any rate.”
“What would you do at the Network?”
“Do some research. See if other Networks have had experiences with anything like these. Put in a report so others can see it.”
“And then what?”
She shrugged. “Go home. Wait and see if anything happens. Check in with my team again in the morning.”
“Let me come with you to the Network. Once you take care of everything, if all goes well, we continue with our night.”
“But I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“It’s my responsibility to make sure that we’re safe.”
