Page 25 of Emerald Flame
He told Kiara the gist of Ralph’s call.
“How about a meal before you get going?” she offered. “The staff is ready when we are. Also, Fergus contacted me about a half hour ago. Roberts let him know what happened last night and where you were. He wanted to make sure you had what you needed.” She gestured toward the bathroom. “He sent some clothes over and I had one of my wolves intercept outside the spelled perimeter. Your gear is in the dressing room.” He’d noticed the door earlier inside the bathroom, but off to the left.
“Fergus sent it over, huh?” Warren chuckled then sipped his coffee.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Fergus would never have thought of sending my clothes over on his own.”
“Mary?” she asked.
“Yup. This has her considerate nature written all over it. And yes, a meal would be best. I also want to get some things lined up with Fergus first before I contact Ralph. I’m going to ask him to come over in a few.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Once he’d put on fresh leathers and the black, green-trimmed tank of his pack, he joined Kiara in the dining room. Other wolves were there as well, and each offered him a respectful nod. More than one, however, lifted a surprised brow presumably because his left eye was now open. He was used to the stares, but the current reason made him smile. Dammit, he could see with both eyes.
He returned each deferential dip of the chin. He was more formal than most alphas. It was just his way. Maybe if hisalterlife had been less complex or if he hadn’t felt so powerful a burden to see to the safety of the entire territory, he might have relaxed his somber demeanor.
As he ate the Spanish omelet chef had prepared for the refuge’s first meal, he half expected Kiara to tease him. Instead, she seemed equally as somber, though it wasn’t her go-to attitude. She was generally more light-hearted.
What gives?There were enough people around that he didn’t want the personal question out there for anyone to hear.
She spread boysenberry jam on a slice of toast and offered a slight shrug of her shoulders.Ralph’s call, I guess.
You think it’s unusual?
She took a bite as she met his gaze.Actually, I do. It’s possible he’s sensing something in the air and reacting to it. He knows what’s going on up and down the Strip better than any other club owner.
Warren nodded several times.I’ll make it a priority right after I talk to Fergus.
Good. That eases my mind a little.
Because it seemed important, he added,I want you to know how grateful I am for your refuge and for putting me up during the day.
She tilted her head.You’re welcome.
He offered a smile, but continued with telepathy.I wasn’t sure if I said as much last night. I meant to. I appreciate what you’ve done, your role at the station. Everything. Once at your room, well, we got going pretty fast.
We did, didn’t we?She even chuckled.And you’re welcome. It’s the least I could do. And, you did thank me.
I did? Right, I guess I did. You saved so many lives last night. You were incredible.
Least I could do for you and for the men who serve on the Border Patrol.
Her generous attitude never ceased to amaze him. He liked this woman and what she stood for. He also knew she was holding back as much as he was. He had a powerful sense that if he walked away right now, she wouldn’t offer a single protest. She knew the score.
He recalled his own determination to separate from her as soon as possible. For a moment, however, he didn’t know if this was a good thing or a bad thing. He’d savored his time with her in bed. Whatever this was between them, it was beyond exceptional. Did he really want it to end?
The bigger question, however, hit him hard. Did it really matter what he wanted when so much was at stake?
He knew the score as well and the answer was ‘no’.
Later, when he called Fergus, he asked him to come to the refuge but to continue keeping its existence a secret. He’d set a strategy with his fellow alpha to start a counter-offensive against Julio and whatever force backed him in his attempt to take over Savage. Fergus also let him know that Mary wanted to help with her dreamglide anytime she was needed.
“Can’t think of a better form of surveillance. Tell Mary, thank you.”
“You bet.”
