Page 54 of Midnight Whispers
Riley sat in Iven’s office. He’d pulled a chair to the corner of the room and leaned his head against the wall. His eyes were closed, but Cass could tell he wasn’t sleeping.
Cass wondered what was going through Riley’s head. Maybe he was just tired, but it might go deeper than that.
Iven sat behind his desk. Probably typing up the report. It was always tricky to doctor a report, so the shifter and warlock elements were left out. Almost all residents in Fortune Falls were something other than humans who were a part of the packs and covens. It was all the outsiders and a few of the collegestudents who were unsuspecting. Iven had his work cut out for him.
So did Cass, for that matter. He’d have his own report to doctor.
When Iven saw him come out of the bathroom, he stood and closed the distance between them.
“I called Maggie.” Great. That meant Gran would be there within fifteen minutes. That would go one of two ways. Either Gran would fuss over Cass, or she’d threaten the alpha who was in the station’s holding cells at the back of the room.
Cass nodded to Riley. “How is he?”
“Shook up. Understandably so.” Iven had a no-nonsense way of approaching the world. But it all disappeared when it came to Griffin and Riley. Emotions took over. “I’d be sorry for taking him along, except he saved your life.”
Cass knew his expression softened. He couldn’t help but be proud of Riley. And grateful. “He’s tough.”
“With a mother like Vivianne, he’s had to be his whole life.” Iven sighed.
“You can’t change his past, Iven.” History was set in stone. Nothing about it would change. It was nothing but rock solid after the fact. All they could do in the present was read the hieroglyphics.
Iven nodded. “I know.”
“What he did back there…” Cass wasn’t sure what had happened. He never thought he’d be able to see sound waves. Not to mention them freezing solid, as if ice had formed around them.
Even Iven didn’t know what happened or how Riley had done it. Cass could tell by his expression. “He’s special.”
“In more ways than one.” How did Cass get so lucky, having a mate as talented and beautiful as Riley?
“I know why you were out there, in that spot.”
What Iven said had hurt. But Cass needed to consider the possibility that Iven was right. Did Cass put Riley at risk? He’d gotten his answer, although it almost cost him his life. “He and I need to stay together as much as possible. We can protect each other better that way.”
Iven smiled. “I agree. That’s why you have my blessing.”
Cass didn’t know how tense he’d been until it left his body. He’d craved Iven’s approval. “I’ll take care of him, Iven. You have my word.”
Iven patted Cass’s shoulder. “I know you will. But don’t rush living together. Please. Riley needs me to take care of him for a bit longer.”
“It’ll be at his speed. I promise.”
Riley watched them through the glass in the window. When their gazes met, Cass winked. Riley smiled and winked back. He pointed to his own shoulder and then pointed to Cass, asking how Cass felt.
Cass nodded. Even though he wasn’t at one hundred percent yet, he still felt okay.
Riley sighed as if in relief.
“We should talk to the alpha.” Cass wanted to get it over with.
“I tried. He lawyered up already.”
“Yeah, well, I have a few questions, anyway. It doesn’t have to go in the report.” Cass met Riley’s gaze again and held up a finger before pointing to the back of the station.
Riley nodded and shut his eyes again, resting in the corner. His face softened as if the worry left his body.
Iven chuckled. “First, you two have silent conversations and then you’ll be finishing each other’s sentences.”
“Those’re couple goals for you when you find your mate. You’re welcome.” Cass smirked.
