Page 73 of The Wolfing Hour
“The wolf alpha. Pallás.” He shook more of the grossness from his clothing. “I warned Hartman that wolf was poison.”
“He was aware,” Ronan said. “How long have you and your organization been assisting Hartman behind the scenes?”
Miles looked like he was considering not answering. Finally, he shrugged. “Since the beginning of our investigation into your demon mate.”
Seemed like everyone had known about my demon side before I had.Thanks, Mom. Sexton. Dad.
Had to admit, that last one felt odd to say. I’d never called anyone Dad before.
Ronan gripped Miles by the front of his shirt and lifted him off the ground like he’d done with the wolf.
Miles didn’t cry out, but it was probably a near thing.
“Refer to Betty as anything but her name again, and I’ll make what I did to your colleague look like a day of frolicking in thewaves on a sunny San Diego beach.” His gaze intensified. “Read me. Am I telling the truth?”
“Yes.” Mason did his best to appear in control. He lowered his chin, crossed his arms, and stared down at Ronan from where he hung. “In future, I will refer to her only by her name and the title she prefers.”
Ronan opened his hand. Miles hit the ground in a crouch then stood. He lifted a hand to dust himself off but lowered it again. There was little point. He was going to have to burn those clothes.
“So, we’re all sure Alpha Dickhead is behind Mason’s disappearance now,” I said, “but I’m confused. How could Floyd overpower an alpha wolf as strong as Mason Hartman? I mean, he’s not as strong as you are, Ronan, but he’s no slouch.”
“He’s a diabolical beast,” Miles said, quiet rage suffusing his voice. “My guess is he used silver.”
Miles madehimself scarce after the silver comment, though he’d promisedI’d be seeing him againin a weird, ominous tone of voice that made Ronan growl.
“Couldn’t help but notice that you took the time to open the door to your apartment before you leapt off the landing, proving that you have the ability to turn a doorknob even when you’re emotional, wolf.” I glared at his bare backside as we tromped up the stairs. He’d shifted the rest of the way to human after Miles left.
“Learned my lesson from when I broke down yours. Turns out, doors are expensive.”
We paused at the landing, surveyed the mess in Ronan’s yard. “It would’ve looked less like a murder scene if I’d actually killed the wolf.”
“I’ve got a spell that’ll take care of it,” I said then added, “Thanks for the backup down there.”
“You’re welcome, but you didn’t need it. You were handling things just fine.” He pushed the door open, and we stepped inside. “I wouldn’t have butted in except my wolf picked up on the three-against-one wolf ambush and wasn’t having any of it. Also, he really doesn’t like that Miles guy. I don’t, either. Something about him gives us the creeps.”
“Same.” I slid onto one of the stools nestled against the breakfast bar. “So…mate?”
Ronan snatched a pair of sweatpants off a hook by the door and put them on. “Huh?”
“You know what I’m talking about, Williams. You called me your mate out there.”
He ducked his head, probably trying to hide the grin that crept across his mouth. “Well, we have beenmatinga lot lately. Maybe?—”
“I may not know everything about shapeshifters, but you can bet I studied up on a few things once I started lusting after your sexy ass.”
He glanced up, now embracing the grin. “You have a magical way with words, Lennox.”
“Also,” I continued, “I know that accepting a gift from one of you guys can be taken as seriously as a proposal of marriage, that my wearing clothing with your scent on it is aback offwarning to other wolves, and that a mate means forever.”
His smile dimmed, but his brilliant gaze held mine. “The wolf says what he says. He’s a simple creature, very all or nothing.”
“And the human?”
“He’s a little more civilized. He only wants you close. No pressure.”
Why was that answer both sweet and slightly disappointing?
I backed away from the subject, setting my attention on more urgent things. “Is Aurora okay? Was your wolf able to track her down?”
