Cole
“Thanks for not arguing with me about staying in your condo,” Cole said after he’d put Maya’s bag in his guest bedroom.
She shrugged. “Why would I? As much as I want to believe that the man who broke in had nothing to do with my brother, I have to at least consider it. If the men he’s involved in were responsible for sending someone after me with a gun, they are going to keep coming until…”
She trailed off, and Cole felt the overwhelming urge to wrap her in his embrace and tell her he wasn’t going to let anyone get near her. Ever. His wolf rumbled in agreement, but Cole stifled the urge. He couldn’t make that promise, and he wouldn’t lie to her. But hewoulddestroy anyone who tried to harm a single one of her precious hairs. He couldn’t tell her that, either, not without risking her running for the hills. That wasn’t exactly a human reaction. Having a mate wasnotsupposed to be this complicated.
“How did you hear him, anyway?” she asked, before Cole could find an acceptable human response for someone who he’d met just hours ago. “I swear he didn’t make a sound.”
“I’ve got a trained ear,” Cole hedged. “I heard the fire escape steps rattle.”
“Thank God you did. I dread to think what might have happened if you hadn’t.”
She glanced around Cole’s living room with marked interest. “You’ve got a gorgeous home, Cole.”
“Thanks,” he said with a light shrug. “I like it.”
Inwardly, his wolf preened.Mate likes our den. Bring her meat. Woo her. Impress her.
Maya lifted a hand up in front of her face to cover a yawn before he had time to act on any ofthoseimpulses, either.
“Sorry,” she said through her fingers. “It’s been a long day.”
“Don’t let me keep you up,” Cole said. “Get some rest. You must be exhausted.”
“Aren’t you going to bed yet?”
“Not yet. I’m waiting for Flint to call. He said he’d let me know how the interview went, but there’s no need for both of us to stay awake. Go on, go to bed. I’ll wake you in the morning before I leave for work. I have to be up early.”
“Okay—if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. I showed you where everything is, but if there’s anything I forgot or something else you need, just give me a shout.”
“I will. Thanks, Cole. For everything. I don’t know what I would have done today if it wasn’t for you. You saved my life.”
“Just doing my job,” Cole said with a grin.
But of course it was more than that and they both knew it, even if Maya didn’t know exactly how far Cole would go to protect her. A wolf would die for their mate. Cole might have only just met Maya, but that didn’t make their connection any less important. And the more time they spent together, the stronger their bond would become. He could see how quickly and easily she would become his everything. Just as it should be.
“Okay, well, goodnight,” Maya said before heading for the stairs.
“Goodnight, beautiful. Sleep tight.”
After Maya had disappeared upstairs, Cole checked the battery on his cellphone then plugged it in to charge while he waited for Flint’s call. Usually, he would have sprawled out in front of the television, but he was too amped up to relax. Fortunately, Flint didn’t keep him waiting too much longer.
“He talking?” Cole asked by way of a greeting.
“No dice. He gave us his name, and that was as far as the asshole went.”
“He got any priors?” Cole asked.
“A ton. We’re looking to see if he has any known associates. I’m going to call it a day soon.”
“Yeah, of course. Thanks for working late. I’ll come in early and talk to Maya’s brother again. He might change his mind about talking when he learns that someone tried to kill his sister.”
“How is your mate?”
“She’s okay. Actually, she’s been really strong, considering. She seems more angry than upset.”
