Since I had been checking my watch, I knew that Daniel’s door opened ten minutes later.
Daniel came down the hall, his eyes flashing like two green lasers. He came to halt in front of me.
“I have something to take care of,” he said to me. “I need you to stay here with Poppy and Leo.”
I wanted to argue, but I knew I would be useless if there was a fight. I wasn’t preternaturally strong or fast. Or even a witch. All I could do is get in his way or get him hurt.
“Okay,” I agreed.
He cupped my cheek with his hand. “I’ll be back soon,” he said.
“And you’ll tell me what’s going on?” I asked.
He kissed me, his lips gentle. “Yes, I will.”
“Okay.”
When he started to take a step back from me, I put my hands on his waist. “You stay safe, okay?”
His mouth curved into a small smile. “I will.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
I kissed him one more time. He seemed angry rather than worried, so I assumed that whatever the issue was, he didn’t think he would be in danger. Just me.
Daniel nodded at Leo and Poppy and disappeared out of the office.
I waited until I saw his car back away from the curb before I faced Leo.
“What’s going on?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
The lion shifter looked surprised at my question. “Your mate said he would tell you when he returned. You should wait for him.”
What? Mymate?
“He’s not my mate and I think you know exactly what’s happening. So, tell me,” I demanded.
Now, both Poppy and Leo were looking at me as though I’d sprouted a second head.
“What?” I asked, uncrossing my arms, and lifting them in a shrugging gesture.
It was Leo that answered, which shocked me.
“He treats you as a beloved mate. It’s only right that he decides what to tell you.”
Oh, there were so many things wrong with that statement, but I was going to address the most important one first.
“Daniel Ayres doesn’t decide what information is acceptable to tell me. I want the facts and you two are right here and can answer my questions.”
“But he’s your mate,” Leo replied as though that was an answer within itself.
“I don’t care if he’s the God Almighty,” I shot back. “No one tells me what I’m allowed to know or not know. Not if they want to continue to be in my life.”
I glanced between the two of them.
“Now, which of you is going to tell me what the hell is going on that made Daniel go running out of here like his ass was on fire?”
