Mateo grinned and shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. Do you want to risk that shit storm?”
I glanced at each of my brothers in turn, and they shared a look. There was no talking my way out of this. They wouldn’t stop until I told them. It would be less headache to go ahead and get it over with now, rather than try to drag things out.
“Fine,” I hissed, taking a seat on the stool at the kitchen island. “The girl I was telling you about? Maddy?”
“Yeah,” Diego and Mateo said almost in unison.
“When I found her, she was covered in blood. Her blood. Once my wolf caught a whiff of that…it was like I couldn’t stop myself. I was desperate to protect her. I was by her side for hours. I’m…drawn to her. I can’t explain it.”
Rafael frowned in confusion. “What you’re describing is a wolf’s protective instinct to its mate.”
I pointed at him. “Raf, that’s exactly what I thought, but that can’t be it. Maddy is human. You know that’s not possible.Humans and shifters date, sure, but being a fated mate? That’s not a thing.”
Diego grabbed a bottle of water from my fridge and opened it. “You’ve got to be careful. Something about this woman doesn’t track. The fact that she’s got this kind of power over you is something we need to watch out for.”
The others nodded in agreement. Gabriel added, “We trust your judgment, don’t get us wrong, but we have to make sure we’re looking out for you.”
“I get that,” I said. “I’ve thought the same thing the last couple of days. I’ll need all of your help keeping her safe. Can I count on you?”
“You’ve given her your word. We’re here for you, and her, no matter what,” Mateo said.
The rest of them nodded. Their expressions told me all I needed to know. They were taking this as seriously as I was.
A few minutes later, they all started moving toward the door. Raf put a hand on my shoulder. “Do you need anything else today?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m going to finish up here, then head to the clinic to pick up Maddy.”
“Okay. Call if that changes. We’re here.”
Without another word, my brothers left, and I closed the door behind them.
I grabbed a set of towels and put those in the bathroom Maddy would use. I’d put a couple of blankets on her bed when my phone rang. It was Luis.
“What’s up?”
“Doc’s going to let Maddy out. Said he’d discharge her in about thirty minutes. Thought you’d want to be here. Felipe got here a minute ago. Full protection detail.” Luis said.
I left almost as soon as I hung up the phone. My mind drifted as I drove. I tried to think of the best way to contact Javi forour face-to-face meeting. It needed to happen soon. The longer it went, the worse things were bound to get.
I pulled into the parking lot and found that wouldn’t be a problem. As I stepped out of my SUV, I saw a figure standing at the far end of the parking lot, leaning against a bright blue 1968 Chevelle. The car alone told me who it was, even if I hadn’t recognized him. Javi.
The distance was almost a hundred yards, but my supernatural sight and hearing made it seem like we were standing nose to nose. Javi seemed wholly unconcerned with my appearance. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail, his arms and legs thick with muscle. His knuckles were heavy, scarred, and made for fighting. Javi tilted his head up in a sort of nod. “Don’t get involved, my man.”
“Not an option. I’m already involved. Why are you after Maddy? What has she done to you?”
Javi winced. “Wow, first-name basis already. This isn’t going to end well for you.”
“You haven’t answered me.”
“This is bigger than you. It really would be best for you if you stepped aside before things get too hot. You’re gonna make things a lot worse if you aren’t careful. All you’re doing is painting a target on your back, and you can bet that’s not something you want.”
I snarled, my wolf’s rage seeping into my body. “That sounds like a threat.”
Javi nodded. “Good. It was.”
“Do we need to settle this right now, then?” My voice was rising in anger, my fists clenched.
All Javi did was laugh. “Not here, kid. I’ll warn you one last time—you really have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. When the shit hits the fan? Remember, I tried to warn you.”
