“He’s a great hunter. It’s what he does best.”
I snorted. “He told me that once. Then I found his ass up in the air searching for mice.”
Alaric choked, then pounded on his chest with a meaty fist. “I won’t tell him you told me that. Even if it’s brilliant blackmail material.”
“It would have been better if I’d taken a picture.”
Instant. “Did you?”
I shook my head. “I was too busy staring at his ass.”
Alaric snorted. “You guys are a perfect match, even if you haven’t figured that out yet.”
I groaned, catching sight of the blood coating my body. “I’m a damn mess. I need to get back so I can get some sleep before heading for the jail in the morning.”
“How did you get here?”
“I took a train. It’s still out there.”
He asked…carefully, “Are you good to get back?”
“I’m not completely broke yet.” I rolled my eyes and trudged back to the door. “What time will they release him?”
“Seven o’clock. Enough time so we aren’t late to the funeral.” He opened the door for me. “I’m going to the jail too. Do you want me to pick you up?”
“Sure. I will be broke if I have to keep taking trains everywhere.”
He chuckled behind me. “Rune will take care of you.”
“But it is nice to take care of myself,” I grumbled. “See you in the morning.”
“Safe travels, Megan.”
The man watched me march all the way back to the train.
Protective didn’t even begin to describe this group.
* * *
“I’m free, bitches!” Rune threw his arms wide and sauntered down the rock stairs to the sidewalk, the front of the intimidating jail his backdrop. “I know you guys missed me.”
Alaric picked at his nails, his voice dry. “It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “This is one of those times you owe me an apology. I was worried sick.”
Rune hopped down the last step and enveloped me in his arms, his embrace warm, strong, and steady. He inhaled deeply against the top of my head, and whispered quietly, “I’m sorry, beautiful. I didn’t like frightening you. That was the worst part of the plan.”
Reluctantly, I uncrossed my arms and decided to hug him back. Our bodies aligned, and I sighed in sweet pleasure. “I get it. I do. That doesn’t mean I had to like it.”
“I know.” Another kiss on top of my head. “I know.”
With shock coating his tone, Alaric choked, “Did you just apologize?”
Rune tilted his face to eye his friend and rested his cheek on top of my head. “I think you heard wrong, man.” A tiny growl erupted from his chest…and it wasn’t human. That was all black panther.
I froze inside his hold but gradually relaxed as his strong hands rubbed my back in slow circles.
Alaric’s features blanked. But his voice was still garbled. “You’re right. Didn’t hear anything.”
