I think it over. “I mean, two cases of crimes involvingwerewolves within a week? I’d say it isn’t the wildest theory.”
“Hmm… well, let’s see if Marcus finds any pattern,” he says.
“Any signs of Dalton?” I ask.
“No, but Meena asked me to check out his daughter’s store in the Grand Central Market. I’ll give them a visit in the next few days. Wanna come with?”
I’m nodding before he finishes the sentence.
He smiles mischievously. “You’ve suddenly developed a new dedication to Bureau work. What could be the reason?” He mocks confusion.
Ugh, there goes my hope that he’ll be serious while on duty. “Go do your job,” I say, giving him a light smack on the head, walking away before he gets revenge.
“Call me after your shift, and we’ll go,” he calls over his shoulder.
I drive back feeling wound up, my mind reeling. What the fuck is happening in the city? I look outside at the Christmas decorations, fake snow on the windows of shops, and lights glittering on the walkways, and I find myself wishing for a simpler life. It’s why I need to stay away from Oliver.
It’s why what happened today cannot happen again.
Then there were the murders. There were no claw marks on the bodies today, but I remember the faint scent of drugs wafting off of them. They could have been similar to the ones used on the people in Dalton’s apartment. But I couldn’t get a clear scent over all the smoke smell clinging to their bodies. I guess Marcus will have the information for us soon enough.
And the fact that Dalton hasn’t been found yet was worrying in itself.
I’m glad that at least Oliver is far away from all this danger. No one knows he saw Dalton, and I’m keeping the Bureau at bay.But would it be too much to ask that he give up his excursions? The idea of him being anywhere close to this case terrifies me down to my bones.
As I walk to my apartment, some of the knots in my chest loosen. I turn to Oliver's apartment and close my eyes, trying to focus on him.
Sounds of slow, relaxed breathing come from the bedroom. I feel relieved that he’s finally getting some sleep.
I listen to it until my breath matches his, and I feel calm descending on me. The smell of him, sunshine, roses, and soft warmth, clings to me.
I sigh and turn back to my apartment. Maybe I’ll get some goodsleep tonight, too.
Chapter Ten
Matt
We deal with three back-to-back calls right as my shift starts. Nothing serious. A cat in a tree, which would delight Oliver, a kitchen fire, and a man stuck on a roof.
When I’m not running around saving the day, I’m distracted by the thoughts of how good Oliver's body felt pressed against mine. How needily he grinded against my thigh, chasing his release. How hungrily he kissed me back.
I want to consume him. To possess him. To tie him to myself. To fuck him, again and again, until all he can do is shout my name.
And that's exactly why I need to stay away. Oliver is kind, beautiful, precious, and funny. He deserves to be loved, to be treated delicately. He deserves… everything.
He does not belong in my dark world full of deception, hatred, danger, and loss. I will make sure he stays away.
I spend the night tossing and turning. I'm almost relieved when the alarm blares around midnight at the station.
A proposal that went very horribly wrong is the perfect escape for my grim mood.
As soon as my shift ends, I drive to Nick's house. He comes out looking worse for wear.
“Just got home,” he explains. “Come on, dude, can’t we go later?” he complains as he climbs inside the car and puts on the seatbelt. He’s too invested in his job to really delay work, or “potential adventure,” as he likes to call it.
I just grunt, already done with the day.
When we’re back on the road, he looks at me, concerned. “So, talk,” he waves his hand out dramatically, like he’s giving me center stage.
