“Normally a personnel review isn’t public, and is held privately,” Sarge continued. “However, Orrin’s case affects everyone present, so we’re going to discuss it. Is that fair, Orrin?”
Orrin bowed his head. “I am in the task force’s care.”
Sarge studied him for a moment, then nodded. “From reviews we’ve gotten from Blood and Ruin,” Sarge said, using my nickname that I hadn’t heard much of since joining the task force. “As well as feedback from the rest of the team. You’ve been doing quite well. You’re learning fast, helpful where you can be, and you finish your reports on a timely basis. As a whole, the Department of Supernatural Law Enforcement is very pleased with your work.”
Orrin’s shoulders relaxed, and he turned in his chair to glance back at Jade and me.
It wasn’t until Jade gave him an encouraging smile I realized he was looking for assurance, so I bestowed a nod of respect upon the fae.
“The sudden need for your review comes on the heels of the investigation involving the Northern Lakes Pack, which is one of the cases we have some updates to review after we finish this discussion,” Sarge continued, pausing when Orrin raised his hand. “Yes?”
“I don’t understand,” Orrin said. “I was left behind at the Cloisters when the task force responded to that call, since it was deemed to be a highly sensitive case and above my security clearance.”
“The investigation is a large factor in this, not because you were left behind, but because of the impact the case has on the werewolves.” Sarge looked down at Sunshine and nodded.
Sunshine, who’d been straightening her papers in the same meticulous fashion Jade did, smiled at the task force, her bright gaze breaking some of the tension. “Ah, that’s my cue, isn’t it? As I’m sure you are all aware, there is a lot of political fallout from the incident involving the Northern Lakes Pack, and the werewolves are in a bit of an uproar at the moment. As such,they need all available resources, and have formally requested to release Orrin from their custody.”
“They don’t want to house me when I’m off the clock, is it?” Orrin guessed.
“Correct,” Sarge said. “Since your review has gone so well, and if you’re willing to agree to stipulations—like continuing to wear the magic canceling cuffs—we are hopeful that we’ll be able to work something out. The problem is we need time to find you housing, and the werewolves are looking for an immediate answer.”
Sounds annoying. Glad it’s not my problem.
Jade turned and stared at me—as if she could hear my naïve thoughts.
Normally I’d ignore her, but as she had her hand around my heart, I couldn’t stop myself from meeting her gaze. “Something wrong?” I whispered.
She hesitated. “Could you take him into custody?”
I stared at her. “What?”
“You’ve got a spare bedroom. He could stay with you in your apartment,” Jade said.
“No,” I said.
“Why not?”
“Firstly, because that sounds like a lot of work, and you should know better than to expect that from me when my greatest goal in life is following you around and convincing you to fall in love with me. Secondly, there’s no way I’m going to house an ex-employee of the flying lizard—even if he worked under duress—when you livenext door.” I might have let a little too much of my genuine feelings escape with that last bit, so they came out as a growl our team magnanimously—and wisely—ignored.
Jade adjusted her shoulder holster—a sure sign she was considering what I’d said.
I could tell by the way Orrin was very pointedly not looking at us that he could hear every word we were discussing, but I wouldn’t be apologetic.
Jade’s safety was my top priority—above all else.
I was willing to take my time in convincing her I was the love of her life, but only if I had her safety well in hand.
“Can you explain what you mean?” Jade asked. The way she bit her lip was driving me crazy, and her eyes were so hopeful that if I’d loved her less I would have given in and accepted the fae.
“Certainly,” I said. “Your life is precious to me, and I’d do everything in my power to guard it. Orrin is a variable. He could be dangerous or helpful, and whichever he is might not be entirely under his control.”
Jade’s expression softened, and going by the way she awkwardly shifted in her chair, she was catching the undertones of my declaration.
At least I have that going for me.
“He’s right, my precious jewel,” Sunshine said—apparently she wasn’t going to have the same decency the rest of the team did and pretend not to hear us. “Considering you are Gisila’s top target that we know of, it’s too big of a risk. Even if Orrin didn’t have a geas and we knew we could fully trust him, she might use his presence somehow against his will. But there are other options available!”
“Like what?” Tetiana asked.
