“Oh yes. He would have known from the first dream exactly what this meant. Which is why we should figure out where to hide his body.” Then he paused. “Hmmm. Although I suppose we’ll need to take care of the pack, too. They’re probably not going to be pleased when we dispose of their alpha.”
“We’re not killing my fated… whatever.”
“Fated mate, darling. It’s not that hard to say. But you’re forgiven. After all, I suppose it’s a shock.”
I had known Reed was important somehow. But… him being the person—theman, no less—destiny had picked out for me?
It was a lot to take in.
I didn’t really need the universe pairing me off with anyone or deciding when and where I explored my bisexual side. Though it seemed I didn’t have a say in the matter.
“Wait,” I said slowly. “So this entire time, Reed has been in these dreams with me, and he’s known what was happening and… he’s been hiding from me? On purpose?”
“My thoughts precisely. And this is why we must get our alibis in order, detective.”
“We’re not killing my fated mate!” Then I paused and everything fully, truly sank in for the first time. “Oh, holy shit. I’m going to murder him.”
“That’s the spirit, detective!” Cole paused. “Err—do you still want me to hypnotize your boss into undoing your suspension?”
“No,” I said slowly, realizing what I had to do next. “I’m… I’m going to go confront him. Reed, I mean. In person. And I’m going to ask him why he’s such an asshole.”
“Yes, I’m sure that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Then you’ll turn around and come right back.” I could practically hearthe grin in his voice. “Please do call when you’re there and give me all the gory details. We are, after all, besties.”
“Hell would freeze over before I’d talk about my love life with you, Cole.”
“Yes, darling. You’re very formidable and stoic, of course. It’s among your many lovely and charming qualities. I’ll get the directions to Crescent Springs from Jeremy and text you.” Then he paused. “You still have the amulet?”
Before he left town, he had given me a powerful amulet worn by his maker, Magnus, after we’d killed the evil fucker for good. It protected the wearer, neutralizing all forms of magic. Cole had made me swear to keep it. If he couldn’t be there to watch out for me, at least I’d have something.
“I doubt the werewolves will be casting any spells on me.”
“Harris,” he said sternly.
I sighed. “Yeah, I still have it.”
“Bring it with you. Just in case. Jeremy has told me things about Crescent Springs. You might need it.”
“Fine.”
“Remember, I want gory details. All of them.”
I shook my head, bemused. “I’m hanging up now.”
With that, I ended the call.
Well, well. Apparently, I had a soulmate.
Who happened to be a man. And a werewolf.
One or both of those things, I could probably learn to live with.
Maybe.
But what I couldn’t deal with was the fact that he had apparently let me think I was going crazy for months. Because what in the actual fuck?
This was impacting my sleep. My career. My mental health.
I pulled up flights on my phone and found one leaving the next morning. It was a three-hour flight to SeaTac airport, justoutside of Seattle. With shaking hands, I booked it. Once I landed, I’d need to rent a car and drive the rest of the way. And I’d need to deal with lodging, too.
