“Yeah, whatever,” Randall groused before hanging up.
Emerson eyed his phone, wishing his relationships with all his brothers could be better. Keeping them at arm’s length was a necessary evil, though. The less he was with them, the lower the risk they’d see through all his lies.
He snagged a passing trolley’s rear post and then took a seat. The cool evening breeze was welcome, especially after getting a little heated thinking of Dashiell Keller.
Halfway home, he checked his email and found one from Rand. A photo of Dashiell Keller popped up on his screen a couple of seconds later.
Emerson stared at the photo, his heart quickening. It wasn’t the only thing affected, either. He scrolled down and noticed the basic stats.
Six-six. Two-thirty.
Black hair. Blue-gray eyes.
University educated.
Ex-BlackGuard.
Fuuuuuck.
Emerson had sensed a Guardsman but not that. The Black Guard were the top tier within the Guard, so secretive that few knew what they really did. Basic Guardsmen acted as security at events. The Red Guard were the upper level of province security. From what was known, the Black Guard worked within all the provinces, keeping the entire continent safe from dangers from withinandwithout.
All others took their orders from the Black Guard.
Emerson’s shock faded into a bit of smug satisfaction. His suspicions had been correct about the guy being Guard, but that only added more questions than answers. Alphas were typically considered too violent for the Guard, though the guidelineshadbeen changing. Randall had been one of the first in the province to make it in as far as he knew. Dash had spent a few years there, and already retired four years ago at the tender age of thirty.
Why had he retired so young?
Not like the background check would answer any questions. There was nothing more than a couple of fifteen-year-old parking violations and the fact he now owned Keller Security left after that. He sensed it wasn’t unusual for men who’d worked in the elite intelligence forces to have little in their file, especially one like the Black Guard.
He scrolled back up to the photo. It looked like a driver’s license shot. While most men looked unflattering in theirs, Dashiell Keller’s smoldering good looks shone through. Those gray eyes looked a bit bluer as they glared at him from his screen.
Out of the blue, a wave of lust washed over Emerson and a growl rose from his throat. He gripped the wooden trolley seat and inhaled deeply, glancing around to see if anyone was watching. A couple of omegas seated nearby got up, wide-eyed, and moved near the front of the trolley.
As if they’ve got anything to worry about with me.
He hated being lumped in with all other asshole alphas out in the world, but it wasn’t as if he could explain to anyone why he shouldn’t be. And if confronted with an omega’s heat, he had no idea if his predilections would prevent nature from taking its course or not. He hoped not, but instinct was instinct.
He sighed, scrolling down again and checking for Dash’s home address.
His gaze flicked up, and he checked his location. A street name caught his attention, and he scrolled down a little farther.A man like Dash likely works long hours.
As soon as he recognized he was close to Keller Security’s office, he slipped off the trolley and paused to get his bearings. The good thing about being a firefighter was the fact he knew the province’s streets like the back of his hand. The only way to get to a fire fast was to know the fastest wayeverywhere.
Two blocks east and he found himself in front of a six-story glass and chrome building tucked amid a small industrial zone. The other nearby businesses were closed for the night, and a few streetlights had been destroyed, probably thanks to the large chunks of broken concrete across the road. It gave the twilight a much gloomier feel. One lone window was lit in Keller’s building, and he’d bet money it was coming from the alpha’s office. He entered the lobby. It was empty except for a single, elderly guard seated behind a long counter that took up most of one wall.
“Can I help you, son?”
“I’m here to see Dashiell Keller.”
“Keller Security’s on four,” the man said, sliding a guestbook Emerson’s way.
Emerson scribbled his name and headed for the elevators. Once up on four, he approached the clear glass front door with the company’s name broadcast on it in rich, royal blue paintedlettering and found it unlocked. Toward the back of the suite of offices, he noticed the light and headed in that direction.
Before he entered Dash’s office, the alpha’s scent filled his nose. Emerson’s cock grew thicker, just like it had at the arson scene, but maybe more considering they might be in a safer spot than before. Still, he wondered what the fuck he was doing. He should be running in the opposite direction, not towards the man who could undo him. He stopped just outside the circle of light spreading outside Dash’s door, considering his next move.
If he was truly honest with himself, he knew what hewantedto happen. He had no idea if Dash would want the same.
Or if they even should.
