Dash’s gaze instantly whipped to Emerson’s. Strangely, his body calmed a little, too.
“Breathe,”Emerson barked.
Dash dragged in a deep, gasping breath, and Emerson took one of his own, relief filling him.
After a couple more seconds and a few more inhales, Emerson gave Dash a soft smile. “No more questions.I promise.”
Dash didn’t reply. He only held Emerson’s stare.
And breathed.
Emerson laid two fingers on Dash’s throat and noted his heart had slowed. The tension in his muscles relaxed second by second.
“You’re safe here,” Emerson whispered. “That topic is off the table—untilyoudecide it isn’t. Okay?”
Dash nodded.
Emerson stood close, rubbing the tops of Dash’s arms—until the guy stiffened and pulled away from him. Dash sat down on the couch in the spot Emerson had just left. He pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them.
“I don’t know what that was,” Dash said, his voice low.
“A panic attack.”
Dash scoffed. “I don’t have those.”
“You just did. And there’s no shame in it.”
Dash rolled his eyes.
Emerson wondered if that was the reason why Dash had retired from the Black Guard at such a young age. Had he startedhaving panic attacks out in the field and been forced out? He wanted to ask but shifted gears instead, choosing a topic that Dash might be more comfortable with.
“What’s this case you’re working on?”
“I’m searching for a missing alpha,” Dash replied, his tone dull.
“Ah,” Emerson said. “Who’s missing?”
“Do you know a regular by the name of Jaye?”
Emerson frowned. “Maybe.”
Dash rose, walked back to the bedroom, and returned with his phone in hand. He lifted it to Emerson and shared a picture.
“Yeah, sure. I know that guy,” Emerson said. “I’ve seen him at the Dragon quite a few times. He’s missing?”
Interest lit Dash’s gaze again. He shoved his phone into a pocket as he asked, “Were you at the Dragon the last time it was raided? About three weeks ago?”
“I wasn’t,” Emerson replied as he sat down in his stolen seat.
“Do you know anyone who might’ve been?”
Emerson considered the question a moment. “I might. What’s it worth to you?”
Dash glared. “My appreciation?”
“Oh, it’ll cost you more than that.”
Dash rolled his eyes. “What do you want?”
