Chapter 20
Cecilia knew something was wrong the moment she was covered by a heavy blanket while Hank leapt from the bed. She’d barely gasped when she heard the door open and him growl, “Step one foot inside and you’re dead.”
She pushed her head out from under the cover to see Hank fully naked facing off with three men in loose sweats. She recognized two of them from the werewolf contingent who’d come to Mother’s house.
“We’ve come to speak with Dr. Lu,” the one she didn’t recognize said. His hands were held up in placating gesture and he appeared to be the leader.
“Polite people knock. They don’t pick the lock,” Hank said.
Meanwhile, one of the men behind the leader sniffed loudly and his lips curled in disgust. “He’s going to be a problem.”
Then the leader turned to her. “Dr. Lu, I’m Derek Sims, beta of the Detroit Wolves. We need to have a civil conversation. I apologize for how abrupt this seems, but we feel you’re in danger. There is urgency and it’s best if you come with us now.”
“She’s safe with me,” Hank growled.
“Dr. Lu—”
Cecilia sat up, holding the covers to her chest. “Dr. Lu needs to get dressed.”
“I’m afraid there’s too much danger—”
“Bullshit. Step outside, guard the door.” She held up her phone. “I’ve got police and bears on speed dial.” Then she rubbed her eyes. “And if you want a civil conversation, you can get me a large mocha at the Starbucks next door.”
Hank stiffened. “They use water—”
“I’ve been drinking it every day since I got here. I’m pretty sure I lack any shifter DNA, so I’m not at risk.” She turned back to the wolves. “Grab a couple water bottles, too. Thanks.”
The cranky werewolf bared his teeth. “We are not lapdogs, little girl. We do not—”
“You said civil conversation, right?” Cecilia interrupted. Her gaze hard on the leader. “Or was that a lie?”
“No lie,” he said with a slight dip to his head, though she could tell he was forcing himself to say it. “We will get the coffee—”
Hank interrupted. “Get Frappuccinos instead. The bottled ones with the seals intact.”
Cecilia looked at him. “You think they’d drug me?”
“They picked the lock here to surprise you.”
The leader growled. “Bears are overly suspicious. And we’re wasting time.”
Cecilia gestured them back. “Then go get the Fappuccinos and let me get dressed!”
The three werewolves backed away, their expressions showing varying degrees of anger. But they did as she ordered probably because Hank was there looking like he was about to go grizzly on them. Hank shut the door in their faces, then stood there vibrating tension while she scrambled out of bed.
She dressed quickly and cleaned up. She waited for Hank to do the same, but he remained at the door, standing tall in all his naked glory.
“You really think they’re the danger.”
He shrugged. “Wolves and bears in this city haven’t gotten along for generations. I don’t trust them.”
“I got that. But…um…don’t you want to get dressed?”
He shook his head. “Wolves are faster than bears, but in close quarters like this, I can do some pretty major damage.”
“I don’t want any damage to anyone.”
“I don’t want to either. But—”
