Cheryle was sitting on Kevin’s lap, her face buried against his neck. He was rubbing her back with one hand and holding Jim’s limp hand with the other.
“I think Kevin is going to stay,” Danzig said. “He'll be here to comfort both of them.”
Bec’s expression went from concerned to relieved. “Let me tell her we’re leaving and to call me if she needs anything.”
She slipped into the room and had a quiet conversation with Kevin and Cheryle.
I nudged Danzig to get his attention. “What did the cops ask Bec?”
“If she knew who Jim was meeting when he was attacked,” Danzig said. “They also said a detective would be contacting her for more details.”
I shook my head. “They won’t figure this out. It's up to us.”
“Agreed,” Danzig said. “But Bec needs to rest before we do any more investigating.”
“I wish she’d let us do all of this,” I grumbled.
“I know, but remember, she’s not helpless. She’s got the protection charm from Elena and the two of us.”
I still wasn’t happy about it, but that would have to be enough.
“Are you sure we shouldn’t visit Gale’s house?” Bec asked, even as we all filed into her condo.
“We’ll go first thing in the morning,” Danzig said. “We’re all tired and need a break.”
I pulled my jacket off and draped it over a nearby chair. The movement made me wince, and Bec caught it.
She straightened up from where she’d leaned over to pet an excited Hugo. “Marduk, are you okay?”
I didn’t want to admit weakness, but I needed to learn to be more open with our mate.
“I’m sore from earlier,” I admitted. “The magic attacks stripped off a lot of my protective aura. My entire body will ache while it rebuilds.”
Her eyes went wide, and she grabbed my hand. “I didn’t even think of how all that might’ve affected you. I’ve been so wrapped up in everything else that I haven’t considered what you’ve been through.”
She led me to the couch and urged me to sit. The moment my ass hit the soft cushion, a relieved sigh escaped me. It felt good to be off my feet. Hugo trotted up the doggie stairs onto the couch and settled next to me.
Bec crouched down in front of me to wrestle off my motorcycle boots for me.
“I can do that,” I said, trying to sit up. Danzig put a hand on my shoulder, stopping me.
“Let us take care of you, brother,” he said as Bec managed to get one boot free and tossed it under the chair where I put my jacket.
Danzig pulled out his phone. “I’m going to order pizza. Bec, what do you like?”
She gave her order while working on my second boot. I didn’t bother speaking up because Danzig knew what I wanted.
“I’m going to take Hugo for a walk,” Bec said, standing back up and putting my second boot next to the first one.
“I’ll take him,” Danzig said. “You cuddle on the couch with Marduk. It’ll make him feel better.”
Bec sat next to me as Danzig picked up Hugo and walked outside with the happy dog trying to lick his face.
“Are you sure I won't accidentally hurt you?” she asked. She was a little stiff, but the moment I put my arm around her shoulders and drew her close, she relaxed.
“Never,” I said, feeling better already.
“This is nice,” she murmured.
