Wade Lombard’s shrewd eyes quickly took in the naked firefighter wrapped in a space blanket, the unconscious woman with a delicate golden angel lying in her palm.
“She’s one of the pledged,” he said. “We’re going to need to take her into protective custody.”
Rory’sbearenbristled under his skin, and he started to get to his feet, but Ben stepped in front of him.
“Lombard,” he said. “How about buying us dinner before you try to screw us?”
The older man’s face darkened. “Chief West,” he said, not taking his eyes off Ben. “Tell your man to stand down. This isn’t a case of finders keepers. We’re going to keep her safe until she finds her mate.”
The Chief walked purposefully across to the little tableau, standing shoulder to shoulder with Ben. “She’s found her mate, Wade,” he said, his voice absolutely steady and calm. “He pulled her out of a burning building.”
Thewolfenwith him growled irritably. “He doesn’t get to just decide she’s his,” he said. “This is a crime scene, not speed dating.”
Chief West moved his dark gaze to the man. “What makes you think it’s a crime scene?” he asked.
“You don’t think this has Khain all over it?”
The Chief shook his head. “No way to tell. Everything smells of burnt wiring and wet ash.”
“But yeah,” Ben added. “It’s gotta be Khain, right? And that’s why she’s coming with us.”
The other firefighters stepped up, flanking Ben and the Chief, shielding Rory as he lifted the unconscious woman into his arms.
“Because Rory didn’t choose her. She chose him. She called him. And he’s the one who’s going to keep her safe.”
