Page 4 of Israel

The look she gave him made it obvious she thought he wouldn’t pass a background check. Biker leathers, buzz cut, tattoos, bad attitude—it would normally be a good call.

“I’m the bodyguard,” he said. “For Ashley Silver. I’m supposed to report to a Harrison Ward?”

The woman’s expression immediately changed. She tilted her head and gave him a once-over. “Well, aren’t you hotter than a jalapeño,” she said. “Big, too. Ashley’s gonna love you. Know any martial arts?”

“Of course,” he said, wondering if she was thinking he was going to need the martial arts to protect Ashley, or to protect himself from her. This gig was looking more and more like a bad idea. “It’s my job,” he added.

She patted his bicep. “Well, you can get me in a headlock and pin me down any time, big boy.”

Israel eyed her. She was attractive, in an underfed kind of way, and just because he was looking for a mate didn’t mean—

She’s not The One either, his wolf said, with a wolfy pout.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

He put on his best Kane-imitation stone face. “That would be unprofessional, ma’am.”

She rolled her eyes. “Seriously?”

He added impassively, “I’ll need to keep eyes on Ms. Silver at all times.”

She shook her head. “I swear, the stars get all the perks.”

Fuck.

Someone spoke into her headset, and she gave an exaggerated sigh. “Okay, I’ll take care of it,” she said into the mic. She turned back to Israel.

“Harrison’s over in the second bus,” she said. “Big guy, big head of goldeny hair. Loud voice. Can’t miss him. He’ll set you up.”

Israel nodded at her and went back across the parking lot towards the fancy-ass buses. He had a feeling his wolf was in for a long string of romantic disappointments. And so was he, if his wolf had anything to say about it. This was shaping up to be a long, boring tour.