His bag was in the guest bathroom. He slid out the phone and she watched impatiently as he put in the battery.
“Put it on speaker,” she urged.
He nodded. “Fine, but be quiet.”
“I’ll try.”
She impatiently waited for the call to connect. Kraven gripped the phone in his palm, far out of her reach. It clicked and rang twice.
A deep male voice answered. “What did you learn from the doctor?”
Kraven didn’t hesitate to answer his cousin. “Here’s the short version. Tell Drantos Antina had help from a nest of Vampires to keep the daughters safe. She killed their master and they left her family alone as a thank you.”
Bat couldn’t resist anymore. “How’s Dusti? Is she okay?”
There was a pause. Red spoke. “She’s fine. Hello.”
Kraven glowered at her. “So much for staying quiet.”
“I’m worried.” Bat shrugged.
“Interesting news,” Red stated before they could argue. “Decker took six bullets but survived.”
“Who got to him?” Kraven pointed at Bat, then put his finger to his lips.
She sealed hers shut.
“Dusti shot him.” Red chuckled. “With Drantos’s gun. He was pissed that she stole it and snuck out of his home to meet Decker, but she’s unharmed and safe.”
“What?” Bat lost it. Pure fear and panic filled her. “What happened? Son of a bitch! Is she okay? Did you say Dusti shot our grandfather? Like with a gun? What was she doing with a weapon?” She reached out and slapped Kraven’s arm. “You said Biker Bear would keep her safe!”
“Goddamn it, Hellion,” Kraven growled. “Shut up.”
“Don’t tell me to shut up! I want answers, damn it!” Anger flooded Bat.
“Both of you stop,” Red demanded. “Here’s the highlights. Lord Aveoth isn’t going to go after either sister. He’s been made aware of Decker’s plan and it pissed him off. Maybe the blood addiction is bullshit, because Drantos said Aveoth will stay away from both of them. Drantos also made it clear to the GarLycan that Dusti is his mate and their bond is solid. Lord Aveoth’s clan is helping our clans track down Decker. You’ll be safer here than you are out there now, since Decker’s fled. Your father told me to tell you to come home when you called. When should I expect you both?”
Bat’s temper faded as quickly as it had flared. She stared into Kraven’s eyes.
He’d want to take her back to Alaska.
He held her gaze, his expression unreadable. “I’ll have to get back to you on that, Red. Expect a call later tonight.” Kraven hung up and removed the battery.
Bat backed away and leaned against the wall. “Are you going to make me go?”
He shook his head. “You’ve made it clear that you prefer Los Angeles. I’d never force you to live somewhere that would make you unhappy.”
She felt torn for the first time in her life about what she wanted to do with her future. Dusti was in Alaska. Bat’s life was in L.A. It was a situation she’d never thought she’d have to face. She and her sister had always remained close, just half an hour drive apart at most. They went to dinner at least every few weeks. Now it would be a long plane ride to see her.
“You don’t look so good. I’m not talking about the makeup job either.”
“It just kind of hit me.”
“What?”
“Dusti is never coming back here, is she? You said she mated your brother. Will Biker Bear move to California?”
“No. Drantos will lead our clan one day. It’s his duty to stay there.”
“What if Dusti wants to come home?”
“He is her home now.”
She turned away and tried to put some space between them before Kraven caught her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. Bat didn’t struggle, instead gripping his arms. Kraven sighed, lowering his head to put his lips close to her ear.
“You look so sad, Hellion. She’ll be happy there. Drantos will make sure of it and we can visit her anytime you want.”
“You said the winters are shit.”
“I didn’t.”
“You become a movie-watching couch potato and do home projects. I don’t even know what that means but it sounds boring.”
“That’s because I lived alone. They’ll have each other to spend time with. Mated couples love the winters. Drantos will have shorter shifts to work and they’ll just make love all the time.”
“What if he’s bad in bed? My poor sister will be stuck with him.”
Kraven laughed.
She twisted her head, staring at him. “I’m not trying to be funny. I mean it. Do you know how annoying it is when a guy hounds you for sex when you’re not interested?”
“You’re so damn cute. I’m willing to give my brother the benefit of the doubt but worst case, he’ll hone his skills as a lover with his mate by the time the snow starts melting.”
“Wipe that grin off your face. I’m serious.”
“I know.” He chuckled but seemed to get control of it. “I could keep you happily amused during an Alaskan winter. And Dusti will be fine. Drantos will make certain he meets her needs. Her happiness will be the most important thing to him. Stop worrying so much.”
Bat turned her head and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “It’s almost six.”
“Ignore the time. They’ll wait until we arrive. You’re upset. We’ll talk until you feel better.”
“I need to work. It’s what I do best.” She pulled on his arms around her waist. “We need to go. It’s better to get there a little early than to be late.”
“Bat…”
“Let go.”
Kraven opened his arms. She stepped away from him and turned. “We have to go over some things first.”
“Like what?”
“You don’t talk after we enter the lounge. It’s a large room with a bar and some tables. Not a word. You stand about four feet behind me and look mean. That’s what bodyguards do. I don’t know if Mr. Bales has his own security guard or not, but I know Warren Otis has two with him at all times. They’ll pat you down. Don’t fight it. Just act stoic and bored. I’m sure you can pull that off.” She ran her gaze up and down him. “You can’t take the blade, Kraven. They’ll find it.”
“I told you, the blade goes with me.”
“And I heard your cousin on the phone. Rock guy is cool now. You won’t be facing off against any of his winged men.”
Kraven didn’t look happy but he finally nodded. “Fine.”
“Okay. Oh, and if you do talk, don’t call me ‘Hellion’. I’m Ms. Dawson. You’re pretending to work for me and that’s the title you’d use.”
“I still don’t like this.”
“I’m sure that’s true, and thank you.”
The way his eyes darkened was a bit disturbing. She stepped closer, peering at them. “What does it mean when your irises and your pupils become the same black color?”
“Let’s get this over with.” He spun, stomping toward the door.
Bat cringed. She’d somehow pissed him off. Again.
“Damn.” She hurried to catch up to him.
Chapter Eighteen
“Don’t lose your cool, no matter what. Jacob is one of the partners and he’ll be here. He’s condescending, a first-rate prick, and he will sputter off shit that will make you want to smash him in the mouth. I know, and I sympathize, but ignore it.” Bat smoothed down her dress, glancing at Kraven in the elevator as it lowered them to the ground floor of her building. “Just remember what I said. Don’t talk or show any emotion.”
“I heard.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Welcome to my work world. We’re likely about to meet a criminal, and who I believe is his boss. I always try to make a mental challenge out of these ordeals. You know, like let’s see how much shocking shit I can take and still pretend I’m fine with it. I just hope whatever M
r. Bales has been charged with isn’t something that’s going to make me lose my appetite. They usually hire good caterers for these things so we might as well enjoy the snacks.”
“He probably murdered someone.”
She only hoped this client was one of the innocent ones. There were a lot of crimes Bales could have committed that were far worse than killing someone. The elevator doors opened and Kraven took the lead. He blocked her from exiting until he’d scoped out the area. Bat sighed, resigned that he’d play his role to the hilt. Protecting her was what he seemed to do best, after all.
“The lobby is safe,” she reminded him. “Protective glass and all that.”
“Give me a break. I don’t want to hear it again.”
“Fine. Go left, then make a right. It’s those two large double doors. They’re always kept closed but Mr. Bales obviously rented the space from the association. We just go inside.”
Kraven stayed in front of her and at the lounge doors, he gripped a handle, opening one a few inches. He sniffed. She noticed his body stiffen and he blindly reached back, found her arm, and forced her to the side as he closed the door quietly.
“This isn’t inside,” she said, pointing out the obvious.
“Lycans,” he whispered.
It took Bat a second for his words to sink in. “What do you mean?”
“I smell them.” He tightened his hold on her arm. “We’re out of here.”
“Wait.” She dug in her high heels to prevent him from pulling her down the hall. “Dr. Brent said some of my clients are Werewolves. I mean Lycans. This isn’t so alarming.”
“I don’t want you near any packs or nests!”
“You thought Dr. Brent was dangerous. He wasn’t. This is just some guy in trouble with the law and he wants the best representation available. I’ll consult with him and hand him off to someone else. It won’t take long.”
“I don’t like this.”
“Noted.” She reached out and tried to pry his fingers off her wrist. “I still have to go inside. I refuse to give my law firm an excuse to kick me to the curb when I’m so close to making partner. I’d face off against the devil himself. I’m a lot of things, but chicken shit isn’t one of them. Now let’s go inside.”
“I think this is a mistake, Bat.”
“A Vampire could mind control a victim and witnesses to make them forget something. It makes sense a Lycan would get into a jam sometimes with the police, right?”
“Maybe.”
“Okay. This is probably a Lycan in trouble, and he asked for me. I’ll excuse myself from the case because I look like shit. Jacob won’t want me in front of cameras if this is going to be a case the media follows. We’re just going to walk in there and put on a little show that will save my job. Relax. We knew there were Lycans and Vampires in L.A. No big shocker.”
He released her. “You stick within three feet of me and we’re out of there at the first sign of something I don’t like.”
“Deal.” Bat fixed the sleeve he’d messed up.
“You don’t fight with me. I say we’re out, and you do what I say.”
She nodded. “I said deal.”
“You also love to argue.”
“You’re my bodyguard.” She tried to lighten his mood. “I’ll trust your instincts but don’t be a bully. You’ll probably terrify the client just by walking in the door, with the old smell you carry. I’m glad I can’t pick it up, by the way. Try to behave, okay?”
“This is a damn bad idea, Bat.”
“So is losing my job.” She inched around him and gripped the handle of the door. “Just follow my lead and don’t talk.”
Bat pulled the door open and stepped inside.
Four men waited across the room. One of them she recognized, the other three were new faces. She didn’t have to glance back to know Kraven remained close on her ass.
Jacob’s mouth dropped open when he saw her. It made her feel a bit pleased with her makeup job.
Her gaze shifted to the client. The two men standing close to him had to be his bodyguards. They weren’t wearing suits. She fixed her gaze on the blond in custom Armani.
“Hello, Mr. Bales.” She approached him and remembered to limp slightly. “I’m Batina Dawson.”
He didn’t meet her gaze but instead stared over her head at Kraven. His nostrils flared. She glanced at his bodyguards. They did the same. Jacob just kept gawking at her.
Okay, I know who the Lycans are. That was easier than I thought it would be to figure out who’s who. Jacob’s obviously human.
Bat paused several feet away from Travis Bales. She was pretty sure if she reached back, she’d touch Kraven. He wasn’t exactly keeping that three feet of space she’d asked for. She studied her client. The thing that surprised her most was his short, stocky body. She expected all Lycans to be tall like Kraven. Mr. Bales stood about five feet seven. The suit he wore did seem a little tight in the arms and chest, indicating he was muscled and probably worked out quite a bit. She plastered on a smile.
“You look like shit,” Jacob accused.
She turned her attention to him. “I just survived a plane crash. I mentioned that, and the fact that I had to see a doctor this morning.”
“Are you well, Ms. Dawson?”
Bat stared into Mr. Bales’s light brown eyes. “I’ve had better days.”
“Who is your friend?” he asked, studying Kraven.
“I’m the guy who’ll break bones if you so much as look at her wrong,” Kraven responded. “Three against me aren’t good odds. I’d keep that in mind if I were you.”
Bat’s smile faltered. “Gentlemen, let’s not having a pissing contest. A lady is present.”
“How dare you!” Jacob advanced a step, openly hostile to Kraven. “You’re fired.”
“He’s not working for the firm.” Bat tried to defuse the situation before it blew up. “I personally hired Mr. Kraven. Let’s just all take a deep breath—and not through our noses.” She hoped the message was clear to the Lycans and the man behind her.
“What in the hell does that mean?” Jacob seemed confused.
“Shut up, Jacob. Keep out of this,” Mr. Bales ordered. He looked at Bat. “I was told you were unaware of certain things. I was misinformed.”
“It’s a new development.” She kept her tone cool. “As you can see, I haven’t had the best week. I’m unable to represent you at this time but I can highly recommend Paul Tomis. He’s excellent. I’d want him to defend me.”
“Warren said I wanted you.”
“What were you charged with?”
“Domestic violence. My girlfriend and I got into a fight. I never touched the bitch but she wants money for me dumping her. This is her sad attempt at blackmail.”
That cleared up a few things for Bat and why they’d insisted on her. And he probably meant the woman he’d dated was a Lycan too, and wasn’t just calling his ex a bad name. “Gracie Barton is also excellent. A woman attorney is smart to have in this case but the last thing you want is for me to represent you in my current condition. Some might jump to conclusions. First impressions count.”
“You’ll heal by my first court appearance.” He cocked his head, seeming to take in the bruising. “It should be gone by tomorrow.”
“I’m not quite like you, Mr. Bales. Bruises can stay with me for weeks.”
“What in the hell are you all talking about?” Jacob stepped closer.
“I said shut up.” Mr. Bales shot him a glare. “Now.”
Jacob didn’t look pleased but he stopped talking. Bat knew he’d take it out on her later when they were alone but he wouldn’t want to piss off their new client, especially since he was associated with Warren Otis.
The doors opened and Bat turned. She had to lean a little to see around Kraven.
Warren and two of his guards entered. Kraven inhaled and she could tell by his body language that he was on alert.
“Ah. More, I take it?”
Kraven gave a sh
ort nod, affirming her suspicions. It didn’t surprise her. Warren had sent Mr. Bales to her firm. It made sense that he’d be a Lycan too. She watched as Warren and his two-man security team came to an abrupt halt, all three focused on Kraven. Their nostrils flared.
“This is unexpected.” Warren stayed by the doors and didn’t come any closer. He addressed Bat directly. “Would you mind introducing us?”
“Who the fuck cares? It’s some security guard she hired.” Jacob crossed the room and offered his hand. “I got her here, just like you asked, Warren.”
Warren motioned to his security to spread out. They moved off to the sides of the room. He slid is gaze to Kraven. “Your alpha already has a deal with us. I expect him to keep it.”
“I don’t understand.” Jacob glanced between Kraven and Warren. “What’s really going on here, Warren? You said your friend wanted Batina to defend him.”
“Did Jacob have to be here? He’s starting to annoy me.” Mr. Bales took a seat on top of one of the tables. “He’s your pet. Leash him.”
Warren growled low. “Are you giving me orders, Travis?”
“No.” Travis Bales slid off the table and dropped his head. “Sorry. He’s just really annoying.”
“I’m aware.” Warren advanced a little, his men doing the same. “This changes nothing, VampLycan. Your alpha and I came to an agreement. I delivered.”
Kraven backed up and hooked an arm around Bat, pulling her close. “What did Decker offer?”
Bat was glad Kraven loosely held her because her knees suddenly felt weak. Warren had obviously set her up. She’d worked with him since starting at the firm and he’d sold her out. Jacob obviously didn’t have a clue what was going down.
“Don’t you talk to your alpha?” Warren asked. “Two hundred grand. That’s pocket change to me, but the offer of twenty of your kind at my disposal for two weeks was too much of a temptation to resist.” He smiled at Bat. It was chilling. “Sorry, sweetheart. I enjoyed watching you keep my enforcers out of prison but one bitch is as good as another. You can be replaced. I only asked Jacob to hire you as a favor to me. I didn’t believe the Vampires when they said you were weak. It helped me keep a close eye on you.”
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