by Jami Gray
Warrick raised an eyebrow. “How exactly do you plan on doing that?”
His question made her stomach roil. She squelched the sick feeling and tried to ignore the chittering voice in her head, screaming that she was making a huge mistake. Her heart bled under the restraints of cold logic. “You’re about to become the big bad wolf.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Returning to Taliesin, Warrick pulled the car into a scene of controlled chaos. Getting through the police, who had cordoned off the parking lot, took a few minutes as they passed his ID up the chain of responsibility. Finally, one veteran officer handed it back and waved him through.
A large fire engine sat between two smaller versions and an ambulance. On the ground, people in various uniforms swarmed the parking lot while a gray-tinted haze lingered around the top floor of the building. There was no sign of Natasha or Cheveyo, but Osborn stood outside the glass front doors talking with two men. A younger man interrupted their discussion and, from his abbreviated gestures, Warrick was fairly certain their arrival was being shared.
Osborn looked up and zeroed in on their sedan, watching as Warrick parked. Warrick met the human’s gaze, holding it until Osborn’s attention was pulled away by a question from the man on his left.
Silence filled the car.
There were things he wanted to say to Xander but not in front of Raine. He listened to their plan. It was bloody brilliant, but there were so many points where things could go horribly wrong. There was no stopping the vivid images, of just how wrong things could go, from playing like some morbid film in his head.
“I’m going to go find Gavin.” Raine got out of the car, the sound of her door closing muted by the weight of unsaid things hanging between him and Xander.
“Talk to me, Warrick.” The quiet steel-coated demand made something in him relax.
“It’s a good plan.” He consciously unwrapped his grip from the steering wheel.
“But?”
He stared out the windshield. If he looked at her, he wouldn’t be able to control the need to drag her into his arms and never let go. No matter how much he and his wolf wanted to tuck her away, it would be unfair to expect her to be anything but what she was—a protector. “It puts you in danger.”
“Danger isn’t a stranger to either of us.” Her voice was soft, but unbreakable. “It’s not the first time, nor will it be the last.”
He knew that, but it didn’t make it easier. “I understand, but my wolf has problems letting you stand in front of us.”
Warm hands wrapped around his face. The familiar feel of her left him closing his eyes and holding her touch close. She tugged and he let her pull his head around. The soft brush of her lips across his brought his eyes open. Her hazel-shot gaze met his, determination, strength, and a silent promise swirled in the depths.
She pulled back but didn’t let go of him. “I will do everything I can to make sure I always come back to you, alpha mine.” A teasing grin lit her face. “I’ve spent a long time working on you, I’m not about to let you off that easy.”
Her teasing eased some of his tension, but he narrowed his eyes and gave her a mock-threatening growl. “See that you do, pixie girl.” Emotions rose to a choking cloud, but he permitted himself a brief, hard taste of her before he drew back. “Let’s start the show.”
He opened his door, listening to her get out on the other side. He waited for her at the front of the car before they began making their way to Osborn. His step hitched as a wave of love and acceptance poured through their bond. Before her mental touch could retreat, he sent her his tangled response. His love, pride, worry, acceptance—he wrapped it all together, gave it to her, and got a quick, heart-rending smile in return.
She fell a couple steps behind him as he wove his way through the humans. Behind Osborn, Taliesin’s front doors opened, releasing Raine, Gavin, and Natasha. Osborn stepped aside, allowing the three to join the conversation.
“Ms. Bertoi, the battalion chief tells me you haven’t allowed any of his people upstairs.” Osborn’s statement whipped out.
Being faced with three very imposing authority figures would make most people think twice. Natasha would never be most people. Unruffled, she gave Osborn a small nod. “That is correct, Mr. Osborn. Taliesin has many high-level, confidential clients, who require a certain level of discretion. We will be more than happy to let Chief Faraday’s investigators inside, however, we must ensure our clients privacy.”
“We understand your need to keep the loss of Mr. Mulcahy quiet as long as possible, however, we need access to the scene.” Osborn tucked his hands into the pockets of his slacks and studied her. “I know how important client confidentiality is to Taliesin, but it is in the best interests of your company and clients that you allow the investigators access to the scene. Otherwise, questions may arise on the legitimacy of your company and its dealings.”
Warrick gave the human credit for out-maneuvering Natasha. Since Osborn had no idea of who, or what, he was really dealing with, perhaps it was time to step in. “Natasha, perhaps Raine and Gavin could lead the investigators upstairs.”
Natasha’s stare remained on Osborn, who was valiantly trying to remain unmoved. Unfortunately for him, his elevated pulse and the slight acrid scent of his sweat gave him away. “Chief Faraday, please send your people with mine and let us know what we can do to help.” Natasha finally released Osborn from her visual hold and turned to Faraday. “We ask that your people remain discrete, as the loss of Mr. Mulcahy impacts not just our company, but our family as well.”
Faraday’s mouth tightened. “My people know their job, Ms. Bertoi.” He spun on a heel and barked out a string of names. A small group jerked to attention and began gathering equipment from the emergency vehicles.
The faint buzz of a cellphone caught Warrick’s attention. Natasha pulled out a slim phone, tucked it to her ear and took a step away from the group. “Yes?” she paused then turned to take in the parking lot. “Tell them there will be no statement until we have more information.”
Warrick followed the direction of her gaze and spotted Jamie Ryder, one of Natasha’s men, standing at the far end in front of a roiling mass of cameras and microphones. The swarm of the press had begun. Ryder was obviously taking point on the public relations front. Behind him, Warrick heard Natasha say, “We’ll call a press conference as soon as we have more information.”
He caught Ryder’s nod before the man turned back to the crowd. Letting his gaze roll over the milling group, Warrick felt a sense of unease crawl up his neck. Even his wolf was antsy. If he hadn’t known better, he’d think he was being hunted. He tried to shake it off. Gods knew being surrounded by this many humans was enough to ruffle any wolf’s fur, but the feeling persisted.
He wasn’t surprised when Xander took a position in front of him. Linked as they were, there was no way she could miss his rising anxiety. She wasn’t obvious about it, but he could tell she was scanning the area around them, trying to ferret out the unseen threat.
Gavin and Raine were holding open the doors and letting the investigative team inside the building, when Xander suddenly spun and shoved him toward the doors. “Rai—” Her voice was cut off and her weight slammed into him, sending them both stumbling back, a sharp sting leaving a burning brand across his upper arm. Only then did the sharp crack of a rifle shot echo through the morning air.
For a moment, the world held its breath, then someone screamed and chaos erupted.
Warrick didn’t give a damn. All he was worried about was the limp body in his arms. The coppery sting of fresh blood hit his nose and his wolf went wild, trying to claw his way out of Warrick’s skin. With a ruthlessness that made him who he was, Warrick held his wolf in check. It wasn’t easy and he’d pay for it later, but right now, for Xander’s sake, he needed to stay human.
She wasn’t dead. That thought was the only thing allowing him to function. Using the connection of their bond, he wrapped himself around her spirit and held on tight. No w
ay in hell was he allowing anything or anyone to take her away from him. She was his, dammit!
When someone reached to take Xander, he snapped his teeth, only then realizing how close to the surface his wolf really was. The hands retreated, only to be replaced by Raine’s face. “In-side, Vidis! Get your ass inside!”
Inside was good. They were too exposed here. Inside he could keep everyone away from his mate. He gathered Xander close, spun on his heels, and stalked into the wide foyer. He didn’t stop until he was back by the elevators, away from the windows and the others huddled behind the long reception desk in the foyer.
Behind him, Raine reached out and slammed the up arrow key. “Take her to your office.”
Unable to respond, Warrick stared at the metal doors, willing them to open. Wet warmth seeped against the arm he had curled around her back, holding her to his chest. More plastered his shirt to his ribcage.
His blood froze.
Inside, where no one could see, he wrapped his strength and will around the light that was Xander. He held her with pure determination. On the edges of his mind, raving madness loomed, one that would wreak more devastation than any blood spell or bullet if Xander was taken from him.
The metal doors parted with a soft ding and he stepped in, Raine behind him. She hit the button for the seventh floor and the doors began to close. A hand appeared, holding them open and Warrick tensed, a low growl rumbling from his chest.
Staying outside the elevator, Gavin gave him a quick look then turned to Raine. “We’ll be coming up behind you.”
Raine gave a short nod and Gavin let the doors close. In Warrick’s arms, a soft moan sounded, jerking Raine’s head around. Worry had carved lines around her mouth and darkened her already bruised eyes.
“Shhhh,” Warrick crooned, dropping his head over Xander’s blonde one. Pain rippled across his mind as Xander swam to the surface of consciousness, her pain. It was quickly followed by a moment of panicked confusion. “I’ve got you, pixie girl. It’s okay.” It was hard to sound reassuring, especially as the edge of his wolf rode his voice, but he tried.
The elevator came to a stop, the small jerk wringing a choked-off whimper from Xander. The door opened and Warrick brushed past Raine as she ran interference with Cheveyo. Since Warrick’s office was on the far side of the building, it remained unscathed from the earlier destruction. Once inside, he kicked a chair out of the way, clearing a space on the carpeted floor.
Kneeling, he laid Xander down, determined to find out exactly how much damage the sniper’s bullet had done. He sucked in his breath at his first good look. The bullet had ripped through the back of her shoulder and exited out the front. The damage in the front was obscene. He ripped off his bloodstained shirt and bunched it up, pressing it against the wound.
Xander’s face was alabaster white under the stark lines of her tattoo. Her eyes fluttered open, pain-clouded and dazed. “Warrick?” His name was a mere breath of sound.
“Stay with me,” he whispered, pressing down in a useless attempt to staunch the blood flow.
She flinched but fought to stay conscious. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” he growled.
Her left arm rose and she brushed a butterfly touch along his arm. “Not fine.” Her arm dropped, blood-staining her fingertips.
“Stop moving, Xander.” Whatever scratch he had could wait until she was stable.
For once, she obeyed him without mouthing off. She closed her eyes and went still.
His breath hitched and his heart skipped a beat. Fear rose in a great wave. Was he losing her? His remaining emotional barriers crumpled under the deluge and he gave himself to her, heart and soul. Their connection pulsed then began to burn as Xander’s formidable barriers also fell.
As the lines that kept them apart faded, their every fear, every hope was revealed for each to accept or reject—the true meaning of the soul bond apparent. There was no hesitation on his part as he gladly took all that was Xander as his to protect, to cherish, and to love. When she did the same for him, he was humbled. Under the fierce light, he watched in stunned amazement as each niche and crevice was illuminated then filled as their two souls found a balance and finally connected.
The bond clicked into place, solid and strong.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Xander rode the wave of pain, trying to stay on top of her body’s complaints at having a bullet tear through her shoulder. She knew Warrick was helping her, trying to divert her pain through their bond.
Warrick. Dear gods, he finally let her in. Amazement filled her. Tears that had nothing to do with her wound, pressed against her eyes. She guessed it said something about their relationship that it took her lying in a puddle of blood for both of them to let each other in, especially when that’s what they both wanted and needed all along. In the end, it didn’t matter. She’d take him however he’d let her.
Right now, it hurt too much to move, so she lay still and concentrated on her body. Fire and ice surrounded where the bullet struck, tendrils of pain radiating outward. The sound of a door closing had her forcing the heavy lids of her eyes up. They were in Warrick’s office.
Raine knelt across from Warrick, holding a white pad of gauze. “We need to put this on the entry wound.” Raine wasn’t stupid. Her gaze was focused on Xander, not Warrick, who’s eyes were pure wolf.
“Don’t want to move,” Xander protested. Moving would make things go from ow, ow, ow to shit, shit, shit.
“Buck up, buttercup.” Raine kept her tone light, both women well aware how close to the edge Warrick was skating. “I need to make sure there’s nothing in there.” She got her arm under Xander’s shoulder, careful of the wound.
As Raine lifted, Xander sucked in her breath and fought not to black out. Sitting up hurt! Warrick held his shirt in place on her front, but shifted until she could lean against him so Raine could get a clear look at her back. Cool air touched her spine as her T-shirt was raised to expose her shoulder. As Raine pressed around the wound, Xander’s vision wavered in bands of color. “It’s a through and through,” she gasped. “Stop poking around.”
Raine’s voice was level. “You lucked out. I’m not seeing any signs of silver.”
Sweat beaded her forehead and her skin felt clammy. “If it had been silver, I wouldn’t be talking to you.” Under her head, she felt Warrick stiffen. She tangled her fingers with his free hand. “Besides, I wasn’t the target. Warrick was.”
Raine was quiet for a moment then said, “We could use this.” She taped the gauze pad in place.
Warrick snarled.
Xander raised her head and shushed him. “She’s right.” Undaunted, she held his furious gaze. “This attack actually helps us. We have an audience since Gavin’s on his way up with Division and other emergency personnel. Plus, we know Dmitri is watching.”
Something dangerous moved over Warrick’s face. “If Dmitri was behind this, the bullet would have been silver.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” Raine said, gently cutting through Xander’s T-shirt. “Time for the front. Turn around.”
Warrick and Raine carefully moved Xander until she was half-reclining in Warrick’s lap. She kept her grip on his hand, squeezing when the pain rose. Raine had another pad and more tape.
“Explain,” Xander gritted out, trying not to let the pain from her wound overwhelm everything else.
Raine kept her touch light but sure. “Kyn tend not to use guns as magic makes them unreliable. So let’s assume the sniper wasn’t Kyn, but a hired human. Dmitri tells him who he wants hit and where he can be found. Snipers are notoriously arrogant.”
“If you could shoot the wings off a fly at a mile out, I think you’d be entitled,” Xander muttered.
Raine raised an eyebrow, her lips giving a brief quirk. “Probably, but if you had someone hire you to take on a job, would you follow their directions to the letter or do what you think was necessary to get the job done?”
A light bulb went off in Xander
’s muddled brain. “You think Dmitri told him to use silver and he chose not to?”
Raine nodded. “A silver bullet doesn’t travel long distances accurately like normal bullets. If the sniper had no idea that who he was targeting wasn’t human, there’s no way he’d use silver over his proven ammunition.” She paused and flicked a glance at Warrick. “That shot should have killed you.”
Xander went to shrug, but stopped as her body revolted. “It didn’t.”
Raine put the last piece of tape in place and dropped her hands. “Still, how did you know he was there?”
“Warrick.” She felt her mate stiffen behind her and squeezed his hand. “He was antsy. I was scanning the parking lot when I caught a flash in the trees.” Instinct, something every Wraith relied on.
Raine sat back on her heels and directed her next question to Warrick. “Let’s say the sniper’s now reporting to Dmitri that he didn’t get you but Xander instead. What happens next?”
“He’s going to want to see for himself.” There was no hesitation in Warrick’s answer.
“Let’s make sure he sees what he’s expecting then,” Xander said. Her shoulder throbbed with a dull ache as her body fought to repair itself. Her mind began rearranging their previous plan as anticipation rose. First things first. They needed to get Gavin in here so they could start the ball rolling. She shared a look with Raine. “Where’s Gavin?”
Raine gave a crooked smile. “Out front, keeping Cheveyo, Natasha, and Osborn occupied.”
“We need to bring him in here.”
Raine shook her head and tapped her temple. “Private communication channel, remember?” She fell quiet, her head tilted to the side as if listening to something no one else could hear. After a minute, a feral smile crossed her lips. “I’m going out front to get this show on the road. Gavin’s been keeping them out. Be ready.” She got to her feet and left, closing the door behind her.
“I don’t like this,” Warrick rumbled.