So he wasn't going to let the chance slip this time. He'd find the bombers, yeah. But he also was going to uncover whatever fucking secret was being kept at those blown up labs. Whatever Data-X had been up to. Genetic engineering was his guess.
And more than one party wanted it covered up. More than one party has a stake in it.
An incoming alert makes him return his focus to the facial screens.
A match.
He read the file. One Parker Jones.
Picked up for questioning related to illegal betting in San Diego.
Subject did not cooperate. Suspected of organizing cage fights and serving as bookie for said fights.
Well, looks like he has a suspect to stake out. He gathers his equipment and already packed bag, checks his weapons and leaves the small government-provided safehouse.
Parker Jones, prepare to give me some fucking answers.
Angelina
"Turn left here," I direct Jared. He's insisted on driving again, but I'm fine with it because:
A) I get curbside pickup.
B) He stayed out of my way, plus picked up lunch for me, Remy and Talya.
C) All the catty dancers are jealous.
Of course, now everyone thinks he and I are a couple. Too bad werewolves don't date.
"So, what? You can have sex with humans, but we're not good enough for a relationship?"
Dammit.
I was trying to hold that question in. Now I sound like a love-scorned shrew.
The look Jared shoots me is pure misery, which makes it even worse. "No, baby. That's not it."
I wait as he seems to struggle for words. "Wolves are violent. You might call us primitive. Me, especially. When a wolf mates, it's usually for life. He bites his female to mark her and permanently embed his scent into her skin-to warn other males away. Once wolves are mated, the possessiveness doesn't fade. That's why I say it's usually for life. Even if a couple doesn't get along, a wolf would never let his mate go. He'd follow her to the ends of the Earth. The attraction never fades."
I stare at Jared in shock, trying to decide if he's purposely trying to warn me off. He shrugs. "So yeah. I can't drag you into something like that. You might not even survive the mating bite."
I try to ignore the pleasure tingling through me at the way he's talking as if he's even considered mating me.
I mean, in human terms, we're talking marriage, not dating. But I appreciate the fact that he's not willing to lead me along when there's no chance of a long-term future. I'm also trying to ignore the fact that his description of a wolf's possessiveness turns me on. It shouldn't. It should definitely scare me. I mean, what if the guy was abusive? That would be a legitimate nightmare. But what if he was charming and considerate? Protective to a fault? What if he looked at you like you were the most fascinating creature he'd ever seen? Couldn't keep his hands off you?
I'm not sure I'd be sad about being tied to that situation for the rest of my life.
I mean, hell. If it weren't for the biting part, I might be ready to sign up right now.
Of course there's the not so small issue of my parents never accepting a guy like Jared.
I direct Jared to turn into the parking lot of my grandma's nursing home. I visit her every Monday and Thursday. She's my dad's mom, and Lord knows he doesn't make time to see her. Just like he never made time for me, growing up. All that man does is work.
But I don't just come out of guilt or obligation. When she's lucid, she's awesome to be around. But sometimes I show up and she's confused, even belligerent. Often she's as cranky as a toddler. I definitely don't want Jared to witness this.
"Where are we?" he asks.
I ignore the question. "You can just drop me off here." I point to the front circular drive.
He frowns.
"Come back in an hour."
He ignores my directive and parks in the lot. When he starts to open his door, I snap, "You're not coming in."
He arches a brow, that hint of a grin around his lips telling me he would love a challenge from me.
I go for pure honesty. "I don't want you to come in. You can wait here, if you want, but…" I abandon all pride and turn on my begging eyes. "Okay?"
He sinks back into the seat and nods.
"I won't take long," I promise, then kick myself, because why should I rush? I didn't ask for an escort.
"Take your time, baby. I'll be here."
"Okay, thanks." I swing my purse over my shoulder and head in, not sure what I'll get today.
Jared
I dial Parker's number. He and his friends headed back to San Diego to line up both fighters and attendees for the first Tucson matches. "The warehouse is ours."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, I rented the whole block of them so we won't have any trouble from neighbors, either. We'll get the cage installed this week."
"Good. We can come down this weekend to take a look."
"What else do you need?"
"Betters. Lots of them. Start getting the word out. Shifters only, any animal. Call all your connections, my friend. The more attendees, the more money to be had. For us and the fighters."
"I understand. I'll get on it." I know the money will be good, and that part is exciting, but for me, this isn't just about getting rich. My animal craves violence. "When can we schedule the first fight?"
"Let's do it week from Sunday. That gives me time to line up all the fighters. Are you willing to go in the cage?"