Page 125 of Demon Demands

“Okay,” I agreed. “Can you guys get those collars on the animals? Pete's should make him look like a horse, hopefully.”

“We’ve got it,” Palmer murmured, urging me forward. “Go, Love. Find out why they’re here.”

Vaughn and I straightened our clothes, walking around the corner to meet Franklin. The ancient vampire didn’t appear happy with the intrusion, but that wasn’t anything new.

“They’re shifters, not Tennessee police. I couldn’t skim anything useful from their minds. Both of them are a jumbled mess.”

“There’s a third shifter roaming around outside. I’m not sure if I want to let the boys out or not. Would you mention it to the guys when you go in the kitchen?”

Aloud, Franklin said, “Madam, there are two officers waiting for you in the sitting room. Would you like me to bring some coffee?”

“No, Franklin. Thank you, though. I’ve been expecting them, so I’ll take care of it.”

I mentally called out to Briggs, asking him to join us. He stepped out of the kitchen, and we made our way into the living room. All three of us were dreadfully aware of the coming storm.

It was like a subscription to Bullshit Magazine. The kind that your aunt buys you as a gift, and even though you hate it, you feel obligated to open it up and flip through the pages. Volume four had just taken up residency on my couch.

My guys flanked me as I sat in the armchair across from the officers, my shoulders tight, hands clasped in my lap. I smiled politely, ever the kind hostess.

“What can I do for you, gentlemen?”

Both males were young, which struck me as odd. One had short-cropped black hair, black-rimmed glasses, and the green eyes of a wolf. The other had a bald head and yellow eyes with oval pupils. Not only was he some sort of large cat when he shifted, but his animal was lurking right under the surface of his skin.

Glasses gave me a half smile-half grimace. “We’re here to ask you some questions, Ms. King.”

“Is this official business or pack business?” Briggs inquired. He placed his left hand on my right shoulder, squeezing gently when he sensed my agitation rise. I still couldn’t read these guys.

“A little of both,” Baldy replied evasively.

I slid into Novak’s mind. “Get my phone and call Dad. Stay quiet; have him listen in.”

“What can we help you with?” Vaughn took a diplomatic tone, trying to steer the conversation forward.

“Nothing,” Glasses commented. “As I said before, we’re here to speak with Ms. King.”

“Then by all means, please speak. We all have work to get back to, so I’d like to wrap this up as quickly as possible,” I informed them, studying their body language intently.

Glasses cleared his throat. “Where were you last night?”

“Home.” He didn’t like that I was watching him, and his right eyelid started twitching under the silent pressure.

“Do you have an alibi?” he stammered, a single bead of sweat popping up on his forehead.

“My mates, as well as video footage.” Glasses had his hands on his knees, and when I said video his fingers flexed.

Baldy lifted the corner of his lip, nearly snarling when I switched my attention to him. “Do you know Novak Malin?”

“I do.” He narrowed his eyes, searching for the lie in my answer. If I was lying, he’d never know.

“We have reason to believe that he was on pack property last night,” he admitted, nonchalant as he tried to bait me.

“He was with us last night.” I nodded my head in Vaughn’s direction before holding my hand up to stop the next question. “Did you say this was pack business?”

Briggs made a rumbling sound low in his chest, not quite a growl, but the threat was clear. “Does the Supreme Alpha know that you're here interviewing his daughter?”

Glasses ignored my shifter’s question. “Were you here as well, Mr. Elliott?”

“I was.” Briggs nodded, and Baldy turned his squinty eyes on my mate, waiting for him to elaborate.