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Not because of the sex. As I'd said to Quinn more than once, sex was part of a werewolf's nature, and we didn't hold it in the same reverent regard. Even though I didn't particularly want to mate with Misha, I would, and I'd more than likely enjoy it.
No, what disgusted me was the fact that I'd been left no choice in the matter.
If I was a guardian and this was just a part of my job, it would have been okay. If I'd walked in here knowing I'd been offered this assignment and had willingly chosen to do it, I would have had no problems. But I didn't have the choice, no matter what Quinn said. Misha seemed to be the only one who knew what was going on, and to get that information and get my life on track, I had to do this. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. Two very different things.
And it hit me then that part of me had already accepted the reality that one day I would become a guardian. That one day, I'd be doing this out of choice rather than need.
I closed my eyes, sickened not so much by the thought, but the tremor of excitement that ran through me. I didn't want to become a killer. Didn't want to become my brother. But the part of me that had always rejoiced in the danger of being with Talon was dancing at the thought of becoming a guardian and facing danger on a regular basis.
Maybe Jack was right. Maybe he did know me better than I knew myself.
Taking another deep breath, I pushed the thoughts aside, and made my way through the crowd.
Tapping Misha on the shoulder, I said, "I believe we had a date."
His icy gaze slid down my body. I'd changed into jeans and a black crop top, but had left Liander's other improvements in place. There was no recognition in Misha's eyes as his gaze met mine then slid away. "I believe you're mistaken."
"So you've decided you don't want kids any more?"
His head snapped around, and his gaze narrowed. "Riley?"
"The one and only." I plopped down on the stool beside his and ordered a beer.
"Why the disguise?"
"Why not? Especially when you haven't exactly proven you can keep me safe."
"Have you been attacked recently?"
I snorted softly. "Twice, actually."
"What?"
The surprise in his voice seemed genuine, but I wasn't about to be taken in by it. Misha could act the pants off just about anyone I knew. "Once with orsini, once with a paid hitman. It's pissing me oft, Misha."
"The bastard," he muttered. "Obviously, he needs a little reminder that I mean what I say."
"Obviously, because he ain't taking a blind bit of notice of your threats at the moment. And keeping me safe was part of our deal, remember?"
"I remember," he said, voice hard. "And I'm trying."
"Well, try a little harder or the damn deal is off." I paused and thanked the bartender as he brought over my beer. "I want to know how he's tracking me, Misha. Tell me that, or it ends right now."
Jack would have a fit if he heard either of the threats, but hell, Jack didn't have his life on the goddamn line.
"You're bugged."
"Rhoan checked for bugs. We didn't find any."
"You wouldn't find these. They're new."
"Stolen from the Landsend Military Base, perhaps?"
He smiled. "Perhaps."
"I want you to find it and take it out."
He nodded. "I don't want you dead, Riley. Believe that, if nothing else."
