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I don’t now how she can make a promise like that, because no one can ever know if things will be okay. But it’s clear my time hiding and running is over. They found me. I have no where to go; no way to get out of this. It’s time to face the reality of my situation. All I can do is tell them the truth, hope they aren’t bad cops, and pray for the best outcome.

I just hope Trina doesn’t get hurt in the process.

So I pull open the door an inch and peek through the crack at the tall man standing on the other side. He has gorgeous green eyes that sparkle like gems. I’ve never seen eyes that color before. I immediately know he’s an alpha. I can feel it rolling off him. His hair is blond and messier than you’d expect a detective to have.

And then his scent hits me. Sandalwood and amber. It’s gentle and makes me feel calm; like everything really is going to be okay. I didn’t believe it when Trina said it, but I believe it now that I’m standing in front of this detective with the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.

My shoulders relax, and I can breathe easier. I have the urge to throw the door open and bury my face against his chest, just to breathe in that scent. It’s a terrible idea, since I’m supposed to be afraid of him, but there’s something about it that’s so comforting. Warm and inviting.

It gives me pause after a moment, and I get a strange flutter sensation in my chest as I realize what this is.

I almost can’t believe it. How can it be? Of all the people…

Of all the places…

He’s my scent match.

And if the look on his face is any indication, a hint of understanding beyond his rough facade, he’s figured it out too.

Why him?

Why now?

He can’t be trusted. Regardless of how safe he makes me feel, he’s a cop and they’re the ones who killed Tiger.

I grit my teeth and push all of these feelings away. I lift my chin, showing him I’m not giving in so easily. He frowns slightly, getting the hint. He takes a step back, so I pull open the door a little more. Regardless of what is going on between us, I still need to answer their questions. They won’t be patient forever.

When I open the door, he steps back even further, giving me plenty of space to leave the room.

All eyes are on me as I step deeper into the small living room.

Then another scent hits me then. This one is stronger. Cedarwood and a hint of spice, like pepper.

That calm feeling rushes back in, and this time it’s almost impossible to push away, especially when I see the look on this guy’s face. It almost looks like I slapped him. His confusion is evident.

I feel like I’m fighting for my life in a completely different way than I have been over the last two weeks because this detective’s scent is overwhelmingly strong. I squeeze my hands into fists, take a deep breath. Inhaling both scents calms me, but that’s all they can do. Nothing can come of this, even though it’s the first time I’ve felt truly safe since I saw Tiger die. But I only feel safe in the presence of them because of this scent match. If they’re bad cops… how will I ever be truly safe? Is their alpha need to protect me stronger than whatever they could be wrapped up in?

I can’t answer that question because I don’t know. I’m not an alpha, and I don’t know what it feels like. But I’ve heard terrible stories of what some alphas can do, so I won’t put it past them. I need to be on guard, regardless of these two men being my scent-match.

“Rae…” Trina says carefully.

I take a moment to catch my breath, then turn to her and say, “I’m okay.”

I lift my head higher, and walk to the couch to sit down. I look over at the two men, who I will admit, are very handsome men.

They’re roughly the same height. Around six-two, if I had to make a guess, which is much taller than my five-five height. The other one, the one I don’t know the name of, has dark hair and even darker eyes. The two of them look like night and day with their features.

They look like they could take care of themselves on the street, and not because they have guns on their waist, but because they have broad chests and shoulders. Their shirts are snug against their toned arms. They are strong alphas. I know what that looks like because I’ve seen them in the village. The men work with their shirts off during the summers, and all the hard labor gives them plenty of muscle and strength.

So yes, these detectives are very, very attractive, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that they could be bad.

Scent matching doesn’t mean we’ve bonded or even have to, which gives me the freedom to walk away. That’s what I should do, yet even I know it’s much easier said than done. For now, I need to push thoughts of scent-matching and bonding away so I can answer their questions.

The sooner that’s done, the sooner they will leave and I can think more clearly.

“Were you going to question her with words or continue to try to do it telepathically?” Trina asks.

Detective Warren looks at her and frowns, while the other one, the dark-haired one, just keeps staring at me like he’s not sure what I am.