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Oh yeah… I’d definitely turned into a sap. And you know what? I embraced it.
I walked into the living room with a goofy grin on my face that died the moment I saw Thane, Jamison, Enoch, and Lawson gathered around a laptop with creased foreheads, drawn brows, and matching frowns marring their faces.
All those good feelings vanished as I went on high alert. “What’s going on?”
* * *
JAMISON
Knox walked into the room with a rare smile on his face that faded away the moment he spotted us gathered around the laptop that sat on the kitchen island.
“What’s going on?” he asked roughly.
Knox had always been observant. It was a key part of what made him an incredible police officer. I knew he read the tension in the room as he crossed to where we were.
“See for yourself.” I angled the laptop, so we all had a decent view.
Together, we stared at the punchable face of Anton Aster on the news, sweet-talking the anchor who was about to shove a microphone in his face.
“I’m here with Anton Aster, mayor of Silver City, who was hosting a charity event late last night at the brand-new Fenway Center on the waterfront when an explosion rocked the building just after midnight, abruptly ending his event and sending some to the hospital. Can you comment on the events of last evening, Mayor?” the female anchor asked, angling the microphone his way.
“I certainly can,” he smiled, charming the woman with his intense gaze and an overly plastic smile.
She flushed, batting her lashes at him as he leaned into the mic, bringing himself closer, to her delight.
“I’ve been informed by the fine men in uniform that there was a gas leak in the building, which unfortunately led to the explosion,” Anton explained. “It’s rare, but these things do happen from time to time. The Fenway Center was recently constructed and not yet open to the public, which is why, when the developer, Roger Fenway, graciously offered to lend me his space free of charge for our charity event, I couldn’t say no. Though none of us expected a night of philanthropy to turn into such an explosive evening.” He laughed at his own joke, and the anchor chuckled weakly, clearly aware it was too soon for such levity.
There was a slight change in her demeanor—less flirtatious and more investigative.
“As for the Fenway Center,” he continued, “there is extensive damage to the top floors, but the fire has been extinguished and I’ve been told the building is structurally sound.”
“What about the four men taken to the hospital and the subsequent car explosion a few blocks from here? Are they related, and do you have any comments?”
Anton’s eyes narrowed on the woman as he caught onto the change in her posture. A forced smile tilted his mouth, and he cleared his throat before spinning another tale. “There’s no way the two events could’ve been related, given the explosion here at the Fenway was, once again, found to be a gas leak. I don’t know anything about a secondary explosion a few blocks from here and would direct any further questions about thatseparateincident to the police. As for those hospitalized, I have heard that…”
I tuned him out, frustrated by how easily he smooth-talked his way out of giving true answers. We listened to his bullshit responses, barely containing our growls at his nonsense.
“Is that Anton?” Demi’s sweet voice cut through the broadcast, and I shoved the laptop shut before turning to face her. Her worried expression caused a little crease between her brows.
Despite her concerned look, she was an absolute vision. Brown hair spilled around her shoulders in soft, untamed waves and she wore a t-shirt and a pair of someone’s boxers—Leo’s, I believed. Her sweet berry and black honey scent teased me to distraction as she moved closer.
Eli was behind her, following her into the kitchen.
“You were supposed to be asleep,” Knox grumbled.
Demi instantly bristled at his tone. I sighed, ready for the fallout, though I understood where he was coming from. He didn’t want her to have to deal with anything related to her old pack or the aftermath of earlier. Neither did I. She deserved to rest, relax, and let us handle the tough shit for a while. She’d been through enough to last five lifetimes.
My mate crossed her arms, and though I read her irritation loud and clear, I couldn’t keep from noticing the way they pillowed her breasts. They were squeezed together, and the position made her nipples stand out more prominently beneath the fabric.
Fuck, she’s gorgeous.Even in her anger. Or maybe more because of it. That silent strength, that push back, sparkled in her eyes, and damn if seeing it didn’t turn me on.
“I woke up. Is that not allowed?” she sassed.
Knox seemed momentarily taken aback. “Of course it is,” he mumbled, looking sheepish.
Directing my thoughts elsewhere before I was hard enough to ache, I cut in to smooth things over. “We just wanted you to get your rest.”
“She started to stir as soon as you left the bed.” Eli appeared guilty, wincing when Knox shot him an exasperated look. He held up his hands in mock surrender. “I know. I’m sorry.”
