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That was true. None of these shifters had been exploded.
“You coming? You’re down to four minutes,” Xander said.
“Yeah, but you might want to be nicer to me, I’m not the most dangerous person in this bar and you aren’t either,” I said.
“I know that’s not a threat,” he said.
“It’s definitely a threat,” Elias said.
I moved forward, going around the bodies as best I could. “Let’s just get this over with. Elias, if he kills me, at least you won’t have to baby sit me anymore.”
Xander looked curious but continued to the little door at the back of the bar. He unlocked it and stepped inside. I followed behind him.
The office was simple and served its purpose. There was a small couch, a desk with a chair on either side, and a little table covered in framed photos. It wasn’t something I expected but as soon as I glanced at them, one stood out.
I bypassed the chair and walked to the photo of a younger Xander and the unmistakable smiling face of Lola.
I picked it up and grief made my stomach twist into knots. The photo reminded me of why I was here. The aching pain in my gut, the likely black eye, and swollen lip were worth it. Whoever killed Lola deserved punishment.
“Three minutes,” Xander said.
I turned to face him. Xander was sitting on top of the desk, his hands gripping the edge of the table so tightly I could see the bulge of his muscled arms through his tee shirt.
“My name is Skylar Aven. Do you know who I am?” I asked.
“Should I?” he asked.
“When was the last time you spoke to her?”
“Who?” he asked.
“Lola,” I said.
He was off the desk and in my face in a heartbeat. His large hand went around my neck, his other hand was on my chest, pinning me to the wall.
“Choose your next words carefully,” he said.
Fear coursed through my veins. This was not going the way I anticipated. Still clutching the framed photo in my hand, I locked my eyes on his. There was an intensity in his gaze that pulled me in. A unique energy swirled around him. It was heady and sensual and made me want to fall into him and never leave. The fear eased and I was left feeling a strange sense of comfort from his presence.
“What about Lola?” He growled.
“She was my best friend,” I said. “But you deserve to hear this from me.”
He dropped the hand on my throat. “I haven’t spoken to her in years and you’re using the past tense.”
“She was killed,” I said. “That’s why I’m here.”
“Where?” he asked.
“In our apartment,” I said. “We lived downtown.”
“That’s why the enforcer is here?” He asked. “To see if I know anything?”
I shook my head. “The enforcer is a complication. I’m here to find out what you know so I can find her killer and make him pay.”
“I don’t talk to cops,” he said, releasing his hand from my chest.
He was so close to me I could feel his body brush against mine. He might not be holding me against the wall anymore, but it was pretty damn clear I wasn’t yet free to leave.
