8. Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Quinn

H er body fits perfectly against mine, tight against my chest. Her breathing becomes deep as she drifts off. It makes me smile, and instead of feeling frustrated like many men would feel, I am completely satisfied. My fingers are still inside her pussy. Her trust is growing, and now she can fall asleep in the living room, not a closet. I pet her hair, remove my hand, and zip her pants.

She doesn't move.

I want to fuck her so badly, but it's not the time. My goal is to have her wrapped in my protection, always turning to me for comfort in all parts of her life.

I had to shove down my rage as her story unfolded. She needed a calm presence. I knew parts of her experience but not her journey. Even if I don't want information about the shifters and vampires that live here, they offer it. I respect their willingness to help when one of their own is in trouble, but I've tried to stay as impersonal as possible. I don't want them looking too deep into my life.

The information she shared about her time in the car is new. Ava has been very open about her time in the cage and the men who paid to participate. I was aware of Steph's existence in the world, and she was there alongside her. Ava has been curious about my mate's time there but didn't know how to reach her. I would have given her what she wanted if she had asked me to look for her, despite my plan to stay outside the crew.

My phone buzzes with a text, and my hand stills on her head, hoping she doesn't wake.

I slowly move, holding her close, but slide to the side. I guide her to the couch, her front tucked into the back of it. She snuggles closer to the cushions, and I cover her with a blanket. I stand next to her, gazing at her with a grin.

Progress. I have to take one slow step at a time and hope.

I pick up my phone and unlock it.

The grin falls as I read the message.

" Does she know you like to chase shifters, too?"

What the fuck? I loosen my grip before I crush my phone. Someone knows my worst fear.

I look at her quickly to make sure she is still sleeping and move to the front door. I shut it behind me softly and step onto the porch. I look around my property and use all my enhanced senses to make sure no one is lurking.

The number is not one I recognize, but I pull up the number of the man I thought I would never call again.

"Are you on the verge of death?" Heath answers.

"No," I growl.

"I thought you would never willingly call me again."

"Are you fucking with me?" I demand.

"Why would I be fucking with you? You called me."

"Did you just send me a text?" My eyes scan the property constantly.

"No. I'll repeat. You called me."

I knew in my gut it wasn't him, but I hoped he was just trying to get me to call him .

"Someone sent me a text. They know what we did, and the amount of people who do, I can count on one hand." It would have been easier if he had been the one to send it.

"I swear I didn't," he says firmly. "What did it say?"

"I found my mate," I say instead of answering.

"Oh shit," he whispers. "Congratulations."

"We need to meet. Micah dropped by and said he called."

"He did. Surprised the shit out of me, but I was glad." His sincerity colors his voice.

"When?""We planned in two days."

"We need to do it tomorrow. In the morning."

"Alright. Where?"

"I'll text you the address." I pause, unsure how much I should tell him, but no matter our differences, I don't believe he would do anything to hurt my mate. "My mate has trauma in her past. Have you heard about the Games?"

"Yes. It was a huge event in the shifter world."

"She was there."

"Fuck, no wonder you don't want her to know," he mumbles. "You do realize that was very different than what we did."

"I do. I don't know if she would feel the same. We just met." The fear of her reaction hits me.

"I bet you have been your charming self," he says dryly.

"Fuck off," I snarl.

"I will do anything you need to protect her," he says softly.

"I appreciate it." I clear my throat. "I don't want her to panic once she knows before I can explain," I confess.

"You need to trust in her and yourself."

"Right."

"I'll wait for your message. "

"Call Micah for me. I have to track down the person that sent it."

"Sure."

I hang up without saying goodbye. It's hard to control my emotions when my past is coming back to haunt me.

I look down at my phone, staring at the number and memorizing it. I take a picture of it and dial another number.

"Yeah," Kade answers.

"I need you here," I say. Kade is one of the men I employ who work in the field.

"What's up?"

"I have a mate."

"Really?"

"We met two days ago."

"Congrats. What else?" he asks, knowing I would never call him to come here just to chat about my life.

"I have someone interested in my past. I don't want that person to come here and hurt my mate." Thinking about some asshole disrupting the progress I have made with Steph infuriates me. "I want you to be her shadow when I can't be."

"Unseen?" he asks calmly.

"Yes. I don't want her to know yet." She is going to be pissed when she finds out.

"When?"

"Tomorrow morning. Tonight, if possible."

"I can leave in an hour."

"Good. Bring your brother," I demand.

"Alright. He was getting bored anyway." Cash is his brother and the more easygoing of the two.

"Do you need me to arrange a place to stay? "

"I'm good. We can handle it," he says. "Do we need to be prepared for a bunch of your friends being pissed you called us instead of them?"

I roll my eyes. "I need someone more neutral to the situation. Plus, they are all mated, and I don't want to put their mates in danger."

He snorts, "You think they are going to thank you?"

Asshole. "I am aware how angry they will be, but I can take it. Eventually, they will find out anyway."

"I don't care, I was just curious," he say plainly.

"Don't be. Call when you are in the area."

"Got it. Later, boss," he says and hangs up.

Yes, he is an asshole. His brother is slightly less of an asshole. They have been working for me since the start of the business. I hired them because of their discretion, fighting skills, and the ability to be invisible. They are tiger shifters. They don't play well with others so this job is perfect for them. They are the ones that guard from the outside of the situation. The women who are in safe houses never know they are there, watching, keeping them safe.

I know they just completed a job. Fortunately, we don't have anything lined up for them for a few weeks. I don't spend a lot of time with them. At most, we have shared a beer or two. I do know they are good men, if a bit cranky and secretive. I respect their skills and I have a feeling we are too much alike. I promised them I would never reveal any of their past because, of course, I had them investigated. I understand the need to forget the past and be taken at face value. I trust them to protect my mate with their lives if necessary.

Next, I call the contact I use for in-depth searches, Shade. I have no idea if that's his real name, and it doesn't matter if it is or isn't—he gets the job done.

"What do you need?" he answers briskly .

"I'm going to send you a number. It's probably a burner, but see what you can do," I explain.

"Yep." I hear computer keys clacking. "You need everything?"

"As deep as you can get. Name. Location. Where they were when it was sent. Job. Any relationship they have ever had."

"I'll send you what time he takes a shit every day if I can."

I huff. "Whatever will be helpful."

"Time frame?"

"Now."

"Be in touch."

"Good."

I disconnect and send the information he needs.

I take a deep breath. I have done everything I can do for now. Whoever this is can't hide forever. I'm guessing it won't be the only message I get. In my experience, it's never a one-time thing just to piss you off. They have an agenda. What that is, I don't know yet. I can speculate but I need to know the facts first.

My time needs to be spent with Steph for the rest of the day, making her feel safe.

I look around the property again. I have shit security. I never felt the need, knowing I could protect myself. It's difficult to sneak up on a shifter, especially in our own environment. Being in the woods, surrounded by trees and animals, the slightest sound would alert me to danger. I have to think about my mate now, though. I don't give a shit if someone wants to come after me for whatever reason, but when they fuck with my mate, I will kill on the spot.

I've killed plenty of times before. I believe every one of them deserved it, but their blood still stains my hands. I don't want to dirty my mate's beauty with them.

I hear her turn over on the couch. I take one more look around and go back inside. I shut the door and locked it.

I walk back to the couch and see she rolled over, her hair shielding part of her face, the blanket tangled around her legs. Her hand is tucked under her cheek, but she is still sleeping.

I sit down on the coffee table and place my phone beside me. I lean forward, putting my elbows on my knees and dropping my head. I rub my hands over my hair and grasp the back of my neck.

The bond is no fucking joke. The second I saw her, I knew I wanted her. I didn't expect the need to protect her with such desperation would instantly hit me. I wish I could disappear with her, going wherever I had to, just to keep her to myself. I realize that isn't realistic, and she would probably protest, but it doesn't stop the urge.

I drop my hands, and they hang between my legs. I am going to have to confess everything. A knot develops in my stomach. It wouldn't be such a nauseous thought if I didn't know what she had been through. I fear she will see too many similarities with the things I did.

The fading light of the day shines in the window, the rays bathing her legs. I should wake her soon to eat something, but the sleep will do her good. As long as she feels safe enough to sleep in my home with me, I will leave her be.

Without her wide eyes on me, giving me something else to think about, all the demons and questions bombard my mind. I raise my hand and slide my fingers over her cheek, moving her hair behind her ear. My eyes track them, and I smile as I tuck the stands. Her body jerks and my attention flies back.

"Quinn?"

"Are you hungry?" I ignore the way her body tenses.

"I told Breeane I would eat with her and her mates."

Great. "I guess we are eating with them," I grumble .

"Thank you," she says sweetly, and her happy grin makes leaving the house worth it. For a moment, I forgot all that happened when she was sleeping.

Will she understand what I spent twelve years doing?

Will she hate me?

I killed all kinds of shifters. I didn't hesitate. My hands didn't even shake as I took off their heads.

It's not that I don't like the lions, but I can smell my mate and see her delicate face.

She is sitting close beside me in the restaurant, her arm brushing against my arm every time she moves, and all I want to do is spread her out on the table and feast—without the audience.

I grit my teeth, my eyes connecting with Lucas, and he grins. Dick. He knows exactly what I am going through.

"Have you decided on the menu?" Steph asks Breeane.

"I have been experimenting with some recipes. I have a list of what I want for certain and another list of maybes. The guys are my taste testers." Breeane looks at me. "I've shared with Quinn, but he says he likes them all, so he's no help."

I shrug. "It all tastes good."

"I don't cook much," Steph says, turning toward me, and her leg rubs against mine .

"I don't care," I state. "I can, and what I can't, we can order."

"My kitchen isn't big," she continues.

"Mine isn't either. We'll make do," I reply.

"Okay," she whispers.

"Are you moving in with him?" Breeane asks.

I glare, her words interrupting the little bubble we were in. The brothers growl at me. "We are taking it a minute at a time," I say, ignoring them but smoothing out my face. I understand their reaction now. "I want Steph to be comfortable," I continued softly. I'm glad my mate has a friend who loves and wants to protect her.

"Good," Breeane says. "Thank you."

"I heard you had an angry husband come after you today," Las says.

"Are you okay?" Breeane asks.

It's my turn to growl. "We are fine." Nothing is a secret.

"You were there?" Breeane asks Steph.

"Yes, so was Sally."

"I also heard you hired Sally?" Logan says, smirking.

I sigh. "She was persistent." I don't want to think about my new receptionist.

"I bet," Las mumbles.

"Sally is hilarious," Breeane says. Las snorts, and I don't feel bad when I glare at him.

"She seemed nice," Steph says, and Lucas muffles a laugh.

I open my mouth to direct the conversation another way when I smell the wolves. Fuck.

"Steph," Ava yells, hurrying over. "How are you?"

Steph smiles. "Good." Ava leans over and hugs her.

"Bear," River greets.

"Quinn," Kerian nods.

I tip my head .

"What are you guys doing here?" Logan asks. "Where's Revel?"

"She is with the dragons. She loves Penny, so we decided to eat out," Kerian explains.

"Luckily, we stumbled onto our friends and the cranky bear," River smirks.

"Great," I mutter.

"Let's pull over a table," Breeane suggests.

I sigh.

"Sounds good," Ava agrees.

I don't move as a table is slid over beside Steph and Breeane and three people are added.

"Have you ordered?" Ava asks.

"No," Logan says just as the waitress comes over.

As she rounds the table to take orders, not bothered by the newcomers, the chatter around me gets louder. The restaurant is owned by a jaguar named Remy. He seated us with plenty of room around us. I don't know him well, but the lions are friends with him.

I order my food and watch my mate talk with the ladies.

I drop my head back when I sense vampires before I see them.

"Marie," Breeane calls.

"Hey." She walks to the table, Bash trailing behind her.

"Quinn," Bash says.

"Vampire," I respond reluctantly.

"Do you guys want to join us?" Ava asks.

"Sure," Marie agrees.

I watch as another table is added beside my seat, and Bash takes the chair to my right. Kerian gives up his seat by his mate so Marie can sit with the girls, but River stays happily among the women.

"Don't fight it," Bash murmurs. "I tried. I failed."

"Do you guys have a group text?" I ask .

"Don't fight that either," he offers.

"Who sent it?" I growl, looking around the table. My question is ignored. The waitress buzzes over to take more orders.

"Oh, good. I wasn't sure if everyone got my message," Sally slides up to the table. She squeezes in between River and Ava, causing River to pout. "The panthers are busy. They said to let them know the next time we have a gathering. Elijah hung up on me," she whines. Luckily, the server hasn't left yet.

"Jesus," I say through clenched teeth.

"Boss," Sally cries. "I thought it would be a good bonding opportunity for us." She grins, not at all put off by my expression.

"I will be working outside the office more," Bash says dryly, watching the rabbit.

"Fuck you," I growl.

Sally's smile grows wider. "I love you too, vampire," she says and blows him a kiss. "Steph, you look beautiful."

"Thank you," Steph whispers. She has been quiet, watching the show.

"Is that yummy vampire going to be working with us?"

I am seriously regretting hiring her.

"No," I snarl.

"What vampire?" River asks, and I switch my heated gaze to him.

"Micah," Bash says.

"He's back?" Kerian asks.

"I didn't know you knew him?" River asks, expecting me to answer.

"Was this not discussed in the group text?" I lift an eyebrow.

"No, I wasn't going to tell them your business," Sally says, offended.

"Right." I cross my arms, refusing to offer any information.

"Micah is older than Ryker. Both he and Bash have ties to him. Bishop and Laken, the dragons, do also. Their sister, Saphira, was practically raised by him," River tells Sally .

"Interesting."

I can see the question forming in her brain and pray she shuts the fuck up.

"How do you know him?" she asks.

"Sally," Steph says. "When did you say you moved here?" I look at my mate, grateful.

"Not that long ago," she says, allowing Steph to lead her away from the direction of the conversation. "I love it here, though. Everyone has been super welcoming." She glowers in the direction of my end of the table.

The conversation flows around the table, everyone taking the obvious hint.

Steph's hand grips my thigh as she leans toward me. I tilt my head down, and her warm breath hits my ear.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," I whisper, putting my hand over hers.

"Do you want to stay at my place tonight?" she whispers, leaning closer.

I lower my voice. "I would." I squeeze her hand.

"Good," she says and sits straight.

I look back up to see Breeane watching us. She smiles slightly and nods before resuming her conversation with Logan.

At least I have something to look forward to.