13 #2
“My name’s Detective Peterson, and this is my partner, Detective Masters. We need to have a word with Miss Reighn.”
“I am Miss Reighn. May I ask what this is about?” Better to play stupid than straight up out myself as a witness to a violent crime. Well, a witness and a victim.
Detective Peterson, the one that had spoken, peers at me up and down in a slow perusal that immediately makes my skin crawl. I can feel Kate hovering behind me, but I make sure I keep the door cracked just enough where they won’t realize she’s standing there.
Just in case they try anything fishy.
I have first hand knowledge of what a crooked officer of the law is capable of when their authority is challenged.
“May we come in for a quick chat, Miss Reighn? There are witnesses that put you at the scene of a crime that took place late yesterday afternoon. We just have a few questions, and then we’ll be out of your hair.”
I’m already shaking my head as soon as he finishes. “I’m sorry, Detective. I don’t feel comfortable with that for various reasons.” I tilt my chin up and watch his nostrils flare. He must realize that no omega would willingly invite strange alphas into her home.
His eyes narrow on the sling holding my arm close to my chest, and irritation turns his scent sour.
So much like spoiled milk, that it makes me want to gag.
“Listen, Miss Reighn. It would be in your best interest to cooperate with us. If you’re hiding information regarding a crime you were involved in, things could turn ugly for you. We are just trying to help-”
“You will not be doing anything without my omega’s lawyer present. Especially not in her house without her alphas, Detective.” A familiar voice booms out down the hall, and my entire body goes rigid when both officers turn to face the raging man marching towards them. Clearly on the warpath.
I peek out when they’re distracted to confirm it is, indeed, Wren Madden stalking down the hall like a predator that’s set his sights on his prey. “M-mr. Madden? We were unaware that Miss Reighn was your-”
Wren snarls, the sound echoing down the hall like a clap of thunder.
He’s fucking pissed . “It shouldn’t matter, Peterson.
You will not be allowed to speak to my omega in her own home.
Besides, it isn’t her hands covered in the blood of your asshole pack mates, now is it?
Now, tell me why you are really here, against proper protocol, I might add? ”
A small gasp slips free from Kate and she finally shoves herself into the doorway with me, unwilling to miss out on the action.
Masters chances a glance over at us now that Kate’s joined the party, but Wren’s warning growl snaps his wary eyes right back to the seriously pissed off viking god alpha taking up nearly all the space in the hallway, effectively blocking the only exit.
“Mr. Madden, she’s still a witness to a violent crime that needs to be investigated-” Peterson begins, but Wren’s eyes flash with anger, and he shuts right the hell up.
“Caito will meet the both of you down at the station with our lawyer. Once you’re finished with his interview, if you require further information, then I will consider allowing you to speak to my omega.
Otherwise, get the fuck out of my sight before I’m forced to resort to violence all over again to protect my omega from outside threats. ”
I can practically feel the indignant rage pouring off both alpha detectives as they face off with my vengeful mate, but I’m not foolish enough to step in. He has it all handled, and I’m happy to step back and let him work whatever magic he seems to have over the people in this godforsaken city.
“He is so fucking hot.” Kate leans in close enough to whisper that in my ear, and it takes all of my willpower not to turn around and gouge her eyeballs out for daring to look at the alpha that belongs to me.
Stupid fucking omega hormones. It doesn’t matter that I can never allow myself to claim him. I don’t want her getting any ideas.
Instead, I bump her away from me with my good shoulder, and she giggles softly before stepping off.
Wisely, the two detectives don’t even glance over at us. “We will be in touch, Mr. Madden. Make sure she doesn’t leave town until this is all sorted.” Peterson hands over a business card to Wren, who just peels his lip back in a sneer, refusing to take it.
They slip by him, making sure they don’t touch, and head back down the hall to the exit. Once they’re out of sight, Wren turns to me, but he doesn’t release any of the tension still bracketing his broad shoulders.
His gaze flicks to Kate briefly, before returning his focus on me. Good alpha. “Are you alright, Sweetheart?” His tone is deceptively calm and soothing for someone strung as tight as a bow string.
“Why don’t you come inside and she can tell you all about it.” Kate coos at him, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger while she bats her eyelashes at him. I grit my teeth when he smirks, but he wisely doesn’t look over at her.
“I will, as long as it’s OK with your roommate.” He says this to her, all while keeping our gazes locked together.
I really don’t want him to see this side of my life. It isn’t Kate that I’m worried about. Not really.
He offers me a charming smile, one my foolish omega heart can’t deny. Sucking in a deep breath, I grumble, “Would you like to come in?”
I’ll never admit how much I enjoy giving in so easily.