Page 31

"But Dahlia! You had sex in his bathroom! That's going in the hall of fame of hookups!"

I clench my jaw so hard I'm surprised my teeth don't crack. The bear inside me growls, possessive and angry. A new scent clings to Dahlia, it's musky and male with notes of whiskey and expensive cologne.

I force the animal down.This is a job, nothing more. She's not mine to claim.

Emily flags down a cab, and they prepare to get in. I step out of the shadows just as Dahlia is about to slide into the backseat.

"Going somewhere, Dr. Baldwin?"

Dahlia freezes, then turns slowly to face me. "Detective Byers. Fancy meeting you here."

Emily looks between us with wide eyes. "Um, who is this?"

"Go home, Emily," Dahlia says without breaking eye contact with me. "I'll call you tomorrow."

"But…"

"It's fine," Dahlia insists. "This is... work-related."

Emily hesitates, then pulls Dahlia into a quick hug. "You better call me. And I want every single detail about tonight. Every. Single. Detail."

Once Emily is safely in the cab and pulling away, Dahlia crosses her arms over her chest. "What are you doing here?"

I step closer, towering over her. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for you to be alone?"

"I needed a break," she snaps, tilting her chin up defiantly.

"A break," I repeat flatly. "When we're trying to prevent you from being murdered."

"It was one night, Detective. One normal night."

"Get in the car," I say, nodding toward my unmarked police vehicle parked nearby. "We're leaving."

"I'm not going back to that safe house," she argues. "Not tonight."

"Fine… I have an apartment nearby. We can go there."

She blinks, clearly surprised by my offer. "Your place?"

"Unless you'd prefer Blackthorn's company."

Her eyes narrow at my tone. "Fine. Lead the way, Detective."

I guide her to my car, hyperaware of her scent now mixed with the other man. It's driving my bear crazy, making me want to erase any trace of the other man. I open the passenger door for her, then circle around to the driver's side.

"Who was he?"

"Who?" Dahlia asks, though her quickened pulse tells me she knows exactly what I'm asking.

"The man whose scent is all over you."

She stiffens beside me. "That's none of your business."

"It is when you're in danger and I'm responsible for keeping you alive,"

"It was just a hookup," she finally admits. "The lead singer of Exedra. Axl Valentine. I doubt he's even a shifter. It was just... a one-night thing and don't treat me like a child, I'm a fucking adult."

I don't push further, and soon my apartment comes into view. It is in an older building with good security and neighbors who mind their own business. Perfect for a cop who values privacy. I park in the underground garage and lead Dahlia to the elevator.