Page 53 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha (Witch Twins #2)

“I’m still your bodyguard,” I snapped. “And what I did last time was for your own good. How about you get behind me.”

Not going to happen . Especially when you are mostly naked.

Ah. I’d forgotten that small detail. I moved behind him. I had no desire to flash whoever was out there. “At least let me cast a shield.”

Yes. I would appreciate it.

Well thank the gods. He could be reasonable. I flicked my fingers and my shield snapped up, surrounding us both.

The pinging had steadied out. Whatever was coming wasn’t good, but we weren’t about to be assassinated. “What’s going on?”

The Council has an Order for your apprehension. Our guards are trying to delay but I fear the Council will soon get their way. Luc is not here and Matteo does not know what to do.

Fuck. An Order for me? Not for Bastien.

I would need to get dressed.

In front of me, Bastien grew to his full size. My eyes widened. The seams on his boxers burst with a pop, pop, pop. He was absolutely magnificent.

Get in the corner. It will be dangerous.

Oh hells no. He was planning on fighting. He wasn’t going to let them take me.

With one eye on Bastien’s back, I sidled to the corner of the room where a small pile of clean clothes had been neatly folded. I shimmied into panties and pulled on my black cargo pants.

Even though I was expecting it, the knock on the door made me jump. Shit.

Bastien planted his feet.

Shit. Shit. Fuck!

“Who is it?”

“Mr President. I have guards here from the Council with an official Order for Ms Ferrera to go with them.”

I pulled my shirt over my head. Who cared about a bra at this point?

“Put it under the door.” I wasn’t an expert, but I could read.

Electra .

With just one word he conveyed, Don’t you dare . Don’t even think about it .

My heart was fluttering like a hummingbird’s wings. My mouth was dry. I tried to send calming thoughts down the bond.

Just let’s look at it, okay. If it’s an official Order, I think I should go.

No.

My pre-cog was still pinging. Still steady. It felt like we were at a crossroads. If Bastien refused to co-operate, there would be violence. But maybe there didn’t have to be. If I could convince him to let me leave.

Walking back across the room I came up behind him. We can’t afford to piss the Council off right now. Let me go now and see what they want. I’ll tell you as soon as I feel like I’m in danger.

There was a rustle of paper and a folded piece of white paper appeared through the gap under the door.

I do not wish you to be out of my sight. I can only protect you if you stay with me.

He was considering it. The pinging of my pre-cog began to slow. Leaning my head against his broad back, I brought my hands up, around his waist.

His sigh was deep. His hands rose to cover mine.

Please let me go. I promise not to shut you out. You’ll know if I’m in danger. My magic tells me that this is the safest course right now.

I don’t like it.

I gave a humourless laugh . Neither do I. But this is the situation we’re in. And we need to try to sort it out without violence.

Wait there , he ordered. He removed his hands from mine, which I took as a cue to drop my arms. As soon as I was no longer holding him, he strode to the door and collected the piece of paper, giving me a view of his fine-as-hell ass as he bent forwards.

He scanned the paper, frowning, mouth turned down, then handed it to me.

The official seal of the Council was visible at the top of the paper. I read the words quickly. Order. Apprehend. Electra Ferrera. All necessary force.

That was definitely not good. If I didn’t co-operate there would be bloodshed. And I didn’t want to be responsible for Bastien hurting people who were only doing their job.

My pre-cog had settled when it was clear that Bastien was considering letting me go. This was the safest course of action.

Flame-blue Shifter eyes met mine. Searched them.

You are my mate. For always. I can’t live without you. Wherever you are, I will find you if you need me. The words were accompanied by a rush of emotion. Worry. Love.

I sniffed back tears. I couldn’t break down now.

“Ms Ferrera. You need to come out now or we will be obliged to come and get you.”

I could do this. I was the Ice Queen. Stiffening my spine, my face snapped into my professional expression, showing no fear. “I’m coming,” I said. My voice sounded strong. Confident. I was a quivering bundle of nerves, but they didn’t know that.

Bastien’s gaze burned into my back as I walked away from him. I opened the door to see Matteo and four human women in Council uniform. All armed, guns held ready.

My shield still hummed. Behind me, I heard the rumble of an angry Beast.

“I’m here,” I said. “And I am going to co-operate. There is no need for violence.”

“Stand down,” said one with greying hair and an insignia on her shoulders. The guns lowered and I took a shaky breath. “Please come with us.” Two soldiers stepped back, making space for me.

I didn’t look back. I didn’t want to see the expression on Bastien’s face when I walked away.

I stepped into the gap, flicking my fingers as I moved. My shield collapsed down, until it sat just inches away from my skin. My pre-cog had calmed, but I wasn’t planning on taking any chances. Not when I had Bastien waiting for me.