Page 34 of The Tracker's Rage

“My mother will press charges,” I said. “Please make sure he doesn’t go free like Jenson. That asshole mage has already tried to kill me again.”

The detective’s eyes opened wide. “You didn’t mention that.”

I shrugged.

“We’ll get him, too,” Jake said.

“About that, you can’t go ‘round taking the law into your own hands. It’s not safe, and it’s not your job, so call us instead of barging into a dangerous situation like you’ve been doing.” He pulled out a small pad and poised a pen over it. “If you have any additional information that can help shed some light on what’s going on, spill it.”

“I told you everything I know,” I said. “I think Stephen is behind this. I hope this time you’ll believe me.”

I glanced in Blake’s direction, who was being stuffed into the back seat of one of the patrol cars. If Tom had believed me about Blake, maybe my mother wouldn’t have been attacked. I could see by the subtle shift in the detective’s expression that he got my meaning.

“Did you find anything in your case files?” I asked.

Tom shook his head. “Nothing concrete, just small loose ends that don’t prove anything.”

I huffed. “I’d better go, then. I have an appointment early tomorrow morning.”

Jake started after me, but I turned toward him and put a hand up. “I think you’d better catch a ride with Tom. I’ve had enough of you for one day.” I was all hot and bothered, and he didn’t seem as willing as I felt. He’d turned away from me,dammit! I didn’t need him nearby to tempt me anymore.

He looked like he was about to protest, but he only said, “Be careful.”

I turned my back on him and kept walking. “Don’t worry, I can take care of myself better than ever.”

Chapter 13

“Do most werewolvesmarry for love?” I asked Eric almost as soon as I walked into his training room the next morning at 4 AM. It was our last training session, and I wanted all the answers.

He sighed tiredly, turned toward the mirrored wall, and straightened his pristine white T-shirt. “You’ve got a one track mind, Sunder. Don’t tell me you’re in love with Jacob Knight.” He blew air through his nose as if he thought that was the most ridiculous thing in the world.

“I am,” I said. “And he’s in love with me.”

That took the sneer right out of his face, which was saying a lot since “sneer” seemed to be his default expression.

“Did he tell you that?” he asked after a moment.