Series: Lee Savino
Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“Yes. They named themselves after the trained hunters in ancient Rome who participated in public spectacles called venationes. These spectacles involved hunting and killing wild animals in arenas and were a major form of entertainment. I guess to these modern-day Venatores, a shifter–a human wild animal–is a better opponent.”
“Disgusting.” Rage flares in Paloma’s gaze, fierce and protective. “Those men are twisted. Morally reprehensible. They need to be brought down.”
“Yes. That’s the focus of the shifter ops team you met.”
“And for fuck’s sake, hunting juveniles who just transitioned? That’s just sick.”
“I agree.”
“Maybe I can help. I know many of Thom’s cronies.”
“That would be helpful. I’m sure they will thoroughly investigate all leads you can provide or that they can dig up now that they know Thom was a part of it.”
Paloma blinks at me, her gaze clouding even more. “Am I going to be wanted for murder now?”
“No.” I tuck a section of hair behind her ear. “Absolutely not. The ops team stayed to clean up. I imagine they staged an explosion or a plane crash or something to cover it all up.”
“Oh!” Paloma laughs. “I just realized that’s why they lit off fireworks when we landed at Lockepoint. It was to cover the sound of gunfire! So smart.”
“Yes.” I lightly trace around wounds I made in Paloma’s neck. “How much do you hate me right now for this?”
She laughs. “I might hate you tomorrow, but right now, I feel incredible.”
I relax a little. “The serum may have some drugging properties to humans–I’m not sure. I’ll ask Matthias. We should have him keep an eye on those puncture wounds to make sure they don’t get infected although my saliva speeds healing and prevents infection.”
“Okay.” Paloma’s lids droop, and her head falls into the pillow.
I believe we’ve both been up for twenty-four hours straight, except for when I was drugged, but it feels like there’s so much we still need to discuss. “There’s something I didn’t tell you.”
Paloma leans her head up on one hand, looking sleepy. “What is it?”
“Bears mate for life. Marking you is more than a human marriage. There’s no divorcing me. No getting rid of me. But I don’t want you to feel caged in after everything you’ve been through.”
Paloma gazes at me with those big brown eyes. “Are you saying I’m stuck with you now?”
I nod.
“I’m going to have a giant, growly bear protector for the rest of my life?”
“That’s right, princess. We don’t have to stay here, though. I’ll go wherever you and Wren want to live. I can work from anywhere, despite what I told myself for the last fifteen years.”
“And he comes with seven giant bear brothers and a mom who is hibernating?”
I see the twinkle in her eye, and I’m able to exhale. “Exactly.”
“Oh, darn.” Her lips quirk, and she leans forward to kiss my lips. “That sounds perfectly horrible, but I’ll probably adjust.”
I stroke my hand over her hip. “Are you sure, love? I know we just met, and humans normally court for much longer.”
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life,” she murmurs, scooting her pillow closer and nestling right up against my chest. “But now I need to hibernate for a minute,” she mumbles sleepily.
My bear rumbles softly, content at last. My mate is here in my arms, exactly where she’s supposed to be. I may have kidnapped Rapunzel from her tower, but now she’s content to stay.
I press a reverent kiss to her forehead. “Sleep, little dove,” I murmur, even though her breath is already deep and even.
Paloma
“Wake up.”
“One thing you should know,” I mumble. “I am not really a morning person.” Years of Thom making me work early and overtime trading hours had me longing to sleep in.
“Good to know.” Darius kisses my shoulder. He cut his hair back to Wall Street standards, which is sexy as hell. Actually, he rocks every length of hair and beard I’ve seen on him.
“Sleep all you want, princess. Just so you know, I’ve gotten word that Teddy and Lana invited us over for a big pancake breakfast.”
My eyes pop open. “Never mind, I’m awake. I love pancakes.”
Darius’ chest rumbles with a laugh. “Wren told them they were your favorite. She and Everest made a Bananas Foster sauce on the side.”
“I’m up, I’m up.” I throw off the covers and dash to the bathroom.
“Take your time. I’ll get you some coffee.”
I exit the bedroom a few minutes later, all dressed in comfy GoddessWear yoga pants and a spaghetti strap top, with one of Darius’ flannel shirts thrown over it for warmth. Darius greets me with a hot mug of coffee and a kiss.
“Mmmm, I could get used to this.” I rub his stubbled chin. He was clean-shaven a minute ago, but now his jaw is covered in wiry golden hairs. “Viking beard kisses are the best.”