Page 12 of Let's Talk One True Mate

“The task was to save some trapped wolves in that world.”

Burton quirked an eyebrow, his expression irritated.

“If I’m lying, I’m dying, Chief. Crew found Dahlia, Dahlia introduced him to the king, and they hung out in the castle for a few days, not sure how to get home. While they were there holding onto Heather’s pendant, Heather was here using Ella’s pendant, trying to find Dahlia’s pendant.”

Timber paused and grinned, savoring the moment.

Burton spurred him on. “And it was where?”

“In another world.”

“Another fucking world. I should have known.”

“Dahlia’s mom took it there years ago, not meaning to—she was trying to give it to Dahlia, but when Dahlia touched it—POOF, mom and pendant were gone for two decades, until Heather and Graeme went world-exploring and brought them back.”

Burton nodded. “I’ve met Dahlia’s mom. Bit of a loon.”

Timber shrugged. “I mean, with everything she’s been through, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a screw or two rattling around. Heather used Dahlia’s pendant to get to Dahlia, they exchanged pendants, and then they all came home—would you believe me if I told you Dahlia has a half-brother in that world?”

“No,” Burton said, grumpily. He waved his hand for Timber to go on.

4-Beckett and Cerise♦♦

“The next to meet his mate was Beckett, a month later.” Timber faced Burton squarely. “Chief—we’re going to need you to take a valium or something for what’s coming next.”

Grey really pulled some shit,Canyon said.

Burton started growling on idle.

“See, Chief, we can’t work under these conditions.”

This hostile work environment.

Timber picked up the receiver to the office phone on his desk. He pointed it at Burton saying, “Do I need to call HR? Because I’ll do it.” Timber slammed the phone back down. “Seriously, Chief, Grey fucked up several of our own. If you can’t handle it, it’s our duty not to tell you.”

Burton stood and left the area. He walked down the corridor of shelves without a word. Canyon and Timber exchanged a look, then sat and waited.

After a moment, Burton came back and sat in his chair. “I can handle it. Give me the light version.”

“Like we would tell a pup at bedtime,” Timber agreed, standing. “I need a second to think.”

Canyon opened several files and police reports, cascading them on his monitor.

Timber scanned a few reports. “This seems like an opportunity to me,” he said.

Definitely.

Canyon got up and pulled a specialty mini-fridge out of their pile of equipment and slid it across the floor, right in front of Timber, who pressed the button on the top, which opened it, revealing four cold sodas and four cold sandwiches.

“Got anything harder?” Burton said.

“We’re on the clock, Chief.”

“Right, right,” Burton mumbled. He popped open a soda and drained it, then grabbed a sandwich and downed it in two bites.

Did you take the wrapper off that, Chief?Canyon said, glancing at his unopened sandwich.

Burton burped. “I sure as shit hope so.”

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