Lily frowned. Talk about a weak excuse. “And you’re sure they’re watching me?”
Riley gave a sharp nod. “After David spoke to them, they moved their car out front here. They’ve been sitting there for a while now.”
For several minutes she sat in stunned silence.
“I’m guessing they couldn’t figure out where you lived with a simple drive-by, so they’re keeping an eye on you here and will probably follow you home once your shift ends.”
Her voice was a hoarse whisper, “What do I do?” a question more for herself than for Riley, but he answered regardless. “You go home. We’ve put the word out that humans are in town and people need to keep their skin for the time being, but other than that, there’s nothing you can do.”
Guilt swamped her. She had done this. She had brought police into the town and put this pack – her pack, her family – in danger. This town that had taken her and her sister in when they needed sanctuary. A wolf pack that had accepted them into their fold despite she and Daisy being feline… And this is how she repays them? By bringing them under police scrutiny?
The warm weight of a hand fell on her shoulder and Riley’s voice was full of compassion as he said, “Hey, it’s all going to be okay. I believe you when you say you’re not involved with this crime. They’ll get it sorted and this will all be over. I promise.”
Lily’s eyes prickled with tears knowing he couldn’t actually keep that promise, but the effort was appreciated. She loved this town. This was her home. She needed to protect it. She needed to catch this killer – but how?We set a trap…Closing her eyes, she gritted her teeth as Christian’s voice slid through her mind. She hated his plan, but the sooner they caught this killer, the sooner the police would stop looking at her, stop looking at this town, and things could return to normal. So against her better judgement, she would board the Christian Crazy Train of insane plans.
Trying to act casual when you know you’re being watched is harder than it sounds. Lily spotted the car, and the two men in it, as soon as she left the diner for the day and had to tamp down the urge to march over there and confront them.
Instead, she averted her gaze, took Riley’s advice, and just headed home. After all, she had nothing to hide right? Well, except for the fact that she had a habit of sleepwalking and may unknowingly be doing weird things while unaware. Great. Perfect. Wonderful.
To give the detectives, officers, whatever they were, their due, they did attempt to look inconspicuous as they followed her home. They stayed a ways back, but it wasn’t like Malsum Pass was teeming with traffic, so Lily could still easily keep an eye on them in her rearview mirror. She wondered what their plan would be once they saw where she lived. Tents? Maybe… that is, if Christian didn’t scare them off once he scented them in his territory. The thought made her chuckle. And speaking of Christian, she’d much rather hang out at his place then go home to her lonely cabin.
With that thought in mind, she didn’t even bother walking to her house and showering. She’d shower at Christian’s and wear one of his big, baggy t-shirts. Much more comfortable than anything she owned anyway.
Her bear was out in the front yard of his cabin, hanging some shutters he had painted previously. As soon as he caught her scent, he turned with a smile of greeting and her belly clenched in anticipation. God, just looking at him made her nipples contract and her core throb. Was that even normal?
Watching him with hungry eyes she saw him raise his head and his nostrils flare as he took in a scent before he frowned. How could she have forgotten the humans following her? Stupid gooey feelings were so distracting. Reaching him, she pushed up on tip-toe and leaned in for a kiss, her fingertips moving over his arms, and she whispered against his lips, “I’m assuming they’re cops set to watch me.”
Christian’s dark eyes sparkled with mischief. “Want to play with them?”
Pulling her head back, but keeping her hands on the heat of his skin, Lily frowned. “Play with them how?”
His mouth split in a wide grin. “I wonder if they know there are bears in these woods.”
Funny how she had had almost that exact thought on the ride home. The image of Christian in fur, bellowing and chasing off her watchdogs, was rather amusing, but knowing her luck, they’d be armed and end up shooting him in their fear. She shook her head, but then her own smile turned mischievous, “I’d rather you play with me instead.”
Christian let out a growl of approval, his arm snaking around her waist to lift her off her feet as he sealed his lips to hers. Pushing through the door to his cabin, he kicked it shut behind them.