Page 111 of Mortal Shift
Owen guided me through the dimly lit streets and I didn’t know whether to be annoyed or flattered that one of the wolves followed in the shadows behind me—as if I would have the strength to take on Owen, even if I did harbor him any ill will. Which I didn’t right now, seeing as he was my only way to get in touch with Blaine and maybe save Cole’s life.
We walked in terse silence, Owen having attempted conversation twice before taking the hint, and I don’t think I imagined the relief in his posture when he gestured to the door of a large, yet not ostentatious, house.
The door swung open before I had time to even consider approaching, and Blaine stood outlined in the doorway, not looking even slightly like he’d been asleep.
“Cali,” he said, inclining his head in friendly greeting. “I wasn’t expecting you. Thank you, Owen, you can return to your post.”
The man hurried away without a backward glance, and I watched him until he was out of sight—and earshot—before turning back to Blaine.
“We’ve got a problem,” I told him without preamble. “A big one.”
All signs of levity vanished from his face, and he gestured to his hallway.
“Come inside.”
I shook my head. “Hot drinks aren’t going to solve this one, and we don’t have time. Cole’s been arrested.”
The muscles in his shoulders all bunched up, and every other part of him froze.
“Arrested for what?”
“Attempted murder.”
He blinked, something passing through his dark eyes too quickly for me to catch.
“Whose?”
“Thaden. He’s a student. A vampire.”
Blaine nodded. “I know of him. Do they have any leads on who the true attacker is?”
“No.” I ground my teeth together. “I don’t think they’re even looking. But we are.”
“We?”
“Um, Ling and Jax, and…a friend. I think.”
“Our Jax? Good. He’s a loyal friend to Cole.”
I nodded, just glad he hadn’t pressed about our other ‘friend’, because I was pretty sure he wouldn’t approve of me having a vampire helping us out, and especially not the sister of the vampire Cole was supposed to have attacked.
“Look, I don’t know where they’re holding him, and I don’t know when they’re going to put him on trial,” I said, and then swallowed, and my voice came out small. “I don’t even know if he’s still alive.”
“Yes, you do,” Blaine said, reaching out and giving my shoulder a squeeze. “The two of you have bonded. You’d sense it.”
I shook my head. “You don’t get it. We haven’t sealed the mate bond.”
“You haven’t?” Blaine frowned, canting his head. “Odd.”
“What is?”
“Never mind, it doesn’t matter. Something has changed between you, and apparently it’s enough.”
My cheeks heated and Blaine raised a brow.
“Ah. I see.”
“Yeah. I really wish you didn’t.”
