“Why are they here?” Bear’s irritation sizzled on the breeze.
“They got in trouble and needed an assignment. I figured the king thought they’d be safe enough with me, and well, you—you being in the vicinity—and maybe they can help. As prospects, perhaps more people will talk to them.”
“I don’t like it,” Bear repeated.
Well, no shit. If anything happened to Garrett Kayrs, the entire world would descend on Kell and Bear’s heads. Vampires were never good-natured, and the king had one hell of a wrath when riled. “They’re both trained, and Logan has seen combat.” Shit. A hell of a lot of combat. “Garrett has been in war, nearly losing everybody and almost stepping up as leader of the Realm.”
Bear lifted one eyebrow. “You think he could do it?”
Kell paused, his mind focusing. “Yeah. If needed, the kid could do it.” Thank god it hadn’t been needed. “Why else you seek me out, Bear?”
“The cop.” Bear poked the paper bag. “Your cop.”
Kell’s shoulders went back. “What about her?”
“There’s a reward for capturing her. One of my club members was approached late last night.”
Fire lashed through Kell so quickly, blue flames wavered between his fingers. “Who?”
“Don’t know yet. The second I do, I’ll send the name your way. Apparently they think she has some kind of information.”
“She doesn’t.”
“I figured.” Bear glanced at the flames, his eyes lightening. “How serious are you?”
“I like her. She stays safe.” Kell’s life consisted of missions, hunting, wounds, and killing. Although Alexandra was a cop, she was female and delicate. “That’s it.” A voice whispered deep in his head that she was more than that, and he was fooling himself.
“Fair enough.” Bear hadn’t reached his position in life by arguing about personal matters, even if amusement did lift his upper lip again. “Why is there a bounty?”
“I don’t know.” But Kell would damn well find out. “Her apartment has been searched a couple times, too. Somebody thinks she knows something.”
“Maybe she does.” Bear angled to the side and clomped down the steps. “Perhaps you don’t know her as well as you think.”
Kell followed him and turned toward his bike. Dust billowed up from a gust of wind, and he tuned in to the quiet surroundings. “I know her well enough, and she is unaware of her importance. We have to figure out what’s going on.” He hadn’t wanted to read the file on her given to him by the king, but it appeared as if he’d have to break the seal. “Thank you for the information.”
Bear shrugged. “I have a good relationship with the Coven Nine.”
Kell swung a leg over his bike and paused. “You agreed to our investigation in your territory, but you haven’t asked any questions.”
“I know why you’re here, Kellach.” Bear straddled his Harley. “Planekite isn’t the big secret you witches believe.”
Well, double shit. “Phenakite. Hell, we’re calling it PK now.”
“Whatever.” Bear grinned.
Kell frowned. “Why do I think there’s a third reason you sought me out today?”
“There was, but you answered my question.” Bear gunned his motor.
Kell raised an eyebrow. “How?”
“By buying condoms for a sexy cop.” Bear turned his bike and rode west without another word.
Kell blinked. The idea of Bear wanting to date Alexandra didn’t surprise him as much as it should. The woman was exquisite and intriguing. A rush of energy rolled through him, unusual and difficult to identify. But the one word that escaped his lips said it all. “Mine.”
Lex patiently handed her mother a handkerchief, one of her favorites. “And then, it looks like Kate Middleton decided to play a jumping game in wedge heels.”
“Oh, my.” Her mom’s eyes lit up, and she sat back in the plush floral chair. “How did she do?”
“She was the epitome of grace and fun.” Lex smiled. “As always.”
“I do love that girl.” Jennie clapped her hands together. “She’s so refreshing and good for the monarchy, you know?”
“I know.” For some reason, her mother had always been nearly obsessed with the royal family, and it felt good to bring her some news. Or at least information. “How are you feeling?”
“So much better.” Jennie squinted and glanced around the cheerful room. The color had returned to her face, although physical therapy seemed to zap her energy. “Although I should go soon. This is costing way too much.”
Yeah, it was. “No, it’s no problem. I get a good deal since I’m a police officer and a state employee.” Not. Nowhere near, but she couldn’t allow her mother to worry. “This is a nice place, and you’re doing so much better.” If Lex had to find another job, she’d do it. But considering her schedule was sporadic, basically based on murders, it was difficult to find another job with such flexible hours.