Braxton nodded and pulled her close. “She knows what I am. What we are.”
Barrett cocked his head, his gaze running down her body as if assessing if he could trust her. “A Tribunal is like a court case where both sides present evidence. Only there is no jury. Only a judge.”
“Is it safe to say you would be the judge?”
“Always.” Barrett grinned, his bright white teeth gleaming against his five o’clock shadow. He was breathtakingly beautiful, but he did nothing for her. Not like Braxton did.
“I’d like to take Kate home first, before I have to leave.”
Barrett stared hard at Braxton. “The Were law states that once in the custody of the Commander of the state, a fugitive has no rights.”
Kate swallowed. This would be the last time she’d see Braxton. Probably ever.
“I understand.” Braxton nodded, but his body stayed tense.
“But seeing how we have an understanding, I don’t suppose it would hurt for you to see the girl home. I’ll be by shortly to collect you.”
“Thank you.” Kate reached out and touched Barrett’s arm. He looked a little shocked and then frowned. She snatched her arm away, not wanting to press her luck.
“I appreciate it, Barrett. You’ve saved my ass tonight.” Braxton stuck out his hand. The two shook.
“It’s not over yet. You’ll still have to prove you’re innocent at the Tribunal in Little Rock.”
***
They rode back to Bella Luna in Kate’s SUV in heavy silence. Braxton wished for the hundredth time that the stupid truck didn’t have bucket seats so he could pull her right up next to him.
He pulled up to the bed and breakfast and cut the engine. The darkness of night was giving way to the purple light of dawn. Only a few more minutes and the sun would be peeking over the mountains.
Kate got out and shut the door. Braxton followed.
His gut clenched as he tried to imagine not being able to see her every day. He hadn’t realized just how much he’d miss her. Why had he found his perfect mate, only to lose her? The thought made him feel empty inside.
“Kate.”
She stopped, one foot resting on the steps, the other on the ground. The way she held her shoulders, straight and stiff, made Braxton realize she was barely hanging on to her emotions, as well.
He pulled her back against his chest, holding her tight and burying his face in her neck. She melted against him and rubbed her cheek against him.
“I’m not sure how this will all turn out,” Braxton murmured against her neck. “If I can’t prove my innocence then…”
Kate jerked in his arms and turned to face him. “But you are under Barrett’s protection now.” She stared at him, wide-eyed.
“I am under Barrett’s protection for the Tribunal. Barrett will see that I get a fair trial, but he won’t declare my innocence if I can’t provide any evidence.”
“So there’s no hope then.” Kate’s eyes filled with tears.
He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “There’s always hope, Kate. You taught me that.”
She reached up on tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing his mouth down to meet hers. This kiss was different, a combination of urgency and longing, and it almost brought Braxton to his knees.
When he finally pulled away, Braxton continued to gaze at her. “I’ll come back to you. When this is all over, I’ll come back.”
Kate nodded slowly. “I’ll be here.” She turned and hurried up the steps.
Braxton bristled; a strange sense of foreboding crept across his skin.
A metal click echoed in the stillness of the predawn. Braxton sprang toward Kate and shoved her down to the wooden floor of the porch just before a gunshot rang out over their heads.
Braxton stayed still, covering Kate’s body, while his eyes searched frantically in the dark. A shadow shifted.
“Don’t move,” Braxton whispered to Kate.
“Only a coward would shoot in the dark.” He called out to the shadow at the end of the porch. His eyes quickly focused and adjusted. The figure was female.
“Braxton.” The familiar feminine voice purred as she stepped forward into a puddle of light from the front porch sconce.
“Wendy?” Braxton blinked. “What the hell are you doing shooting at us?” He slowly stood, careful to make sure he kept Kate behind him.
“I’m not shooting at you. I was aiming for her.” Wendy glared at Kate.
“Who is she, Braxton?” Kate asked as she peered around his shoulder.