Wolf Shifter Diaries: Lies Tamed (Sweet Paranormal Wolf & Fae Fantasy Romance Series Book 2) by E. Hall (books for men to read TXT) 📗

“She’s holding in there. Doctors say the hip replacement can take some time to heal. We’ve got enough casseroles to feed us for the rest of our days, trust me. Thing is, no one around here believes I can cook. I make a mean chowder to be sure. I’ll bring you some next time I’m up this way.”

From down the table, Officer Brucker hoots and hops around, stuffing tortilla chips in his mouth. “Ooh. That’s spicy.”

Everyone laughs.

“Get him a glass of milk,” Juan Pablo says.

“No, no. He needs honey,” Carmen says, bustling to the cupboard.

A few others suggest alternatives to cool the heat in his mouth while Brucker’s eyes water.

“I suppose he’s not used to chilies,” Clint says, finishing his taco in one more bite.

“I’ve been meaning to come up here and order a few cords of wood. I have to keep the old stove in the basement going so I don’t have another pipe burst this winter.”

“We have plenty. Could probably heat every house in the Polaris and beyond,” I say. Typically, splitting wood is my main stress release.

“I used to get my wood from Richard Dubois. It’s a shame.” Clint wipes his mouth with a napkin and shakes his head.

“Sure is,” I reply, surprised he’s ready to segue into the purpose of his visit.

Kenna makes her way to the empty seat by my side.

“Blow me over. Who is this?” Clint says.

Kenna blushes.

Clint leans in. “Between you and me, I think I’m looking at the future Mrs. Stone.”

My ears heat. He’s not wrong.

Kenna’s expression is soft at the astute and grandfatherly comment.

We chat for a few more minutes. Kenna talks about life back in the States and shares an abbreviated version of what brought her to Concordia.

As the wolves clear out, Clint wipes his hands on his napkin and gestures for me to follow him to the other room. It’s time to get down to business.

I motion to Kenna that we’ll be right back.

“The Bennett family is broken up about their son’s sudden death. Their son, Jake, would go fishing up the Weeping River all the time. Never had any trouble. He was a good kid. Well, I knew him since he was a kid. Went to college in London. Came back home to help with the family farm. They grow pears. Horrific how we found him.”

“We’ve been looking into it,” I say.

He meets my gaze with concern. “No idea what it could be, Corbin?”

“Not one of ours, but whatever it is has our attention. We’re working on it.”

“While you’ve been tracking it, it’s been wreaking havoc. It started with Richard and the death toll is rising.”

A sinking feeling lands in my stomach as the words echo in my head.

“I’m sorry to do this, but if there’s another death, we’re going to have to intervene, make our presence known. The higher-ups from the city are getting concerned. Said they would start an investigation. If there aren’t any more deaths, I think I can ward them off, but—”

“I’d like to promise there won’t be, but—” I finish the same, wondering how much to tell him.

Through the window, the wind rustles through the leaves cast silvery by the moonlight. Autumn isn’t far off. I already have enough heat from the Council because it’s my duty to track down the werewolf. I’m also harboring the MMW, have to find Greyson, and expose the Klave. The pressure is on.

My eyes dip toward the pack in the kitchen and those still seated around the table. A knot forms in my stomach, twisting my insides, and making me regret the spicy meal.

Clint’s expression turns stony. “You’ve never done us wrong, Corbin. But whatever this is, it has to be stopped.”

“I understand.”

“Can you tell me anything that would be helpful?”

My Alpha rises inside. Five minutes later, Clint knows all the details about the werewolf on the loose. My palms grow sweatier and sweatier until I remind myself I have nothing to hide.

“Anything else?”

I sigh. “Isn’t that enough?”

Clint chuckles. “I suppose so.” A bead of sweat escapes from his hairline. “I’ll never get used to this world.” He sighs. “I was out on patrol the other night, and it was probably just a trick of the light, but I thought I saw something.”

“Something?” I ask.

“I saw a woman. She looked vaguely familiar—purple hair. Thought maybe she was one of yours.” He blinks. “I didn’t see her here tonight. Anyway, then she appeared again. She was there then she wasn’t then she was there again.” He shakes his head.

Amanda and the cloak. “Could’ve been a trick of the light, but trust your eyes, sir.”

“Could’ve been someone with the power to go invisible?”

I shake my head. “No. No one can do that, but there are ways people can go unseen. Then seen again. But that person was eliminated.” I clear my throat.

“I take it that’s a good thing.”

“She was one of ours. She made some poor decisions.”

Clint extends his hand for me to shake. “Thank you, Corbin, and always a pleasure.” He places his hat on his head and tips it.

“No problem at all. Glad to help.”

Clint claps Brucker on the back and they say goodbye.

Kenna appears in the doorway.

The knot in my stomach goes taut. She moves to the window until the police car’s taillights disappear. When she turns, a pair of tears track down her cheeks.

“Are you okay?”

“I don’t think Alphas are supposed to cry. Part of me hates myself for killing Amanda. Another part hates that I’m broken up about killing the person who tried to kill me multiple times. This power inside scares me, Corbin.” She gazes at her hands as though magic is about to leap from her fingers.

“It’ll be okay.”