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"So what?"

She could co when you do? What if there’s so the duffel over her shoulder, she made her way out Her brother was the first stop, and she discovered him barely awake

"Hey," he said with a sleepy s drive, bro" S, she sat and took his hand "I’ll have to stop overnight and ht" He frowned "I wish you didn’t have to go all that way alone"

"I’m a cop, remember? Besides, I et home if that’ll make you feel better"

"It will But I don’t have a cell phone anymore God knohat happened to ot their cell numbers"

Too observant for her comfort, Micah eyed her in speculation "Ro, I don’t want to butt in where it’s not my biz-"

"Then don’t"

"I have to You’re the only sister I have, and if Aric’s playing with your feelings I want to know," he said in a cool voice

"No, he’s not," she said quietly "That’s not it" Fresh pain stabbed her s for him" A statement, not a question

"Yeah But I’s are love How a or just a few great nights fucking each other’s brains out?"

Her brother grionna need an extra e alone, thanks so much"

"You’re welcos "So how do I know?"

"By doing exactly what you are-put sos quickly beco uts still feel like they’re being turned inside out a week or amoment "Has anyone told you about wolf shifters and mates?"

"Yes" She paused "Jax and Kira are mates Aric told me more about the subject, too, like hoolf shifter needs to bite his intended Bondmate, and then they can’t live without each other"

He fell silent Anxiety formed a knot in her chest

"Micah, Aric and I are not mates He hasn’tle protest"

"That doesn’t sound like the Aric I know, to let soo that he really wants" He blew out a breath "But ht Ask him, okay? Just put it out there, point-blank, and ask him if he’s sensed a bond between you, if he’s felt the need to claim you If so, that would explain part of the intense pull between you"

"I’ to trap hi vine"

"Just do it He’ll be straight with you, if he’s the saht Thanks, little bro" She gazed at hi I don’t want you driving after dark"

The order sounded paternal, and co, and then kissed his scarred cheek "I love you"

"And I love you Now get before you make me all mushy"

"See you soon"

"Not if I see you first"

Lifting her purse and duffel, she blew hi not to cry For the most part she succeeded, except for a couple of stray tears that she swiped fast, before anyone saw She found the guys in the rec roo the shit and watching TV Kalen noticed her immediately, and looked over his shoulder at her fro already?"

"Afraid so" Her gaze went to Aric and her smile trembled on her lips He rose frooing to be much harder than she’d believed "Hi"

"Can I help you to your car with that?"

"Sure"

He took her duffel and the guys hugged her good-bye one by one Even AJ, whootten to know better There would be tih, to foster those relationships Her brother worked there

And Nick had given her an opportunity to consider A great one

They headed outside and walked around the building to her car Someone had pulled it up to the front and left the keys in the ignition Some cop she was-she hadn’t even realized the keys wereinto the backseat, shut the door, and then opened the driver’s door for her "I’ to miss you Until you come back, that is," he said

Was that a note of sadness in his voice? Or was it wishful thinking on her part?

"Hopefully it won’t be too long A feeeks at most" She touched his face, traced his lips "I’ll et all about et home, back to the force and the people you’re devoted to protecting" His lips curved upward and he nibbled her fingers