Consumed (Dark Protectors) by Rebecca Zanetti Read Free Book Online

it. “Why don’t you want me at home?”
    “I’m endorsing Noah as leader of the feline nation. Some people won’t agree, and it’ll be dangerous until he proves himself. I need Baye at home to help Mac cover his back.” The three brothers had served as Jordan’s enforcers for centuries. The feline nation was a monarchy, and Jordan had no family. Nobody waited to ascend and lead, so there’d be fights until one victor emerged. Jordan ran a rough hand through his tawny hair, leaving it mussed.
    Her hands were jealous. “I spoke with Emma earlier.”
    A genuine smile tipped his lips. Finally. “How is the Queen of the Realm?”
    “Good. She said they might have an antiviral for the virus based on both Maggie’s blood and the sample you sent right after being infected.” After all this time, could they have found a cure?
    “That’d be great.” Jordan’s inflection didn’t change. Lightning cracked outside, brightening the room. “Don’t get your hopes up. We both know there isn’t enough time for me, but maybe for others.” He took a step inside, bringing the scent of wild male with him.
    An unwelcome hurt chilled her legs. “Why didn’t you call me? I mean, when you were infected?”
    He stilled, lifting both eyebrows. “I came as soon as I knew the results.”
    “I could’ve worried with you while you waited for confirmation.” Why couldn’t he see her as an adult—as someone he could count on? “You can trust me.”
    “I do trust you.”
    No, he didn’t. In fact, Jordan didn’t really trust anybody. “You don’t have to be so all alone all the time.” Ruling a nation took a strong hand, and Jordan held strength in bulk. But Dage ruled with family around ... with friends being a part of his life. Why couldn’t Jordan?
    Irritation cut lines to the sides of his mouth. “Let’s discuss my leadership issues another day. I don’t suppose you’ve packed?”
    “No.”
    “We can do this my way, Katie ... or my way.” Then his head lifted. His eyes darkened.. “I smell blood.”
    Shit. “I, ah, cut my arm. No big deal.”
    Two strides and he sat on the bed, reaching for her bandaged arm, zeroing right in. “What cut you?” His voice lowered to deadly.
    She shivered in her thin T-shirt. “Ah, well, a werewolf?”
    He ran his fingers along the side of the bandage. “Tonight?” Puzzlement combined with anger in his frown. “The moon isn’t full. Did you find a lair?”
    “No.” She trembled but not from the cold. The contrast in Jordan’s gentle touch and dangerous tone caused a warming in her belly. A tingling in her thighs. Man, she needed to concentrate. “Baye and I went looking for the place we think he’ll go when the moon is full ... at the marina ... and he was, uh, there tonight. He’s evolved, Jordan. Actually spoke to me.” Kind of.
    Jordan straightened. Doubt filled his eyes. “A werewolf spoke to you?”
    “Yes. He said his name was Brent, and he knew you. Didn’t like you much.”
    “Brent? Couldn’t be.” Jordan frowned, gently setting her arm on the bedspread. For two seconds, he didn’t move enough to even breathe. Then he exhaled, his jaw hardening. “I have calls to make.” He stood, crossing the room in three strides, lifting his cell phone to his ear. “You have an hour to pack.”
    Glass shattered.
    Shards flew from the window to cover her bedspread.
    Fur shone in the moonlight, and a low growl vibrated as a werewolf leaped inside, landing solidly on two feet. He sniffed, straightening to his full height.
    Jordan pivoted, snapping the phone shut.
    Oh God. Katie scooted farther back against the headboard, her heart slamming behind her ribs. Her mental shields dropped into place, protecting her from evil. The smell of wet dog made her cough. Calm. She needed to stay calm to think. “Jordan, meet Brent.”
    The two studied each other. Rain splashed inside, droplets glimmering on her polished oak floors.
    Weird. This was too weird. The werewolf