Page 138 of Hunted

Her lips part. The snark trembles there, then sharpens into something practical. ‘If this is work, say that. I don’t need any version of your protection. I can very adequately protect myself.’

I want to kiss the insolence out of her with a need so feral I feel it in my bones. ‘It is work,’ I snarl. ‘And I may need your hunting skills after I speak to Navarro.’

That gets her attention. ‘Rafe Navarro?’

‘Yes.’

She studies my face, then nods once. ‘Fine. Since it’s work, I’ll stay in the Tower.’

I release her.

We leave the suite together and find Malachi and Aaron waiting in the outer corridor, both as still as carved stone, though the current beneath Malachi’s composure is easy enough to feel.

He inclines his head and stands aside with a respectful nod. I begin walking, expecting them to follow.

Aaron falls into place at Eira’s side, then hangs back a step as Malachi and I move ahead.

‘Hunter,’ he says. ‘A package arrived for you.’

Eira’s answer is sharp with suspicion. ‘From who?’

‘No return mark on the outer wrapping,’ Aaron replies. ‘Tower security marked it safe.’

I stop. Turn just enough to look back.

Aaron holds out a slim black parcel no larger than a broad jewellery case. She takes it with the wary expression of a woman accepting a snake she fully expects to bite her.

I catch the faint scent bleeding through the seal.

Herbs. Flowers. A hint of metal.

Nothing harmful.

And yet…

‘Do you know who sent it?’

Eira glances at me, package in hand, suspicion and curiosity flashing in quick succession. But there is a furtiveness to it that makes my gut clench.

‘One of my many secret admirers? One who doesn’t know I hate mysteries or surprises?’

Aaron’s mouth almost moves. ‘Perhaps they enjoy the look of annoyance on your face when they surprise you.’

She glares at him. ‘Careful. You’re becoming likeable.’

‘Don’t spread that around.’

A growl builds in my chest at the ease with which she addresses Aaron.

Malachi clears his throat, the sound mild and pointed. Warning his brother before I do something irrational, like tear out his throat.

I turn forward again because if I do not, I will be tempted to take the package from her, inspect it myself, and begin another argument I currently do not have time to enjoy.

‘Do not open it alone,’ I say over my shoulder.

Her reply is immediate. ‘That sounded dangerously close to concern.’

‘It was an order.’