Midnight Moonrising (Moonrising #2)(50)

Phoenix should have known Mena and her wolf would figure a way to cause him more worry, but he honestly didn't see a way to win this argument. His main concern was getting to her if she got into trouble.

Damn women, he thought, and then waved his hand through the air. "I don't agree with it, but I won't stop you. Just promise me that you will stay at the law firm unless Alex or one of the others is with you, and not Daryn. I won't be able to trust anyone with your life until after tonight—"

"What happens tonight?" she said.

Phoenix smirked. "Let me just say I have a few magical connections. I have to meet with them tonight to get some answers that will help lead us in the right direction to find Katie's murderer as well as let us know who is trustworthy in your circle."

Mena shut the suitcase and stormed toward the bathroom. "I don't guess I'll be allowed to go tonight, either," she said, and then slammed the bathroom door behind her.

Phoenix chuckled as he took the phone from his pocket to text Roel, Brad and Heath that one or all of them needed to keep an eye on Mena at the law firm. She may be convinced that she will be safe in a public place, but he knew otherwise; this Jessica bitch was certifiable.

"You didn't tell her about last night or that Meridia requested that she come?" Alex said.

Phoenix shook his head as he slid the phone back into his slack's pocket, and then walked to the table to clear everything away from breakfast. "I'll let her stew a while and let her try to figure out a way to bribe me into letting her go. It won't hurt her and may benefit me."

"Why can't you just admit that you care about her?"

Phoenix shrugged. "I have no problem admitting that I care about her, Detective. I care about her very much."

"But you don't love her?"

Phoenix sighed as he set the plate and cups back down, deciding to clear everything when he didn't feel like throwing something across the room. What else was he going to do besides worry until sunset anyway? "No, but I can see that you do, Rhodes. I can't honestly say that it doesn't bother me that she seems to be into you, too, but it is what it is."

Alex gave a short laugh. "I'm not in love with Mena. That's just—"

"You may be a good detective, but you're a bad liar. How about I do my thing and you do your thing, and we stay out of each other's way? I won't try to keep Mena away from you, and I suggest you pay me the same courtesy or you won't like the outcome."

"Is that a threat?"

Phoenix grinned. "I'm not trying to be your enemy, Rhodes, but I have all the friends I need. However, it would be best if we got along. It's what Mena wants. And for your information, I'm not going anywhere in your lifetime." His lip twitched in amusement when the human's nostrils' flared.

"My lifetime?" Alex spat. "What the hell's that supposed to mean?"

Phoenix snickered. "Calm down, Rhodes. I'm not planning to kill you or anything."

Alex adjusted his cap and sighed. "I don't know what to make of any of this, and I'm not going to try and figure it out with as little sleep as I've had in the last week. I assume you want me to go again tonight?"


Phoenix grinned. "If you're not too tired, you are welcome to tag along."

Alex rubbed his hands over his face as he nodded. "All right, I'll go. What time and where do we meet?"

"You need to have Mena back here by dusk. Jaxon will fill you in then on time and location."

"Fine. Tell Mena I'll wait for her in my Jeep."

"Hold up," Phoenix said, and then grabbed his cell again and called Jaxon. "Rhodes is ready to leave and needs an escort," he said, and then ended the call.

"I know my way out. I don't need an escort."

"Trust me, you do."

A soft knock sounded at the door.

"Enter," Phoenix said, and Lea walked into the room. Phoenix gave her a small smile. "How are you feeling, Lea?"

"I'm fine. Thank you. Jaxon said the detective was ready to leave. I can show him out," she said.

Phoenix nodded. "Thank you," he said, and then looked at Alex. "I know she thinks you will be leaving her there alone during her meetings, but I would rather you stay; you have no idea what we're dealing with here, Rhodes. Let me be clear when I say that I will blame you if anything happens to her."

Alex gave him a hard look, and then finally sighed. "I'll stay there the whole time. I promise."

Phoenix nodded once. "Good. I'll see you tonight."





Chapter 29



Alex





Despite how tired he was, a smile stretched across Alex's face when Mena emerged from Phoenix's garage.

Lea was with her, too, and she watched as Mena jogged to his Jeep and got in before she lowered the garage door.

The nervousness he was feeling about seeing her again after that kiss the night before suddenly faded away when she leaned across the console, placed her palm on his cheek and pressed her lips to his.

She didn't object when his hand came up to her neck to pull her closer or even when he opened his mouth to deepen the kiss. The low moan that vibrated against his mouth had him wanting to do a lot more with her than make out in Phoenix Mahoney's driveway.