Midnight Wolf (Shifters Unbound #11)(19)

Angus nodded once. “I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks.”

Zander’s face split with a sudden grin. “They say you’re a man of few words but deep thoughts. I’m guessing they’re right. Goddess go with you.”

“And you,” Angus said. “And your mate.”

Zander glanced at Rae, who’d climbed onto the motorcycle and had it started, then he bent close to Angus. “She hasn’t said anything yet, but I think she might be expecting.” Happiness radiated from the big man. “So I know how you feel. If anything endangered Rae and the cub . . .” Zander shuddered and shook his head. “But remember—you call.”

He took a few steps back, pointing at Angus, then he swung around, duster flying, and strode to the motorcycle. “No, no, I’m driving,” his voice boomed, and Rae’s softer tones answered him—firmly. Angus guessed who would lose that argument.

Angus was right—he looked back from the top of the porch steps when he heard the motorcycle rev, and watched them pull out, Rae in front, Zander behind her. Zander lifted a long arm and waved, and then they were gone.

The front door jerked open, and Ben looked out, wild-eyed. “I don’t know how she did it,” he said. “But she’s gone.”





CHAPTER SIX


Angus raced back into the house, cursing Tamsin, Ben, the house, and himself.

He hadn’t mistaken that Tamsin had been in pain, vulnerable, and scared, but he’d let himself grow too protective of her. Angus had understood how much Zander’s healing process would hurt Tamsin, and he’d stuck by her, ready to catch her if she fell.

She’d bravely held herself together—no screaming or weeping, only a few silent tears. She’d been grateful to Zander and showed compassion toward him. Angus had seen that Tamsin was a real and caring woman, not the crazed, murdering insurrectionist Haider had made her out to be, and he’d let his guard down.

And look what happened. Tamsin had been waiting for her moment, and she’d taken it.

“Where is she?” he bellowed at the house as he ran into the front hall. Maybe she’d beguiled the place to her side, and it had let her depart while he’d been conversing with Zander and feeling sorry for Tamsin.

“I looked everywhere,” Ben said breathlessly. “I started clearing the breakfast dishes, I turned around, and she was gone. I thought she’d stepped into another room, but no. I’m sorry, Angus.”

“Not your fault. She’s tricky.” Angus strode into the middle of the paneled hall. “Show me where she is, damn you.”

A rush of wind blew through the house, bringing with it the fresh smell of morning. Five panels along the wall slammed open, revealing niches from tiny to wide enough for a large man to walk through.

Angus peered into the niches, but most were shallow and empty. The largest one opened to a narrow hall that bent out of sight.

Angus stepped into the passage and followed it around a corner to find that it ended in another blank panel. He felt around for hidden catches, and finally depressed a piece of molding that let the panel swing open.

Behind it was a very small room, about seven by four feet, which held an old but well-preserved desk and chair under a tiny, high window, the only source of light.

Tamsin sat on the chair behind the desk, her red head bent as she went through a wallet and its contents on the desk before her. When Angus entered, she began reading from a small, laminated card.

“Angus Murray. Shifter type: Lupine. Born 1918. Mate: None. Cubs: One, Ciaran Murray, Lupine. Shiftertown: New Orleans West. Employment: Security, the Dark Moon Club, New Orleans. Approved. Residence: 1442 St. Charles Place. Nice picture.”

She held his Shifter ID, the one that all Shifters were required to carry at all times. On the desk was a slim stack of cash, a few printed photos, and bits and pieces Angus had stashed in his wallet for no reason. He didn’t know when, but sometime this morning, she’d obviously picked his pocket.

Tamsin looked up at him over the ID, her face holding an anger he couldn’t interpret. “Murray,” she repeated. “As in Gavan Murray?”

Angus saw no reason to lie. “My brother. He was, anyway, before his assholery got him killed. You should know—you were one of his followers.”

Fury smoldered in her eyes as well as a stark pity. “I wouldn’t say I followed him. More like I was in the same place at the same time.” She dropped the card and rubbed her fingers over her temples. “I have to process this.”

“You have to get up and come with me. It’s time to go.”

Tamsin lowered her hands, her tawny eyes still, her anger and bravado gone. “Damn it, you should have told me you were Gavan’s brother. I had no idea . . . Goddess, I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry about what? That you fell for his garbage?” Angus snarled, his bitter rage rising. “And what about those dead Shifter Bureau agents in Shreveport? Did you do that?”

“Angus.” Tamsin rose from behind the desk, her hands flat on its surface. “I did not kill those agents. I promise. Do you believe me?”

She held his gaze, something in her eyes speaking of desperation, as though his answer was very, very important to her.

“I haven’t decided yet, and you not killing them doesn’t mean you weren’t there.”