Walker (Bowen Boys, #1)(29)



“No. My weapon. But no, nothing else. I do have to use the facilities. Would that be possible?” He didn’t think they were going to let him, but he was escorted there and left to use the stall on his own after they took his service weapon. One of them stood just on the other side of the stall door and he knew that one or more of the other agents were keeping anyone from coming in. Conrad knew he was going to go to prison and didn’t know if he could survive it.

He sent two text messages out and heard from both men. He smiled as he took out the battery to his phone and broke it in half. Flushing the pieces down the toilet had him nearly cry out when they didn’t seem to want to go, but after the second try, they disappeared. He was as ready as he would ever be.

He pulled the gun out of his ankle holster and pointed it at the man he knew was probably standing close enough for him to shoot and kill. Chuckling slightly to himself, he mouthed the word, “bang.” Before he could change his mind he put the gun to his chin and pulled the trigger.





Chapter Ten


Lynne woke, but didn’t move. She was trying to get her bearings when a sudden flare of light had her turn away from it. She heard someone mumble, “Sorry,” and it was dimmed somewhat. When she looked, whoever it was had put a towel or something over it.

“I repaired your wounds, though they’re healing a good deal faster than previously. The one in your shoulder is nearly closed and the ones in your leg are doing much better. But there is still the matter of your loss of blood. You’re going to be weak.”

She sat up and stretched her arms over her head. Her nakedness didn’t bother her, but it apparently did Walker. His low growl made her tingle all over, but she tried not to let it bother her. Tried being the operative word.

“Where am I? I don’t believe this is a hospital, it’s too homey. Am I at your parents’ house again?”

“No. This is mine. I have a clinic in the basement I use for the paranormals to come to if they want.” He took the cover off the lamp and she could see him better. “You and I will need to talk. There are things I’ve not had the opportunity to explain to you, and I apologize.”

“You can start by telling me why the sudden heal factor? Is it because you think we’re mates or whatever? And so you know, I’m coming back to the other ‘paranormals’ comment. I’m assuming that means there are more than cats.” He nodded. “I can’t be your mate any more than I can shift into something. Hell, it would be more likely for me to wear a dress, and that so isn’t going to happen.”

“My blood is mixed with yours. When we exchanged blood, that made you have some of my healing powers. I would guess that you’ll be a little stronger as well, though the thought of you being stronger frightens me a little.”

She knew he was trying for a joke, but she wasn’t in the mood for it. She tossed the covers off to find that her ankle was shackled to the bed. She didn’t mind. She knew that if she wanted to it would be as simple as a walk in the park for her to open it. Every agent and cop worth their salt had a hidey key on them somewhere. So she simply lay back on the hospital type bed and covered back up. “You can’t keep me here. You know that, right?” Again, he nodded. “Well, how about if we get this thing done so I can get out of here.”

“All right. First, you are my mate. When I followed your blood when you were first hurt I knew who you were to me. According to legend, there is only one mate to each of us and sometimes, as now, they aren’t always the same as us.” She didn’t say anything as he continued. “Also, and I know this part is somewhat screwed up, I’m supposed to protect you at all costs. Though lately, I’m thinking it might be the other way around.”

“What happens if I say no? What if I said I don’t want you?” He shook his head, but before he could answer her she continued. “There has to be some sort of clause that says one or both of us can get out of this. I mean, what if we really hate each other?”

“Not possible. We may start out not liking each other overly much, but we get there in the end.” He grinned at her. “And the sex is phenomenal.”

When he moved to the bed to touch her Lynne didn’t comment. Cats liked to be touched, she knew, and apparently so did werepanthers. She thought it best if she didn’t let him touch her, but his skin against hers felt like heaven. Then he laced his fingers into hers and held her.

She wanted him. Right now and anyway he wanted her. When his nostrils flared, she knew that he could smell her arousal and pressed her legs together to try and ignore what was happening. It only made matters worse.

“I’m not a person people like you usually hang with. I’m sarcastic, mean at times, and I don’t know dick about dating. I did it once or twice and it was boring. When I wanted some sexual relief I either did it myself or found someone to f*ck me. No biggie.” She shifted on the bed again and pulled at her hand. “You’re squeezing me too tight.”

He let go immediately. “I’m sorry. But you should know that as my mate, if another man comes near you, I will be ripping his throat out.”

She started to make a comment, but only stared at him. Then, when she looked away, he sat down on the edge of the bed. He didn’t hurt her again, but he did hold her hand. She spoke softly, but she was sure he could hear her just fine.

Kathi S. Barton's Books