Read Online The Rogue Hunter's Mate [Paranormal Protection Unit 10] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Honor James - Free Book Online

didn’t know and obviously should.
    She shrugged. “No reason.” Giving him a sad smile she asked, “How have you been, Zaidu? Are you all right? No ill or lasting effects from the accident?” It had only been a few weeks. She had healed but was still bruised and had scabs in places. She just hoped that he was okay.
    He didn’t like that answer but let the subject drop since she didn’t want to discuss it. “Fully healed,” he told her. “I was fine within two days,” he said as he watched her. Checking the time he stepped back. “I should go. I’ve probably overstayed my welcome with the detective as is. If you need something don’t hesitate to contact the base,” he told her. “Someone there will always help if you need it.”
    The base. Those words rang in her mind. She had to shore up the desire that she had to cry, had to keep herself together while he was there and not let him see how his words affected her. “Thanks,” she said. “I will keep that in mind, Zaidu.” She gave him a sad smile. “And I wouldn’t worry about him. He will get over his pissyness if you have upset him. Just—” Bethany began but then stopped herself. “Take care, Zaidu,” she murmured softly.
    Staring at her he stepped closer. “What were you going to say but cut off?” he asked quietly. He knew there was something. The look in her eyes and on her face was telling him there was something. “Just say it, Bethany,” he advised. “Keeping things in isn’t good for you or anyone else. Speak your mind and be honest with yourself,” he said.
    “Oh believe me, Zaidu, I’ve never had issues being honest with myself.” It was one of her worst traits. “I’ve always been brutally honest with myself. Have you?” she asked quietly. “No, don’t answer that. I know what you will say. You will say that you’ve always been honest with yourself, so yeah.” She sighed and rubbed her temples. Taking a breath, she looked up at him. “What did I do to you, Zaidu? Why do you dislike me so much?”
    “I don’t dislike you, Bethany. What would ever give you that impression?” He’d never said anything one way or another to her. They weren’t—nope not thinking that because there was no chance anymore, so she couldn’t read him. “If I was ever rude I’m sorry. I tend to work alone and my socializing abilities are likely lacking.”
    “You aren’t rude. You’ve only been nice to me,” Bethany told him simply. “And your socializing skills aren’t lacking,” she assured him. “I just understand.” She shrugged. “I was given a crash course on Gaia’s children and what bond-mates are. I get it. Really I do.” After all, with as messed up as she and her family were, she couldn’t blame him for not wanting to even spend another moment in her presence. “If you have no more questions for me, I really would like to go upstairs, have a shower, and I guess I’m packing to go into Witness Protection until they are able to find Brian.”
    He didn’t have to ask who’d told her. He knew—Talon had told her about their world. “If there is any blame you wish to place, place it squarely where it belongs, on my shoulders,” he told her without emotion. Stepping back he moved to the door and paused. Tipping his head he growled softly. “You’re not going to be making it to Witness Protection it seems,” he said, backing toward her slowly as he surveyed the room. Fuck! One way in, one way out.
    Moving her to the side of the door he held up a finger. “Stay very quiet,” he told her and shut off the lights before easing the door open slightly. Looking out he saw nothing but a smear on the floor. Inhaling deeply he couldn’t scent anyone. Might be a lucky break. Shutting the door silently he turned to her. “We have to get out of this room. We’re boxed in here and I don’t like that,” he murmured. “When we go you stay behind me. I can take a beating and keep on moving but you can’t. No matter what,