Read Online Phoenix Arizona by Lynn Hagen - Free Book Online

asshole. No fucking wonder his mate feared cops, feared him.
    He smelled the blood. Matt lifted Phoenix’s arm and saw the crimson color spreading across his mate’s sleeve. He pulled his seat back then pushed the sleeve up. Damn, he hadn’t meant to hurt Phoenix with his claws. He had been so engrossed in what Phoenix was confiding in him that Matt hadn’t noticed the scent until now. It was like the smell was ten times stronger from being ignored. Matt pulled Phoenix’s arm close and began to lick the wound. He wanted it sealed and healed.
    “What are you?” Phoenix’s voice was a whisper as he stared, fascination glittering across his big blue eyes. His mate allowed Matt to lick and clean the wound that he himself had inflicted. The taste of blood had Matt’s wolf sitting up and taking a keen interest, but his wolf knew the difference between prey and their mate. Matt knew the wolf was just watching to make sure that Phoenix healed.
    “I don’t want to tell you, yet. Can I take you on that drive? I promise you, Phoenix, no harm will come to you.” He finished sealing the wound then lowered his mate’s arm, but didn’t let it go. Matt was still afraid his mate would bolt. And now that he knew why, he couldn’t blame the man. He still wanted to know who the officer was. Matt had a feeling that if he found out, the cop would meet an untimely death. The bastard deserved no less for what he had done to Phoenix. He searched his mate’s eyes, feeling the bond growing between Phoenix and Matt, and prayed his mate gave him a chance now that he knew Matt was a cop.
    His mate nodded. “Okay.”
    Thank god. Matt wanted to pull his mate into his arms and kiss him silly for giving him a chance. “I’ll pick you up at six. Is that okay?”
    Phoenix wiped his face again and then nodded as he smiled. Matt’s chest clenched at the innocence of that one dazzling smile. His mate was giving Matt his trust, placing his safety in Matt’s hands, even after what had happened to him. Matt didn’t take that trust lightly. He knew what a big leap of faith Phoenix was putting in him, and he would make damn sure to never lose it.
    Matt covered his mate’s hands with his own. “Promise me you’ll be careful at work. Watch yourself and your surroundings. Call me if anything frightens you or looks out of place.” Matt couldn’t even think of something happening to his heart, and Phoenix was just that, his heart. They had only met last night, but Matt felt as though he had known Phoenix for an eternity, and had cared for him even longer. It was an odd feeling, considering twenty-four hours hadn’t even passed since the club, but Matt knew they were mates.
    He just hadn’t expected to feel this overwhelming protectiveness kick in so quickly.
    Phoenix pulled one hand free, slid it down Matt’s arm, and then tightened it on Matt’s wrist. “I promise. Armando is a pretty big guy, and he watches my back.”
    Jealousy reared its ugly head, but Matt squashed it. The guy was Phoenix’s best friend and nothing more. Besides, he would feel better knowing someone was watching after his mate when he couldn’t. And Phoenix was right. Armando was one big-ass guy. Hopefully that deterred the killer from considering his mate. The killings were happening in this area, so Phoenix was at risk. The thought made Matt’s back molars grind together. He couldn’t even think of the possibility of something happening to Phoenix.
    “Come on, babe. I need to get you home and get back to work.” Matt released Phoenix’s hand, giving it a small pat. “I need my keys.” He extended his hand, and Matt could tell that Phoenix reluctantly handed them over.
    “Are you afraid to tell me where you live?” He turned the motor over and waited for Phoenix’s answer.
    Phoenix let out a long sigh. “Kind of.”
    This was going to be an impossible mating if Matt didn’t get Phoenix to trust him. The man was willing to take a drive with him, but still