Page 26 of Havenfall Harbor
Just as I get ready to strike again, Evan’s phone chirps. I know he’s going to look down, he takes his job way too seriously not to check. He also knows that I know, so he slams his palm forward and hits me right in the center of my chest to stave off any attack. His eyes narrow, then he reaches for the phone. “Yeah?”
I kick him in the knee and thigh in quick succession as I’m coming back. I am distracted, I can’t believe he got that hit in on me. Evan drops his arms and blocks my next blow. “No, what do you need?” The next few seconds are filled with him trying to block me while holding the phone to his ear.
“I need ten minutes, meet me in the gym?”
“Now who’s distracted?” I get a good hit to his cheek and eye, causing him to drop the phone.
Evan looks down as if he can’t believe he dropped it. His eyes rise to meet mine. “We got eight minutes. Let’s make them count.”
Curiosity piqued, I ask, “What was that about?”
“Not sure.” He shrugs and brings his hands up again.
“Had to be something big, you never answered a call before, or cut this short.” I wave my hand between us, happy that no one is close enough to hear our words.
Evan tilts his head back, lifting his chin. “It was Ms. Shaw, wants to talk in person.”
I drop my arms. “Quinn?” My voice sounds funny, even to my own ears.
“Yeah, you know anything about why she wants to see me?” Evan lowers his fists.
“No, I was in her office half an hour ago. What are you thinking?” The thrill of the fight dwindles as Quinn’s face fills my head again. I still don’t know who put the dead pig in her room, not very creative, but still fucked up. If someone does some stupid shit like that again, I’m going to spill a little blood to get some answers.
“Same as you, probably. I asked her today if she’s had any issues and she said no, but she seemed hesitant about it. You think someone is fucking with her?” Evan moves a little closer, our words low enough to be near a whisper. “When didyoutalk to her?” he questions me, seemingly very interested in my answer.
“After lunch.” I bend down and swipe my discarded shirt and jacket from the bench. I didn’t even bother changing out of my suit. I look down at my slacks and see the scuffs on the knees, garbage.
When I look up, Evan has his arms crossed over his barrel chest and he’s eying me. “What are you doing?” he inquires.
“Getting dressed, maybe you should too.” I motion to his bare torso.
“I can see that,” Evan deadpans. “But what are you really doing?” I have to clench my teeth to keep myself from barking at him for his implied tone. He raises his hands in surrender. I must not do a very good job concealing how I feel about the question.
“I’m not trying to be a dick here. I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing,” Evan tells me.
“Are you sure that’s all it is? You were sure ready to answer her call quickly,” I retort quickly, avoiding answering his question. Evan knows my history and why I never mess with human women.
“No shit, I answered the call. I’m not the one with the human issue. I should have known something was going on with you though.” Evan drops his heavy hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “You’ve been strung tighter than a drum since she arrived. It’s been a while since you had fresh human blood.”
I shrug off his hand and start walking to the changing rooms. He has no idea how long it’s been. Every muscle in my body is tight. He thinks I want her for her blood, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t call to me, but it’s more than that.
I want to tell him to go ahead and have her, he’d be much better for her than I would be anyway. But I can’t force the words out of my mouth.
I feel the ground vibrate as Evan jogs over to my side. Fucking bear, he weighs a ton, even when he’s not shifted.
The double doors to the hall open and I see an unsure Quinn looking around. “I think we’re in trouble,” Evan mutters under his breath and his chest expands. I know he’s scenting her. I know it because I’m doing the same fucking thing.
As soon as her eyes find me, they narrow. The unsure woman from moments ago is gone. She stomps across the mats and pushes right up into my space. My eyes are glued to her the entire time. I feel the tip of her nail as she pokes it into my chest. Quinn’s scent blooms with the steady thrum of her heartbeat.
“It’s your fault I can’t get an appointment, isn’t it?” The adrenaline from sparring with Evan and realizing my best friend wants the same woman I do is still filling my veins, making it hard not to swoop forward and seal my mouth to hers.
“Gym’s closed, out,” Evan hollers.
The scurry of feet and hum of whispers doesn’t stop me from leaning forward and growling, “Yes,” which pisses Quinn off even more if the tightening around her mouth and glare are any indication.
Instead of rising to the bait, she takes one step back from me and closes her eyes, blowing out a deep breath in the process. When she opens them again, I can still see the anger brimming under the surface, but she fights hard not to let it show. “I get it, you don’t like me, probably don’t trust me, you or Letty, and that’s fine, but not when it stops me from doing my job. I’m here for one thing.” She jerks her arm out, pointing it behind her. “Those kids. I want something better for them thanthis.” She can’t keep the small sneer from her words. “I won’t give up, Griffin, I’m not walking away because of your games.” Quinn turns then, facing Evan instead. Shutting me out now that she said her piece.
“My apologies, Mr. Winters. If you still have a few moments, I could really use your help.”
