Protecting the Wolf's Mate (Blood Moon Brotherhood 3)

“As much as I’m enjoying myself,” she whispered, running her fingers through his hair, “you have some work to do before we can leave for the refuge.”

His arm tightened around her waist. “Work can wait.”

She pushed out of his hold and frowned down at him. “Perhaps there are some things I’d like to take care of before we leave?”

He grinned up at her. “Fine.” He glanced at the clock. “It’s ten thirty…p.m.”

“Then no one will be there,” she said, sliding to the edge of the bed. “The vaccine trial, with my blood, should be back. You can’t tell me you’re not curious.”

“Not at the moment,” he teased. “Who knew getting you pregnant was the greatest aphrodisiac of all time?”

She laughed. “I’ll be pregnant for some time.”

He kicked back the sheets and stood, stretching—giving her an incredible view of the body she’d enjoyed so thoroughly the last two days. The muscles of his back shifted as he stretched his arms high over his head. This beautiful man was hers.

They showered, dressed, and headed to the lab.

The evening security guard glanced up as they entered.

“Busy night,” he said, nodding at them.

“Busy?” Hollis asked, pausing.

“Miss Su is already here.” He grinned. “Guess some of the research you do is time sensitive.”

Hollis looked her way, the suspicion on his face reflecting her own. Every instinct had told her something was wrong. Ellen was already running to the lab, her wolf urging her on. Kim Su wasn’t an Other—she and Hollis would know. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t working with them.

Hollis was behind her, swiping his security badge and pushing the lab door open.

Ellen followed, scanning the room—her wolf on high alert. No Others. No unfamiliar scents. Just Kim.

“Dr. Robbins ?” Kim jumped, her voice echoing across the lab. “I didn’t know you were still here.” She fumbled with the files in her hold, knocking some onto the floor. “I…I was cleaning up.”

“It’s late,” he said. “Was there something pending I didn’t know about?”

Kim looked back and forth between them. “No…No.”

She was shaking.

Hollis waited, but Kim didn’t add anything. “Why are you here, Kim?” Hollis asked, closing the door behind them.

Ellen focused on the woman, searching for clues. Her scent was bitter, tinged with fear. Pounding heart. Rapid, short breaths. The woman was absolutely terrified. She squeezed Hollis’s hand in warning.

Kim’s dark gaze darted between them. “I had to.” Her voice was unsteady. Nervous. Anxious. The look in the woman’s eyes…she was keeping secrets.

“Why?” she asked, keeping her voice soft. Was she stealing and selling Hollis’s research? It would explain her agitation.

Kim swallowed, the files in her arms shaking. “Dr. Robbins.” She stopped talking then, her gaze falling. “My mother.”

Hollis frowned. “I know she’s been ill—”

“Not ill.” Kim shook her head. “Someone took her.”

Ellen’s heart sank. She didn’t need to hear anything more. Cyrus had a hand in this. Ellen’s wolf whimpered, pacing frantically.

“Took her?” Hollis asked, shooting her a look. “Have you called the police, Kim?”

“No. He said not to.” She sniffed, tears streaking her cheeks.