Maiden and the Lion (Lions of Manhattan 2)

“It’s an awesome apartment. Would you like something to drink?” Bea studied Gabriel’s mate. As the wife of a powerful billionaire, she didn’t have an air of haughtiness as one might expect from a woman of her social status. In fact, Cat appeared down-to-earth and friendly. Her clothes seemed to come from a department store rack instead of designer boutiques. Her purse and shoes were ordinary, not thousand-dollar items. She didn’t appear to be a snob at all. Bea liked her immediately.

“Maybe water if you don’t mind? I wouldn’t imagine Alex has soda in his fridge. He’s a health freak. Protein shakes and stuff.”

She was right. Alex’s fridge was stocked with organic vegetables and fruits and lean meats. No cookies or cakes or fun snacks. “I’ll get you some water.”

Cat followed her into the kitchen and settled on the stool. Bea handed her a glass of water.

“Thank you,” she said and took a sip. “You must be wondering why I’m here.”

“Actually, yes.”

“Last night, I heard from my husband that Alex was going to take a mate. His receptionist. You.” Cat craned her neck and grinned wickedly. “You have that kind of glow. Did he claim you?”

Bea’s face heated. “You mean the bite?”

“Oh, joy! We’re going to be in-laws. Welcome to the pride.” Cat slid from the stool and hugged her.

Bea’s head spun. In-laws? Did that mean…? “I’m only his girlfriend. He didn’t ask…”

“Larousses don’t really ask, honey. They claim. Once you receive the bite, you’re into it forever. A proposal is only a formality.”

“Oh my.” Bea didn’t know what to say. Her? Alex’s wife? For real?

“Now, the reason I’m here. I heard from Gabriel that you saved Alex from the Harlem River.”

“I did.”

“Did you see the shooter?”

“No, I just heard gunshots.”

“Gunshots? More than one?”

“Two. I was in my van when I heard them. And then I saw someone fall into the water. I decided to look around.”

“Then you saw Alex?”

“I didn’t know it was Alex at first. I saw some guy floating in the river so I swam in and pulled him out. He had been shot in the chest.”

“From my understanding, Alex was shot on the bridge?”

“I suppose. After the second gunshot, he fell into the river.”

Cat took in the information seriously. “Okay, after you saved him, you saw Alex turning?”

“He ordered me to take him home so I helped him to my van. When I tried to stop the bleeding, he suddenly changed into a lion.”

“I bet that freaked you out.”

“I was baffled. I didn’t think shape-shifters existed.”

“That’s what I thought at first. But, yeah, they do.”

“Why are you asking all this?”

“I have no case at the moment. I thought I’d sleuth for Alex’s shooter. He won’t be happy if he knows I’m meddling in his business, but what the hell. This case is too juicy to pass on.”

“Is Alex in danger?”