Embraced By Darkness (Riley Jenson Guardian 5)

"That's all he's ever asked, Rhoan."

"I know." He sighed. "But I like the anonymity of what we share now. I don't want to have my picture in all the trade and gossip mags. It would make my job here harder."

"Have you explained this to him?" I held up my hand before he could answer. "Of course you haven't. That would be the sensible thing and you don't do sensible in relationships."

"Now there's the pot calling the kettle black."

"I haven't committed to anyone."

"No, but you have a good man who wants to commit and see just where the relationship goes."

"The difference between me and Kellen and you and Liander is the fact I do talk to Kellen. Besides, it's only in recent months we could truly be considered mates. You and Liander have been mates forever, and you admit you love him."

"None of which excuses the fact that you won't do the sensible and commit to Kellen - not even for a month or so."

I gave him a look. "This isn't about me. This about you. Go home and talk to Liander. Be honest with him."

He took a sip of coffee. "I'll talk if you do."

"Deal."

"I'll check with Kellen, you know."

"Ditto, bro."

He grinned and rose. "I foresee busy phone lines in our apartment tomorrow. That is, if you're intending to come home tonight."

"Got to. I need fresh clothes." I hesitated, half thinking about mentioning the car incident, then deciding against it. He'd only get all fussy and protective, and right now I didn't feel up to handling that.

Of course, he'd be a very unhappy little werewolf when he did find out - and I had no doubt he would. Eventually. We might not share the telepathy of twins, but we could often sense when the other was in danger. If the bastard behind these attempts had a serious go, Rhoan would know about it.

So I simply added, "Hope we've got hazelnut."

"Yep. I went shopping yesterday."

"You're going to make Liander such a good little housewife one day."

He snorted. "Given your refusal to shop, the same will never be said of you."

I grinned. "When someone else will do it, why bother?"

"Lazy cow."

"Bitch," I corrected. "The cow is down the hall in the liaisons' office."

He shook his head and headed out the door. I sipped the bitter coffee and got back to the business of reading files.

Another hour, and the search results were through. It turned out there were more than twenty murders in the last ten years that bore similarities to our current ones. I hit print, then drained the cold dregs of coffee from my cup and rose. Once I'd collected the printouts, I dumped them on my desk and headed out. Enough was enough for one day. My eyes already felt dry and gritty. I needed to get some sleep if I was intending to go out tonight.

As I caught the elevator back up to the parking lot, I dragged my cell phone out and rang Kellen.

"Riley," he answered warmly. "Wasn't expecting to hear from you for another couple of hours."

Just hearing his voice had me smiling. "You feel like checking out a new club tonight?"

He paused a beat. "Given your love for the old clubs, I'm gathering this is work related?"

"Yeah. I've got to check out Mirror Image, and thought you'd like to come along."