With a grunt of agreement, Jose went around the back and up the stairs to Cris's private office. He pounded his foot against the door—ignoring Victoria's cries to put her down already—until the head Protector opened the door. She glanced between Jose and Victoria. "What's wrong?"
"Let us in first."
Cris stepped back and let them in before closing and locking the door. Everyone knew her office was soundproofed and protected from any sort of listening devices or cameras, so Jose said bluntly, "Someone attacked our house and could've killed Tori."
Cris's pupils flashed. "What? Sit down and tell me all the details. Leave nothing out."
Jose eased into one of the two armchairs in front of Cris's desk, keeping Victoria in his lap as he explained the damage and message—he hadn't read the ones on the rocks, wanting to leave the scene as is for the Protectors. When he was finished, Cris cursed and said, "The fact no one reported the incident to me, even with your cabin being in a heavily populated area, worries me more than anything."
He'd thought the same thing, too. "Wes needs to know, and then you need to tell me how you plan to protect my mate."
For all Cris's bravado and borderline arrogance, her gaze turned apologetic toward Victoria. "I'm sorry this happened. I swear I didn't purposely allow someone to possibly kill you."
Victoria nodded. "I know. You've been softening toward me."
Cris rolled her eyes. "Don't push it, human."
When his mate smiled, both man and beast calmed a fraction. If nothing else, she was less afraid and in shock than fifteen minutes ago. "What are you going to do, Cris?" he demanded.
"I'm going to brush aside the dominance in your voice this one time, due to the circumstances. You two are going to stay here and I'll post my second-in-command right outside the door. I know it's hard to wait—especially when your dragon must be demanding heads, Jose—but you need to stay here while Wes and I figure out what to do."
His dragon growled. Of course I want to catch the bastards, but I won't leave Tori until she's calm again, not to mention safe.
Agreed. Jose replied to Cris, "We'll stay, but I'll feel better once Dr. Carter checks her over, just to be safe."
Victoria didn't try to deflect, but merely nodded. "I know that'll help calm your dragon, so that's a good idea."
He blinked. His female had been targeted, could've been killed, and here she was, worrying about him and his inner dragon.
He loved her so fucking much it hurt.
And after today, he wasn't going to hide it anymore.
Cris murmured, "I'll leave you two alone for now," and exited the office.
Barely noticing the head Protector's departure, Jose cupped Victoria's cheek and turned her head until her eyes caught his. He murmured, "I know this isn't the time, but I have to tell you, Tori. I love you. The thought of losing you—neither my dragon or I can bear it."
She raised a hand to his jaw, searching his eyes. "I've loved you for a little while now, too, Jose Santos. I just didn't want to scare you off."
He was gentle, but still tightened his grip on her waist with his other hand. "Nothing you could do, short of killing me, will
take me from your side."
"Don't even joke about that."
"I'm sorry, love. But it's hard for me to not be out there, seeking retribution, for what was done to you." He leaned his forehead against hers. "Just know that this dragonman isn't going anywhere. You're my female, and I love you with everything I have."
She kissed him. At first, her lips were gentle against his, but as soon as he could slip his tongue into her mouth, it turned more frenzied. He needed to taste her, feel her, remind both man and beast that his mate was alive and in his arms.
And while kissing her helped soothe his soul a fraction, he wished he could claim her properly, relearning every curve and valley of her beautiful body.
However, vibrations from the door—signaling someone knocking—stopped him from going further. He was about to bark for them to go away, but then remembered they wouldn't be able to hear them.
Victoria murmured, "It's probably for the best. We can celebrate each other later, once we're alone and safe."
He brushed a few strands of hair off her face. "Then I'll just keep telling you how much I love you until then."
Her cheeks flushed. "You say that as if it's some sort of hardship. But it makes my belly flip every time."