Chapter Three
Kieran was pretty sure that he and Dakota made a picture, stumbling in the side door to the hotel. They were both rumpled and dirt-covered. He led her toward the private elevator, almost bumping into Jackson Wickham.
Jackson was the only person in the world who understood Kieran’s past. Kieran knew that they’d always be connected because of the hell they’d lived through. Other than Remy, Jackson was his best friend. Kieran leaned on Jackson more than he should. He lived in the man’s hotel. Used his resources when needed. And looked to the older Walker as a sort of big brother.
Not that Jackson seemed to mind. Jackson wanted more from him. He’d finally stopped asking Kieran to abandon the Organization to join Jackson’s security force, but now there were the poker games. Dinner was a must at least once a week. And of late Jackson had joined Kieran when he went to feed.
“Well, good evening,” Jackson greeted.
“Hey,” Kieran said. “What are you doing out of your office?” Jackson didn’t spend much time on the casino floor any longer. He had staff who took care of that.
“I was just getting back from seeing Alex.”
“How’s he doing?” Dakota questioned. The soft concern in her voice was sincere. Everyone was still worried about Jackson’s number one guy. Alex had been captured by the same group who’d held Kieran and Jackson years ago. He’d undergone some serious torture before they’d been able to rescue him.
“I’m not sure. I keep trying to get him to talk to me, but he still won’t share what happened. I don’t know what to do anymore,” Jackson admitted. “I know there’s something I can do. I just haven’t thought of it yet.”
Fuck, Kieran hated to hear that.
Dakota patted his back before nodding toward the bar. “Why don’t you take Jackson to get a drink? I need to grab a shower and check in on those kids.”
Kieran pulled her into his arms, grateful that he had such an understanding partner. Instead of acting jealous or demanding that he go upstairs with her, Dakota was urging him to spend time with Jackson, knowing what was needed. “I’ll be up soon.”
“Take your time,” Dakota said. She turned to Jackson before giving his arm a pat. It hadn’t been an easy relationship between the two of them. Jackson didn’t trust shifters and Dakota was wary of such a powerful being. Slowly, they’d formed some sort of truce, though.
“You can go up with your girl,” Jackson said. “I was just going up to get some work done.”
“No,” Kieran corrected. He threw his arm over Jackson’s shoulders, steering him toward the small, intimate club located in the corner of the casino floor. “You’re going to have a drink with your oldest friend while we try to figure out what we can do to help Alex.”
The tension in Jackson seemed to leave him as he slumped against Kieran. “Thanks, K.”
“You don’t ever have to thank me. This is what friends are for.” Look at him taking care of other people. First there’d been Dakota and now Jackson, not to mention the runaway shifter kids. He led Jackson to a familiar corner of the casino. Kieran loved the little jazz club. It was comfortable, with its soft music and nice staff. It was also where Dakota had appeared for the first time before he’d taken her up to his room. He liked to think of that night as their first date, although since she’d been stalking him, Dakota disagreed.
Tara, one of the waitresses, waved Kieran toward the back corner where he and Jackson would be alone. Tara knew both of them well. Neither of them would have to order as the bartender was already on it. Few tables were full, so they’d have plenty of privacy. Kieran ushered Jackson into one of the chairs before sitting across from him. He waited until Tara had dropped off both drinks before he pushed Jackson’s to him and sipped his own. The whiskey was smooth going down and he was glad Dakota had suggested this.
He didn’t get to spend enough time with Jackson or any other Walker. Kieran had questions that he wanted to ask but didn’t know how to start. Instead, maybe he could help his friend and Alex.
“Alex isn’t staying here?” Kieran asked. He’d thought that Alex stayed in the hotel as well.
“Not at the moment,” Jackson said. “He has a suite, but I put him up in one of my houses. He needed to get away from the crowds.”
“What can I do to help?”
“I don’t know,” Jackson said. “He needs more help than I can give him.”
“I can find a professional for him,” Kieran offered. “We have contacts through the Organization.”
Jackson shook his head. “I’ll find someone for him.”
Kieran wasn’t surprised. Jackson didn’t trust the Organization and made no secret of it. “Anything else?”
“He’s been asking about the wolf that was held next to him.”
Kieran smiled. Alex had hated shifters before he’d been captured. It was good that he was thinking about one of the other prisoners. “He’s doing well. I’ve been in contact with his Alpha and Damon assures me that he’s recovering.”
“Do you think he’d go see Alex?” Jackson questioned.
“Yes.” Kieran was certain. “I can set that up.”
“It might help,” Jackson said. “We had each other. Maybe Alex needs to see someone who was there with him.”
“I’ll have him there tomorrow morning,” Kieran promised.
“Thanks.” Jackson downed his drink. “How’re things going with you? Did you have your tests today?”
“Yeah. We still don’t know anything more yet. We’re still trying to see what was done to my DNA.” Kieran signaled to Tara for another round.
“Well, if anyone can figure it out it’ll be Dean. Mitch says he’s good.”
“Dean still wants to see you.”
“No,” Jackson stated. “I’ll never be a test subject again.”
“I understand,” Kieran assured him. And he did. After what they’d been through, it was hard enough for him to allow Dean to take his blood. He only did it for Dakota’s sake. If there was something wrong with him, he needed to protect Dakota.
“I’m sorry, man,” Jackson told him. “I know you’re looking for answers, but I just can’t. I’d help you in any other way.”
“Would you—?” He paused, waiting for Tara to set the new glasses down and take the others.
“What is it?” Jackson pressed after Tara had left.
“Would you answer some questions?”
Jackson stiffened. “About what?”
“What we are,” Kieran whispered.
Jackson surprised him by laughing. “Of course. I forget that you haven’t had anyone to talk to. Have you thought about contacting your parents? Your father?”
It was Kieran’s turn to tense. He didn’t like to talk about his family, although Jackson knew more about that part of his life than anyone else. Kieran had only been eighteen when he’d been captured by the shifters. He’d been cast out of his family when his father had decided that he’d supported a son long enough.
For some reason, Kieran’s father was okay with his sisters staying home, but as soon as Kieran turned eighteen, a legal adult, he’d been kicked out. At least his father had given him money to start his new life. Of course, because Kieran had been captured, he’d never seen the cash ever again.
“It might help you move past things if you spoke to your dad,” Jackson suggested.
“No. He sent me out into the world without any knowledge of how to take care of myself.”
“He doesn’t even know what happened to you.”
“And he must not care, since he never tried to find me,” Kieran pointed out. His family had money and resources.
“You’re not an easy man to find.”
“You did,” Kieran reminded him.
Jackson laughed. “Fair enough. Ask your questions.”
“I was just wondering about our abilities. Do you think I’m different from others like us?”
Jackson seemed to think about his question for several minutes before he nodded.
“That’s what I was afraid of,” Kieran confessed.
“I don’t know why that bothers you,” Jackson said.
“Because I’m even more of a freak?”
Jackson shook his head. “Aren’t we all?”
“I can’t even be a normal freak, though.”
“You’re a powerful fucker,” Jackson said. “You might be the most powerful being I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure how that’s a bad thing.”
“I don’t want it.”
“Yeah, I know. Not that it matters. Things have happened to you beyond your control. At least you don’t have to worry about that anymore. What really concerns you?” Jackson inquired.
“If I don’t know what makes me different, how can I protect those I care for?”
“Like Dakota?” Jackson guessed.
Kieran didn’t bother to answer.
“Your mate isn’t helpless. She’s strong and smart.”
“She’s not my mate,” Kieran argued.
“Only because you’re too worried about what might happen rather than taking advantage of what you have. That woman loves you. She’ll do anything for you.”
“That’s what scares me,” Kieran admitted.
“Kieran,” Jackson said gently. “Stop waiting for trouble to happen. Embrace the life you have.”
“I know.” Kieran drained the remainder of his glass.
“You haven’t fed, have you?”
“Not yet,” he confided.
“You plan to go hunting?”
Kieran grinned. Jackson had stopped hunting to feed several years ago. Jackson kept donors on payroll for the purpose of being able to take blood without drawing attention to himself. Last month, though, he’d gone with Kieran, leading Jackson to recall why hunting down prey was so much fun. “I was thinking about it.”
“Let’s go.” Jackson stood as he removed cash from his pocket. He didn’t actually have to pay for the drinks since he owned the club, but he and Kieran always took care of the staff.
Kieran followed his friend as they strolled out the door toward the exit they’d both come in earlier. Jackson didn’t hesitate to lead them through the dark parking lot to where the alley met with some houses. It was the trail that Kieran always took.
“Hold up,” Kieran called. He had a method for how he liked to work. Closing his eyes, he used his senses to pick up the sounds and smells around him. He actually knew the area around the hotel pretty well and, thanks to his hunting and warnings to the criminals, he’d cleaned out at least a couple of blocks.
There was nothing several blocks to the north, but maybe something farther south. He motioned for Jackson to listen. After a few moments, Jackson shook his head. Damn it, while Jackson didn’t hear anything, Kieran was actually zeroing in on some sort of scuffle.
“Eight blocks south. Sounds like two men against one,” Kieran informed him.
“Eight blocks?”
“Yeah.”
“Damn,” Jackson mumbled. “Let’s go, then.”
Kieran didn’t waste time. He used his super speed to race toward what sounded like a mugging. He hated when people took advantage of others. There was enough evil in the world. Why did humans insist on preying on one another?
He rounded the corner to witness exactly what he’d thought.
Two thugs had a smaller young man up against a brick wall. A backpack had been ripped open, its contents scattered on the ground. The small teen was cowering from the bigger men. Both of the thugs were hearing hoodies—one dark blue and one black.
“Well, well, well, what’s going on here?” Kieran drawled. Jackson hadn’t caught up with him yet, but Kieran could hear his friend approaching.
“Stay out of this, man,” Blue Hoodie demanded.
“I don’t think so,” Kieran countered. “There seems to be a party going on and I love to party.” These idiots were human. They’d be tasty. He preferred to find his prey from the criminals in the city. When he fed from a human, they experienced severe flu-like symptoms. They’d be sick from twenty-four to forty-eight hours. It was the least they deserved for being assholes. At least Kieran didn’t kill…anymore.
“Take off and mind your own business,” Black Hoodie ordered. He turned to square off against Kieran, probably hoping to intimate him.
Too bad this moron had no idea who he was messing with. Kieran held up his hands. “Hey, just let the kid go. You don’t need to do anything.”
“How about we take what’s in your wallet instead of this kid’s?” Black Hoodie threatened.
“If you can get my wallet from my pocket, you can have everything in there,” Kieran challenged.
The punk advanced, but Kieran remained, standing his ground. The thug in the blue hoodie had stepped away from the innocent teen and Kieran hoped the kid was smart enough to take off. To his relief, as soon as both attackers’ attention was on him, the teen dropped, scooping up his belongings before hurtling in the opposite direction. That took care of the innocent one. Now Kieran could have some fun. He waited until the punk was just steps from him before he let his fangs drop and snarled. As expected, the guy froze.
“Oh, no,” Kieran taunted. “You wanted to play. Let’s play.”
He moved quickly, closing the space between them and grabbing hold of Black Hoodie. He then tossed the guy behind him, just as Jackson turned the corner. In a beautiful move, Jackson caught the punk as he growled, looking fierce. Kieran laughed then launched himself at the second thug who’d begun to back away. He caught the guy and raised him a good several inches off the ground. He let the guy get a good look at his sharp teeth.
“This is my neighborhood,” Kieran warned. “You don’t do anything in my neighborhood.”
The thug was already nodding. “You got it. Just don’t kill me.”
“If I ever see you back around here again, what I do to you tonight will seem like child’s play.”
“Please! Don’t hurt me!”
A scream came behind them and the thug that Kieran held started to piss his pants.
“Fuck,” Kieran said in disgust. He tossed the thug into the same wall he’d held the teen against. The guy landed hard before dropping to the ground. With the thug still dazed, Kieran crouched in front of him and bared the guy’s neck for his bite. He struck quickly and the guy was beyond trying to fight.
He took six long deep pulls of sweet substance before releasing his prey. He took a little more than he normally would have, but Kieran hadn’t fed in a while. Plus he was still sort of pissed at these two fuck-ups for threatening such a young man.
The thug was rolling onto his stomach, clutching it, just as the vomiting started. The warmth of the blood was already starting to work on Kieran’s body. He was always so cold, except after a fresh feeding.
“Remember what I said,” Kieran ordered. “If you come back to this area, I’ll know. I have your blood now. I’ll hunt you down and drink you dry.” Okay, so he was over-playing it, but these idiots would never know that.
“We won’t,” the thug gasped then groaned.
Chuckling, Kieran headed toward Jackson where his friend was watching the first punk crying and sobbing. Jackson was leaning against a street light post, grinning.
“You look better,” Jackson commented as Kieran joined him.
Already his strength was at full force.
“Nice catch,” Kieran praised.
Jackson laughed. “Thanks for the food delivery. Great service.”
Kieran could only shake his head. He liked hunting with someone else. It added more fun to an unpleasant task. Some people still thought of Day Walkers as vampires, but Kieran found that ridiculous. He didn’t take blood because he was dead or undead. Walkers had a blood disease that ate up the good blood, requiring them to replenish what they needed. The sun didn’t affect them and all the myths such as garlic, crosses and holy water were complete bullshit.
He knew, though, that the two thugs would believe the myths about vampires for the rest of their lives. Kieran had no problem letting the criminals spread rumors about vampires. Who was going to believe them, anyway?
“Ready to head back?” Jackson asked.
“Yeah. I want to see if Dakota checked on the kids already.”
“Kids? Dakota said something about kids? Is there something you need to tell me?” Jackson looked smug.
“Vert funny,” Kieran groused. “You know damn well we don’t have any rug rats hanging around.”
“Then tell me about the kids,” Jackson said.
“Dakota came across three shifters in an abandoned building. One of them was hurt pretty bad, but all of them needed help. They’d been on the streets for a while. I’m worried they’ll take off as soon as they get the chance. Dakota wants to help them and they’ve been through enough.”
“What kind of shifters?” Jackson asked.
“Wolf, coyote and bobcat.”
“Together?”
“Yeah, apparently they ran from a group home and from the Coalition. Right now, we have them under medical but I don’t know how long that’ll last.”
“Well, let’s go see what we can do.” Jackson slapped his on the back as they started walking.
Kieran had no issue leaving the thugs behind suffering.
* * * *
Dakota hung up from speaking with Dean then walked over to stare out of the large window overlooking the Strip. It was a fantastic view of her city, a place that she’d spent her life protecting. There shouldn’t be kids out there like Adam, Jeremy and Carmen, on their own, scared and afraid.
She wanted to help the innocents of her city and, if she couldn’t do anything for the three teens, she wasn’t sure why she gave so much to the Organization. There had to be a better place than a group home run by humans. Carmen had shared a little of what happened to shifters in the supposedly safe place. Dakota would let the kids run before making them return there. Although Jeremy would be the hard one to place anywhere. She’d been racking her brain but still hadn’t come up with a solution.
The front door opened and she turned. Kieran strolled through and she knew right away that he’d fed. He was always paler than anyone else, but he had a pink tint to his cheeks and a healthy glow. He removed his jacket before tossing it across the back of the couch.
“Did you and Jackson have fun?” she asked, smiling.
“We did,” Kieran replied. He walked straight to her to push her against the cool glass.
Since she wore just a robe after showering, it only took a tug of the belt to bare her body to him when he pulled. She licked her lips, examining him. He was in a mood from the recent feeding and she was going to benefit from him feeling so good. Dakota shuddered as he ran his gaze down her body.
“You smell good,” he mumbled.
“Yeah?” she teased. Dakota leaned further into the window. They’d had special glass installed so they could keep the windows open and see out but no one would be able to see inside their suite. Kieran had a habit of taking her in open view of the window. Dakota didn’t mind, but she also didn’t want a child to witness what Kieran did to her. She let the robe fall to puddle at her feet.
“You look even better,” he praised.
“What do I look like?”
“Like mine,” he said then kissed her.
Dakota wrapped her arms around his neck, allowing Kieran to lift and pin her. The roughness of his jeans scraped against her with a unique sensation. It was hot having him holding her in place while fully dressed when she was naked.
“You want me,” Kieran murmured, brushing his lips against her neck.
“Yeah, I do.” She was already wet and hungry. He’d fed and now it was time for her to get dessert.
“What do you want me to do to you?”
Could she say what she craved? It was sort of kinky, but Kieran had never turned her down. “I want you to take your cock out and fuck me just like this.”
He pulled back, grinning. She was surprised to see his eyes glowing a bright blue, like they did when he was taking blood. “Just my cock?” he asked.
“Yes,” she admitted. “Keep the rest of your clothes on.”
“I love you like this,” he confessed.
“Then why haven’t you put that nice, big, hard cock in me yet?”
He threw his head back, laughing, before hiking her up higher.
“Need help?” she asked, tightening her legs.
“Hold on to me so I can get my pants down,” Kieran ordered.
She followed his command as he moved his hand under her until she felt his cock against her ass. Dakota wiggled, trying to get him where she wanted him.
“Stay still,” he demanded. His smile on his face really did detract from the sharp words, making her giggle.
“Make me,” she responded.
Kieran pressed her harder to the window and she stopped moving.
“Hurry,” she pleaded. It was hard to hold back when the scent of his arousal was so strong. Plus, she really wanted to feel him inside her again.
Kieran pushed the tip of his cock inside before moving his left arm under her knee to spread her open. He kept his right hand at her hip. She tilted her back as he slowly entered her.
The cotton of his T-shirt and the hard denim of his pants rubbed as he thrust in and out. It was just as amazing as she’d thought it would be. Her pebbled nipples brushed against the top while he pounded her hard and her entire body rocked with the force of his movements.
Sweat on her back made it slick and she slipped up and down the window.
“I love being buried in your pussy,” he said.
“Yes,” she hissed. His cock felt huge. Maybe it was because he’d just fed or she was still sensitive from their earlier sex. Either way, she wasn’t going to last long, and hopefully she could make it good for him, too. She squeezed her inner muscles on his shaft each time he plunged back in. Kieran groaned long and low. Yeah, that was what she wanted to hear.
“You keep doing that and I’ll come,” he warned.
“Fill me,” she begged.
Kieran groaned again but sped up his thrusts. After that, Dakota could only hold on until she climaxed. Kieran plunged deep, riding her through her orgasm. She was exhausted and sated, but he felt so good and she didn’t want him to stop.
“Get ready,” he said. “I’m marking you from the inside out.”
The shifter part of her rose. Dakota growled just as Kieran’s rhythm faltered while he yelled. He pumped his seed inside and, yes, that was a claim she wanted. She might not be able to carry his scent, since he didn’t have one, but his cum was at least going to stay with her for a while. Another kink they both shared.
Once spent, Kieran rested his forehead against hers. She closed her eyes, rejoicing in the mating they’d just shared. It hadn’t been a full mating, as she craved, but she knew Kieran was hers.
“I love you,” he whispered.
He didn’t look at her when he said the words, but Dakota knew he meant them.
“Me, too,” she said. “So much.”
“I’m going to move us to the couch now. Hang on.” He was still half hard and, if he wasn’t ready to pull out, Dakota wouldn’t make him. It was damn awesome being with a Walker. Even a shifter would be softening by now.
He sat with care, so as not to hurt her. Dakota rested her cheek on his shoulder while Kieran rubbed her back gently. They didn’t need to talk. Not at times like this. Being alone with Kieran in the comfort of his arms was enough. Hell, she was pleased that he hadn’t pulled out and gone to shower like other lovers from her past. It was still shocking that her big, bad Walker was such a cuddler.
No one else got to see Kieran like this. Or his other quirks, such as how he had piles of blankets on the bed. Only the softest and fluffiest were good enough. Kieran’s body temperature being cooler than humans or shifters affected him greatly. Even in the middle of summer, he preferred long sleeves. At home, in their private suite, he mostly wore sweats. For Dakota, his clothing choices gave her easy access.
She sighed. Even though she wanted to stay like this for the rest of the night, there was still more work to do. There was always more work to do. Eventually, Dakota was going to steal Kieran away for more than a couple of days off. Shit, who was she kidding? The Organization controlled every part of her life. If they didn’t want to let her go, they wouldn’t have to. Very few agents within the Organization retired. No, the people that Dakota worked for had a hold on her and they got to tell her where to go and when.
“What are you thinking about?” Kieran asked.
“I want to go on vacation with you. Away from the city, just the two of us, without having to save people,” she confessed.
“That would be nice. We could go to the beach, or up to the mountains, I’d love to show you the canyons where Angel lives.”
Angel, Kieran’s ex-partner, and fellow Day Walker. Dakota had only met her once but she’d liked the young woman. Angel had fallen in love and mated with a wolf shifter whose Pack lived in Texas. Angel had stayed with the wolves, which had given the Organization the chance to send Kieran and Remy to Vegas. To Dakota. “I’d like to see Angel again.”
“Even if she’s living with a bunch of dogs?”
Dakota laughed. “Don’t let Remy hear you call the wolves that. And I’m not the one who has problems with shifters since I am one, after all.”
“I thought dogs and cats didn’t get along?” he teased.
She smacked his chest.
“I’ll talk to Caspar,” Kieran promised. “We’ll get the time off.”
“Really?” The excitement grew. Caspar thought of Kieran as a son and if Kieran asked, they’d be allowed for sure. She’d never had a real vacation before.
“If this is something you want? Yes, I’ll make it happen.”
Dakota squeezed him tight then began to rock her hips. Since his cock was still inside her, she could easily start a second round. Kieran grasped her hips as he leaned back on the couch.
The ringing of his cell phone jolted her.
“Fuck!” She dropped her head to his chest. “Don’t answer it.”
“You know I have to. Plus Jackson was going to see how he could help the kids we found today. It might be him.”
“Damn it.” She swung her leg and climbed off him. His cock was still wet from her juices and standing tall. “Don’t lose that erection. I’m not done with you.”
Kieran shook his head before digging into his jeans to get out his phone. She should have let him undress. Then the stupid cell wouldn’t be within reach.
“Hello.”
Luckily, she could hear both sides of the conversation.
“Kieran, it’s Alpha Damon.”
The scowl on Kieran’s face was priceless. “What do you want?”
Dakota rubbed his arm. Even if Damon had worked with them in the past, that didn’t mean that Kieran would ever do more than tolerate the Alpha wolf shifter.
“Jackson is not answering his phone,” Damon said. “I’ve tried to contact him multiple times.”
“He’s been busy. I’m sure he doesn’t have time for whatever werewolf bullshit you’re calling about.”
Damon growled low. “I understand your issues with shifters, but you’re stepping out of line.”
Kieran snorted. “Then don’t call me.”
“I won’t make the mistake again. Just tell Jackson we had problems with two Walkers crossing our territory.”
“What?” Kieran sat as Dakota stood. She made her way to the laptop that sat on the corner of the desk.
“Oh, now you’re interested in what I have to say.”
Dakota glanced up. It was apparent that Kieran was struggling with his words. “I apologize, Alpha. It’s been a rough couple of weeks.”
“I understand.” Damon’s voice held a hint of concern. “You’ve been through a lot. That doesn’t mean we can’t come up with a truce. We already stay out of the city as much as we can, but it would make things easier if we could share information.”
She thought that sounded like a great idea. The Pack of wolf shifters lived out in the Red Rock area where they had open space and hunting room, but they were in a great location to see what was entering the city. She just didn’t know if Kieran could ever get past his hatred for the Pack.
“We can discuss working together,” Kieran conceded. “What can you tell me about the Walkers?”
“A couple of my young ones were out practicing their hunting abilities when they came across two men who didn’t have a scent. They’d never met a Walker before so they were curious. They approached the men.”
“Fuck,” Kieran spat. He rose then began to pace.
“The Walkers attacked and a couple of the kids were hurt, but they managed to run away,” Damon informed him.
“Okay. Have you told Remy?” Kieran asked.
“He’s out there now,” Damon answered. “Jackson’s always been really good about monitoring the paranormals coming in.”
“I’ll tell him and we’ll keep an eye out,” Kieran said.
“I want them,” Damon stated. “They attacked my Pack.”
Kieran peered over at her and she shook her head. It wasn’t within the rules of the Organization to allow that. Kieran pressed his lips together. Damn it, he loved to break protocol and she couldn’t allow it this time.
“No,” she pronounced.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Kieran assured Damon.
Dakota was going to beat him. They didn’t need the shifters taking matters into their own hands.
“All right,” Damon said. “Let Jackson know I called. I have my Beta and a few guards trying to track them down, as well. It’d be a lot easier if you Walkers had a scent to follow.”
Kieran chuckled. “I know what you mean. But since I have you on the phone, I need you to do something for me.”
“We’re exchanging favors?” Damon asked.
Damn it, his earlier snark was going to bite him in the ass. “I have to deal with Dakota to even get you a chance with the Walkers. You owe me.”
“What is it you want?” Damon inquired.
Unsure what to say, Kieran hesitated. Better just to be honest. “Alex is…struggling.”
“Say no more,” Damon irrupted. “I won’t even count anything for Alex as a favor to you. He took care of my wolves.”
“Right,” Kieran said. “Alex needs someone to talk to. Jackson and I thought maybe if he could discuss things with someone who was there…”
“Sure, I’ll make sure that Max goes over right away,” Damon assured him.
“Thanks. So…one of us will call you back.” He hung up while turning to stare out the window. There. He’d made nice with the damn Alpha. Hopefully, Alex would feel better after talking to Max.”
“You okay?” Dakota walked over to pick up her clothes. She dressed quickly while watching him from the corners of her eye.
“There’s not many of my kind in the world,” Kieran said.
“I know.”
“If these Walkers were attached to the Organization in any way, they wouldn’t have attacked the shifters.”
Dakota strolled back over to the computer. “I pulled up the database on Walkers we have. There are less than fifty families not connected to us.”
“We have that information?” He turned to stare at her.
She nodded. “I didn’t know about it before. Caspar gave me clearance a few weeks ago. I wish I’d had more time to look through it. I’ve been in the field every night.”
“Guess we’ll look at it now,” Kieran said. “Would you mind making some coffee? And you should eat, too. It looks like it’s going to be a long night.”
“You don’t want any food?” she asked. Kieran didn’t live only on blood but also needed regular food and drink, too. Since he’d hunted earlier, he still needed dinner.
“Yeah, let’s just order room service. That way, we can get to work,” he suggested.
Dakota grinned. The hotel had wonderful restaurants and, since neither of them cooked well, they often took advantage of the perk of living there. When they’d discussed moving from the last room, Kieran had brought up living in a house. Dakota was glad they’d held off. She didn’t want to admit that she’d gotten spoiled. Food and drink at the tip of her fingers, daily housekeeping and several shops just downstairs. She felt like a kid in a candy store. “I’ll start the coffee and place an order.”
He seemed distracted as he nodded.
“You didn’t answer my question if you’re okay or not,” she pointed out.
Kieran lifted his gaze to hers. “I have a bad feeling.”
Well, that was not what she wanted to hear. “We’ll figure it out.”