The Deputy and His Enforcer (Kincaid Pack #3) - Kiki Clark Page 0,37

with Jamie regarding certain traditions being included. One of the traditions he wanted to stop using was the one where wreaths made with myrrh were presented to the homes and businesses along the parade route to be hung during the festival. Myrrh is a type of amplifier and is used during a lot of moon rituals, so it’s a Wiccan tradition as well as a Kincaid Pack one to use it. Jamie felt it wasn’t a good use of time to make the wreaths.” Marcus sighed and pressed his fingertips into the tabletop so hard they turned white. “It wasn’t the only thing he attempted to change, but it was the final straw that led to our argument.”

“Argument? Like, you yelled at each other?”

Marcus nodded. “Yes.”

“You, Marcus Rivera, yelled at someone?” His teasing tone finally seemed to penetrate, and Marcus rolled his eyes, his hands relaxing once more.

“Yes, I, Marcus Rivera, yelled at someone. I’m capable of losing my temper.”

He leaned forward and let his eyes drop to Marcus’s lips for a moment. “I think I’d kind of like to see that.”

Marcus sucked in a deep breath through his nose, his green eyes deepening and starting to glow just the slightest bit around the outside edge of his irises. “Why?”

Robson bit his lower lip and smiled. “I think seeing you lose control would be a damn fine sight to see.”

“Robson…”

Marcus’s voice held what sounded like a note of warning, but Robson ignored it. He was still putting all the pieces together of who Marcus was, but one thing he was beginning to realize was that there were vulnerable sides to Marcus that made Robson want to protect him from the world.

Leaning back again, he grinned at the unsteady breath Marcus took. “So is my new niece gonna turn into an animal at some point or what?”

“Marcus!”

They both turned, Robson jolting a little at the reminder that they weren’t alone. He’d gotten so wrapped up in Marcus and their conversation that the nearly empty diner had faded into the background. The man striding toward their table was wearing a dirty apron and an enormous smile.

“Hello, Victor. How are you?” Marcus gave his small smile that meant he was pleased, his eyes lighting up with happiness.

“I’m good! It’s been too long. How are things at the—” He eyed Robson and gave him a fake smile. “How’s the job? Must be staying busy since you haven’t stopped by in weeks.”

Frown tugging at his mouth, Robson crossed his arms and eyed the younger man a little more closely, wondering if he meant Marcus hadn’t stopped by Momma’s… or the guy’s house. He realized Victor had to be only a little younger than Marcus, who was mid-twenties probably, though his serious demeanor made him seem older and closer to Robson’s late thirties.

“Sorry, I’ve been working on a project for Alpha Kincaid.” At Victor’s enormous eyes, Marcus’s smile stretched just a little wider. He dipped his head in Robson’s direction. “Victor, this is Deputy Robson Medina. He’s just learning about the pack. Robson, this is my cousin, Victor. He’s the mastermind behind the excellent food at this establishment.”

Victor grinned, wiped his hand on his apron, and extended it to Robson. “Hey, man. Welcome to the pack.”

“Oh, no. I’m…” He stopped himself and just returned Victor’s smile and handshake. “Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Looking between Robson and Marcus, Victor waggled his eyebrows. “The pleasure is mine. Definitely.”

“Victor,” Marcus growled.

Victor only laughed. “Cuz, that tone doesn’t work on me even if you are a pack Enforcer. I’ve known you too long.”

Marcus grumbled something under his breath as he reached for his glass of water, making Robson and Victor both chuckle.

“I won’t interrupt—I just wanted to come say hi and remind you to not be a stranger around here.”

Standing, Marcus pulled Victor into a quick embrace, ending with his hand on the side of his cousin’s neck. “You’re doing okay?” he asked quietly.

“I’m fine. You have to stop worrying about me. It’s been three years.” Victor gripped Marcus’s forearm. “You already saved me, cuz.”

Chapter Ten

Wendy: Let me get to my office and I’ll call you. Hang on.

Marcus paced in front of his desk, eyes on his phone as he waited for it to ring. He was pretty sure that if anyone could help him get access to the old archives, it would be Wendy. She’d worked for the Council since before he had and was one of the few people still there that he knew and