tie up in his mind, how someone had put the Huntsman on Liam’s trail to begin with. In the end, it turned out to be a simple case of old school ties.
“So what? You think Kelson, for some reason, reached out to his old professor for advice about how to kill a shifter because he knew the professor claimed to be a psychic?” Liam asked in a quiet voice. He had paled, and Russ felt the tremors running through his lover’s body.
“Something like that,” Armel said with a shrug. “We’re still working out the details. Dr. Jeffries has rallied the folks at the Institute to provide their full cooperation. Which is likely to include taking part in Campbell’s questioning.”
“Even if you can tie it back to Kelson, there’s no way to charge him with anything, is there? Not without exposing the community,” Liam nearly whispered. Russ could feel his fast, shallow breathing. He squeezed Liam’s arm, a silent show of support.
“It’s not so much about ‘charging’ him,” Armel said, “as convincing him of the error of his ways. We have members of the community in his area who will be paying Kelson a visit to explain the consequences of his actions. We will make sure he doesn’t try any do-overs. Not on my fuckin’ watch.” His low growl was all bear.
“Thank you,” Liam said in a ragged voice. He sagged against Russ, who picked up a mix of relief and exhaustion through their bond.
Armel’s expression softened as he looked at the two of them. “I’m sorry this has been your welcome to Fox Hollow. Russ can tell you; this isn’t normal around here. I hope it doesn’t change your mind about staying. Town like this needs a good head librarian.”
Liam smiled and took Russ’s hand, turning to meet his boyfriend’s gaze. “I’m definitely staying,” he said, and Russ’s heart soared. “With my mate.”
Armel smiled at that. “Good to know. I’ve got to get going, but I’ll keep you informed.”
Russ walked him to the door. “Thank you,” he said. “For everything.”
Armel smirked. “Thought you’d want to know that the Institute has decided to reach out to more witches, after the way the Huntsman used wardings to shut out the psychics. Dr. Jeffries said he knows people in Myrtle Beach and Cape May who agreed to recommend some people, and he plans to draw in the folks like that we already have in the area. So Fox Hollow is about to add a little more to its ‘diversity.’”
“It’s about time,” Russ replied. “Stay in touch.”
He closed the door and locked it, then went back to where Liam waited on the couch. Russ sat and opened his arms, and Liam came to him, wrapping his arms around Russ and kissing him like a drowning man.
“I need you,” Liam breathed between desperate kisses. “I want this. Now.”
“Your back…your tail…”
“I’ll be fine. Good drugs, remember? I love you, Russ. I know it’s fast, and it’s crazy, but we’re fated mates, and I don’t ever want to regret not having every minute I can with you, as much as you’ll give me.”
Russ didn’t try to hide his growl. He swept Liam up in his arms and carried him to the bedroom. “Let’s get a bath, get the blood and sweat off both of us. Maybe give you that massage. And then, if you’re still in the mood, I’ll do anything you want me to do.”
11
Liam
Normally, Liam’s pride would have required resisting being swooped into a bridal carry, even by his big, strong, sexy wolf. Not tonight. He had worn out the badass side of himself fighting the Huntsman and needed a chance to rest and recharge. And although Russ had put up a good front, Liam knew his boyfriend also hadn’t completely healed.
Maybe we can take care of each other, he thought.
“Just stretch out and relax. I’ll run the bath,” Russ said, setting Liam down gently on his king-size bed.
Liam gave a tentative stretch and winced when his back twinged. He rolled on the comforter, taking in Russ’s scent, leaving behind his own. Liam heard the water running, and before long, Russ reappeared, already naked.
“Let’s get you out of those clothes and into the tub,” Russ said and sat on the edge of the bed to help. “Once the water loosens you up, I can try massaging your back. And go from there.”
He wiggled his eyebrows mock-suggestively, but Liam knew Russ would hold off on making love if Liam didn’t feel up to it.
Liam had no