A Wolf in Hiding - Charlie Richards Page 0,31

the nearby low table and a throw pillow under his leg, he pressed a kiss to his lips. “What would you like to eat, Elroy?”

“Can I get a small piece of steak as well as a brat,” Elroy requested, smiling up at him. “And some chips or whatever is over there. I’m not picky.”

“You got it.” Dermot pecked his mate’s lips again before heading away.

His shifter hearing allowed him to hear Camilla murmur, “My mate? What’s that mean?”

Dermot winced at his slip.

Elroy chuckled. “Term of endearment, like baby or sweetheart.” Before Camilla could ask another question, he told her, “When I called Richmond, he actually tried to get me to come in today. Can you believe it?” Snorting, Elroy added, “I quit on the spot. It was so damn satisfying.”

Camilla laughed. “I bet.”

“Wish I had guts to do that,” Bart commented with a sigh. “But I need my bank teller job too much.”

Dixon neared Dermot, heading toward Elroy and his friends. “How’s he holding up?” the beta asked softly, pausing.

“Really good, I think, all things considered,” Dermot told his beta. “He’s staying with me while things get sorted, so it’ll give me time to convince him to move in permanently.” After a glance over his shoulder, Dermot added, “And he already quit his job.”

Grinning, Dixon nodded. His pale blue eyes twinkled. “Glad to hear it.” Then he lifted the beverages he held. “I’ll get these to ’em.” Except, Dixon didn’t move. Instead, he murmured, “Camilla made it seem like she might have recognized you. Think it’ll cause problems?”

When Dixon had joined their pack a couple of years ago, Dermot had worried how the dominant wolf shifter would fit in. As time passed, he’d seen the way the beta, while a bit aloof, worked hard to learn his duties, catching on fast. Now, he handled everything Shane had with a quiet, solid presence that set pack-members at ease.

Dixon was also damn observant.

Dermot shrugged. “I’m really not sure. I’ll ask Elroy to let me know if she makes any more comments about me.”

After one last nod, Dixon moved on.

Making his way to the food, Dermot fulfilled his mate’s food request.

“I’d like to go back to my apartment to inspect everything.”

Upon hearing Elroy’s quiet comment, Dermot froze. His hands were halfway to his mouth, and he’d been poised to take a big bite of his burger. He slowly lowered it as he arched a questioning brow at his mate.

“Camilla said the door had been busted in,” Elroy told him, rubbing his hands over the fabric of the jeans he wore. They’d cut the left leg up the side nearly to his underwear so they could maneuver them over his cast, since Elroy hadn’t wanted to wear sweat shorts to meet Dermot’s alpha. “All my files were ransacked in my home office, just like they were strewn all over my car.”

Dermot nodded slowly, thinking quickly. His heart thudded wildly in his chest. He nearly physically ached that he wouldn’t be able to take his mate, but he couldn’t show his face in Colin City.

“When were you thinking of going?” Dermot asked softly.

Meeting his gaze through his lashes, Elroy stated, “Tomorrow. Camilla offered to pick me up.”

I just bet she did.

Dermot glanced at the slightly plump blonde woman who was leaning back against Bart in the chaise lounge they shared. He spotted the way her eyes were slightly narrowed as she eyed him over the rim of her martini glass. Even knowing she was up to something, Dermot would never deny his mate.

Refocusing on Elroy, Dermot picked up his hand. He threaded their fingers together and held his gaze steady. “I understand this is important to you, so it’s important to me, too.” After lifting Elroy’s fingers to his lips, Dermot kissed his knuckles lightly before lowering them again. “But you and your safety is important, too. I know Camilla would do her best to help you if whoever is after you found you at your apartment.” He turned his attention to Elroy’s friend. “And I mean no offense to you, but I don’t think you could protect him.”

“So, does that mean you’re not going to let him go?” Camilla asked. Her tone turned a little accusatory. “You know, he doesn’t need your permission.”

“Camilla,” Elroy chided.

Leaning forward, Camilla frowned. “No, this is exactly the kind of shit Kyle used to pull. He just said you couldn’t go, Elroy.” Her brown eyes flashed with mistrust as she scowled at Elroy. “I won’t let you get entangled