The question cut too close to the truth.
This is too much too fast,she said.We don’t know each other well enough for this level of intensity.
We know enough.His voice carried quiet conviction.We know we work well together.We know we trust each other in dangerous situations.
Physical chemistry isn’t enough to build a permanent bond on.
Then what is?
The question hovered between them.What did it take to build something lasting?Shared values, mutual respect, deep understanding that came from surviving a crisis together?
All of which they had, she realized.
I don’t know,she admitted.I’ve never tried to build anything permanent with anyone.
Neither have I.Vulnerability replaced his control.But I want to try.With you.
The simple declaration made her wolf whine with longing, made every defense feel suddenly fragile.He wasn’t asking for forever—just the chance to find out what they could build together.
The investigation,she said, grasping for solid ground.Gregory’s murder, Chimera’s operations, the threat to other packs.We can’t afford to be distracted by personal complications.
You’re right.His agreement surprised her.The investigation has to be our priority.Lives are at stake.
Relief flooded through her, complicated by something that felt almost like disappointment.
So we agree,she said.We finish what we started.Find Gregory’s real killers, stop Chimera’s plans.And then…
And then we figure out what we are,he finished.When we’re not running from operatives or processing devastating revelations.
The plan was logical, sensible.So why did it feel like cowardice?
The bond is going to make that difficult,she pointed out.Maintaining professional distance when we can feel each other’s emotions.
Then we learn to work with it instead of against it.Conall began gathering his clothes.Use the enhanced coordination to our advantage.
You make it sound simple.
Nothing about this is simple.Conall got out of bed, pulling on his clothes from the night before.But complicated isn’t the same as impossible.
Where are you going?Nadine asked.
I’m getting ready to go check out the storage unit.Conall raised his eyebrows.Are you coming with me?
Now?
Are you going to be able to go back to sleep if we don’t go now?
Nadine snorted and swung her legs over the side of the bed.No.You’re right.Let’s go.
I just texted Anders to let him know where we’re headed.He paused.He’ll want us to take backup.
For all the good it did yesterday,Nadine muttered.
Exactly.Roswell’s only two hours away.We can get there right as they open.If Anders wants to send a team, they can catch up with us.
LESS THAN THREE HOURSlater, Nadine stood in front of Gregory’s unit, her throat tight with worry over what they’d find.The lock yielded to Nadine’s picks in seconds.
Even before they opened any of the boxes stacked almost to the ceiling, the contents of the unit made her blood run cold.
