Howl for Me (8 page)

Jeanne was breathing heavily. She stood just off to the side of Jamie’s floating chair, her hands waving under it. She was breathing so hard Jeff was afraid she’d hyperventilate. “This isn’t a trick.”

“No, it’s not. And it gets worse.”

“Worse how?”

Jamie floated to the ground. “Do you want to know what happened to Grimm?”

Jeff decided enough was enough. His mother needed to know everything that had happened to them, especially Jamie. “And what he did to Jamie?”

Jeanne froze. Her eyes glittered, her lips went tight and her fists clenched at her sides. “What do you mean, what he did to Jamie?”

For the first time since he was a little boy, Jeff was afraid of his mother.

“Fen, come in. I’d like you to meet Detective Antonia Mancinelli and the building manager, Joe Stearman. Toni, Joe, this is my—” Logan eyed Skye, standing quietly next to Fen, and smoothly uttered the lie “—cousin, Fenris Saeter.”

Fen smiled at Antonia, who paled at the sight of him. “Hello, Detective. Stearman.”

Stearman nodded his greeting, his expression one of unholy glee. “You need to vacate the premises immediately.”

Logan crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t think so.”

“You’re the only one who could have caused this kind of grief. I know your type. You’re a troublemaker to the core.”

Toni rolled her eyes. “And I told you that you don’t have the authority to evict him. He’s not a tenant, he’s a homeowner.” She turned to Logan. “Sorry about this. I’m not even sure why he brought me here instead of over to the problem condo.”

“Because his cousin is the one who’s now living in the stolen condo.” Stearman crossed his arms over his chest, but thanks to a paunch it wasn’t nearly as impressive as when Logan did it. “He
had
to be the one who messed with the paperwork.”

“Um, excuse me.” Skye stepped into the room, her eyes going wide as Logan’s wards flared around her body. “Whoa.” Logan was staring at her in shock. “Do I know you?”

Skye blinked. “Um. The condo you all are mentioning? It’s mine.”

Toni turned to her. “Can you explain to me the nature of your complaint?”

Kir hooked his arm around Logan’s neck. “I thought Toni was homicide.” He whispered in Logan’s ear low enough that only Fenris could hear it. Logan shrugged, but his dark gaze were glued to Skye.

“I was away on vacation. When I got back, my key didn’t fit the lock.”

“How the fuck did she even get on the floor?” Clouds raced across Kir’s eyes as he watched the group by his front door. His fingers danced across the pendant he wore.

Fenris’s eyes went wide. Was that Gungnir? If it was, and if Kir believed Logan was threatened, this would get ugly fast.

“So I went to complain and found out that everyone believed my condo was actually a different number than it really is.” Skye’s cheeks flushed. “They all thought I was crazy, and sure enough my key fit in a different lock two floors up. All my belongings had been moved.”

Toni was looking at her like she was crazy. “I’m sorry, but if everyone remembers you having a different condo, your key fits that condo, your belongings are in that condo…how is that
not
your condo?”

She gestured toward the front door. “I can prove it.”

“How?”

“The front door of my condo has my name in blue marker on the jamb. I signed it because it was my first home, and even if I moved out I wanted to be remembered.”

Logan looked like he’d been punched. That couldn’t be a good sign. But then he waved his fingers and Fen knew he’d fixed the problem.

Skye winced and shook her head. “Did you hear that?”

Kir choked. Logan didn’t. He was still watching Skye like a hawk.

Kir was now looking at Skye with something akin to horror. “Um. Yes. A ringing sound?” He grinned sickly when Skye nodded. “Phone. Logan just went to answer it.”

Logan pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and pretended to talk to someone.

The detective was watching the way Logan and Kir reacted, and she looked less than amused. “How do you explain the key working in the door of your allegedly new condo?”

Skye shrugged. “Magic?”

Logan turned and stalked to the window, but not before Fen got a look at his face.

For some reason his father was terrified.

“Look. Logan and I have nothing to say to Mr. Stearman. He’s harassed us from day one. As for you, Ms.…?” Kir gave the woman his most charming smile, and Fen saw it work its magic. Skye relaxed under the warm heat of Kir’s friendly gaze.

“Skylar Kincade. You can call me Skye.”

Kir’s smile turned to a grin. “Skye. I’m not sure what to tell you. When Fen and Jeff moved in, the condo was empty.”

The building manager frowned at the detective. “I believe Ms. Kincade.”

The detective shrugged. “I can look into this, Ms. Kincade, but if all of your bank paperwork shows you own the condo two floors up there’s nothing I can do about it, signed door jamb or not. All the evidence points to you owning a nicer place than Mr. Saeter and Mr. Grimm anyway, so I’m not sure what all the fuss is about.”

Logan nodded minutely, letting Fen and Kir know that paperwork had long since been changed along with the rest. His father hadn’t been this thorough in his youth, but loving and protecting Kir had taught the man caution. The simple bit of mischief, changing paperwork to match reality, was child’s play to Loki.

“But—”

“C’mon, Stearman. Let’s leave these nice people to their lives. There’s
nothing
to see here.” She grabbed hold of the office manager’s arm. “Have a nice day.” She shoved him out the front door and shut it behind him. She then wiped her hand on her jeans. “Why do I feel greasy?”

Kir chuckled. “He has that effect on a lot of people.”

She turned and glared at Kir. “I know you’re up to something. And don’t even try that innocent act. It doesn’t work on me.” She then pointed at Logan. “What did you do?”

“Uh, excuse me? Detective?” Skye tapped her on the shoulder. “Are you saying you believe me?”

Toni sighed. “I’m not sure, but Logan and Kir are up to something. I’m just trying to figure out what.”

“So you
do
believe me.”

“Where these two are concerned, I believe anything.”

Fen shook his head and made his way to the kitchen. Logan wouldn’t mind if Fen… What had Jeff called it? Oh yes. Raided his fridge. Fen was starving, and the rare roast beef in the odd, crinkly wrapping was calling his name.

Fen took a bite and nearly moaned out loud. The flavor was incredible despite being cold. But even the meat couldn’t quite rid Fen of his real hunger.

When was Jeff going to come home? Fen was bored without his mate nearby. He still had some making up to do, and he really wanted to get to it. He had just the thing in mind for penance too. The thought of spreading Jeff out on their bed and licking every inch of his skin ought to do the trick.

“I’m going to kick your father’s ass when he gets home.” Jeanne was pale, but at least she’d stopped shaking. “He’s lied to me for years.”

“He had reason.” Jeff held his mother’s hand, the original reason for his visit long since forgotten. “How do you tell the woman you love that you’re really the God of Thunder?”

Jeanne hmph’d. “I’ve lived with him for almost thirty years. Trust me, every time he hits the bathroom with a magazine in his hand I’m reminded how much thunder he’s capable of.” She shook her head. “Have I been drugged?”

Jeff studied his mother. Her eyes were clear, her responses natural. “No. I don’t think so. But it’s possible that you were while Grimm was in charge.”

She grimaced. “Did he know he was doing it to me, or do you think Grimm made it seem reasonable?”

“I don’t know.” Jeff squeezed her hand. “I know Jamie and I were under the influence and we never knew, not until Travis, Kir and Logan told us what was going on. Even Morgan and Magnus were under it. None of us were safe.”

“It’s all Grimm’s fault, Mom.” Jamie was pacing, unable to sit still with their mother so upset. “Blame him.”

“Your sister blames your father.”

“Dad beat on Logan. She’ll get over it. Eventually.” Jeff ran his fingers through his hair and decided to get the last little bit out in one big rush of words. “By the way, Logan’s son is living with me and I think he wants me because he keeps calling me his mate and his name is Fenris and oh God, what am I gonna do?”

Jeanne paled even further. “Fenris? As in the wolf?”

Jeff nodded. “Yeah. Big furry guy with lots and lots of teeth.”

Jamie patted his arm. “The better to eat you with, my dear.”

“Jamie!” Jamie winced at their mother’s shriek. Jeanne took a deep breath. “Yeah. I think I need whiskey.” Jeanne blinked. “Or a Road Kill. That might be better.”

Jamie giggled. Their mother had been a bartender once and still kept up with her skills. “Can we order in pizza?”

Jeff groaned and covered his eyes. “C’mon! I have a real problem here.”

“Yeah, he’s got a real problem. Hot and hairy wants to get hot and heavy with him.”

“Jamie.” Jeff growled at his sister.

“Fen’s way scarier.”

Jeff gave his sister the finger.

His mother gave him a whack upside the head on her way to the bar, where she mixed up enough Irish whiskey, Bacardi and Wild Turkey to fell an ox.

This day was just getting better and better. By the time the pizza was devoured and the pitcher was empty, Jeff didn’t have a fucking care in the world.

Fen heard the key in the lock and bolted upright. He’d been lying down on his couch, watching some show on television where men dressed like women and competed for some sort of prize. He’d been startled to find that he liked it. He’d pictured Jeff’s wild curls cascading down his back and moaned at the thought. He took a deep breath, scenting the air to see who was at the door.

“Jeff.” Fen sat up with a low growl, angered that his mate had been gone until dark. How dare he worry Fen like this?

Jeff stumbled through the open door, giggling in that hushed tone that told Fen all he needed to know. His mate was drunk, and Fen was furious. How could he take such little care for his safety? Grimm was still out there, and his mate was off getting drunk? Fen was ready to strip him down, tie him to their bed and leave him there where Fen knew he’d be safe.

“Night, Jamie, Travis.”

A female giggle was followed by the soft, deep voice of Tyr. The voices drifted away and Jeff shut the door behind them. At least Jeff hadn’t been alone out there, even if he’d relied on the uncertain powers of a newborn
Lios Alfar.

He waited until Jeff had made it halfway to the bedroom before growling low in his throat. He wanted his mate to know
exactly
how upset Fen was with him.

What he didn’t expect was Jeff’s reaction. The man spun, a dark, deadly looking weapon in hand, the hollow end pointing in Fen’s direction. The move had been so smooth, so quick, Fen had barely seen it.

He didn’t want to admit it, but he was impressed.

“Fen?” Even his voice was lethal, cold and predatory. It was sexy as hell.

“Who else would be waiting for you, mate?”

Jeff sighed and pocketed the weapon. “Jesus, you startled me.”

Fen growled again. “Where were you?”

“At my mother’s.”

Fen damn near exploded. Fur sprouted along his arms and legs. His teeth extended. He could see Jeff perfectly, his eyes having shifted over to a wolf’s. “You went to
Thor’s home
?”

From Jeff’s wince perhaps he shouldn’t have shouted quite so loudly. His mate looked pained.

Then again, perhaps a little pain would teach his mate to take better care.

“I went to my parents’ house because you pissed me off, dickhead.” Jeff turned and stormed off. He went straight to the bedroom and slammed the door shut behind him.

Fen followed. If Jeff thought this was over he was sorely mistaken. His hand was an inch from the doorknob when it opened abruptly. A pillow hit him in the face, followed by a blanket. Then the door slammed shut again.

Was this what humans called “being in the doghouse”?

The click of the lock was loud in the wake of Jeff’s anger. But Jeff had forgotten one thing when he’d locked that door.

Fenris Saeter was his father’s son.

No more Mr. Lap Dog. It was time Jeffrey Grimm learned what it meant to be the mate of Fenrisùlfr. Fen took the blanket and the pillow and placed them neatly on the sofa. He then turned to the bedroom door and proceeded to pick the fucking lock.

It seemed that the Internet was good for some things after all.

Jeff turned on the shower and stepped under the cool spray, trying to work the rest of the booze out of his system before he left the bathroom and confronted the wolf at his door. There was no way he could hope to get the best of Fenris if he was drunk off his ass, quick-draw skills notwithstanding. Jeff shot his fingers from his hips, pointing his “guns” at the shower wall before collapsing against it in giggles.

Damn, his mother sure made a mean Road Kill.

He stared down at his hands, still in the shape of guns, and shivered. He could have shot Fen back in the living room, all because he’d allowed himself to relax enough to get drunk. What would he have done if he’d hurt Fen? The memory of pained whimpers filled him with remorse. He didn’t want Fen to hurt anymore.

The room spun as he picked up the shampoo from the edge of the tub. God, he was drunker than he’d thought. At least he’d had the sense to come home in a cab.

His mind blanked at a sudden thought. Could Fen get drunk? Would that healing power of his keep him from hangovers? Jeff winced, knowing his head was probably going to fall off his shoulders tomorrow.

Come to think of it, would bullets hurt Fen, or would they just be an annoyance? Jeff soaped up his hair, his mind whirling. Wait. Fen was a werewolf, right? Would silver bullets hurt him? Kill him? Jeff found the thought…terrifying. Just the thought of Fen dead was enough to tie his stomach in knots. The memory of the sword through his jaws, blood dripping down his chin, his sad, pained whines had Jeff gulping in nausea.