“Good. That’s good.” Ralph coughed. “I’m glad to hear that.”
Something was up. Ralph sounded so uncomfortable, so flat-toned that Jonah began to worry. “Is something wrong?”
That got Carol’s attention, but he waved her back to her exploration of the desk, hoping that Ralph wasn’t about to say what Jonah was afraid he would.
“Listen, there’s no easy way to say this, but it’s been brought to my attention that you’re a little…overprotective of your familiar.” Ralph’s voice was apologetic, almost sympathetic.
“What are you talking about?” Jonah leaned back in his chair, frowning. He had no idea what the fuck Ralph meant, other than Wheeler and Ridgely must be behind it.
“Well, Wheeler pointed out that you seemed to think that you were being…”
Damn, he was right. “Wheeler backed away from my familiar like she had the plague, Ralph. All because he heard she was a wolf.”
Ralph sighed. “Wheeler’s an ass, okay? But if he goes to Internal Affairs and bitches about you being too cozy with your familiar, it could mean your badge.”
Jonah blinked in shock. “What the hell, man? He’s just pissed because he got kicked off this case.”
“Maybe, maybe not. Wheeler’s known to have some issues with shifters, especially the predators, and Ridgely is backing him up.”
Fuck. “God damn it,” he muttered, running his fingers through his hair. Wheeler and Ridgely were seasoned detectives. They could easily give Carol a hard time. As a familiar, even though she’d been through the academy, she simply didn’t have the pull that two homicide detectives would. Add in the fact that she was a wolf and there were those who would want her gone no matter what they had to do to achieve it. “There’s a zero-tolerance policy against just this sort of thing, Ralph.”
“And if you didn’t have a history of dating some of your familiars, it wouldn’t be an issue. At least, that’s where I think this is going to go with them.”
“You and I both know how effective it,” Ralph replied. “Remember when they implemented the zero-tolerance policy against LGBTQ+ bullying? One guy died because backup never arrived.”
Jonah shuddered. He’d been in college when the cops responsible for the gay officer’s death had been found not guilty on a number of charges. His mother had been furious, his father quietly fuming. Jonah had overheard them discussing the same thing happening to a familiar or shifter officer someday.
They’d been right. A lion shifter had been shot by his partner when the man shifted for the first time in front of him. He’d thought he was about to be eaten.
The lion had just wanted his partner to be comfortable around him, including his shifter side.
The shifter had wound up losing his job due to the disabling shot, and the cop who’d shot him had been put on paid leave while the matter was investigated. He’d ultimately been reinstated, with no charges filed. It had been deemed justifiable fear for his life.
“Listen, Jonah. Whatever you do, don’t give them any ammunition. Neither of us wants to deal with the headaches, especially if IA is given the idea that you’re banging your subordinate.”
Jonah did his best to keep his anger from his expression, but when Carol sent him a questioning look, he realized he must have failed. He shook his head at her and tried to smile, but she still seemed concerned. “If you hear anything, would you give me a head’s up? Carol and I have to be close for our magic to mesh together properly.”
“And you’ve always liked the cute ones.”
Jonah kept his mouth shut. There was no way he could deny Ralph’s accusation. He’d take a cute, funny girl over a traffic-stopping beauty any day of the week.
“I’m sorry about this, Jonah. I’m just watching out for you, kid.”
“I understand.”
Ralph had been a homicide detective when Jonah had been promoted to the MCU. He’d helped walk Jonah through his first case and had been there more than once when Jonah had broken bonds with a familiar. If anyone was allowed to call him kid, it was Ralph.
“The last thing I want this city to do is lose a good cop like you.”
“Thanks, man.” Jonah had no intention of not pursuing a possible relationship with Carol, but he didn’t want to lose his job either.
“You also don’t want her filing sexual harassment charges.”
That thought sent cold shivers down Jonah’s spine. The possibility hadn’t even occurred to him. Carol had seemed receptive to his mild advances so far, but perhaps he should put the brakes on and move a little more slowly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Is she there?” Ralph spoke so softly Jonah could barely hear him.
“Yes.” He glanced at Carol to see her going through her desk with a determined expression. He had no idea what she was looking for, but she was sure adorable doing it. Her brows were furrowed, her nose crinkled. When she held up an old chocolate wrapper and gagged, he silently laughed.
“Shit. Think she heard us?”
Wolf hearing. He’d completely forgotten about that. “Not sure, but I don’t think so.” She was so busy rooting around in the desk that he doubted she was paying attention to anything beyond it.
“Good.” Ralph sounded relieved. “Because if the two of you get together, there’s a good chance she’ll be transferred out of your department after the year and a day. Hell, there’s a good chance of that anyway, since she doesn’t have the years in to be an MCU detective yet.”
Jonah was aware of that possibility. You didn’t have to be a mage or familiar to work in the MCU, just like you didn’t have to work in MCU if you were a sorcerer or familiar. She could go to Ralph’s department, she could work Vice, she could be anything she wanted within the LAPD.
He just hoped she chose the MCU and remained his partner.
“I’ll keep feelers out on Wheeler and Ridgely. Just watch your back, okay?”
“I will. Thanks, Ralph.”
“You’re welcome.” Ralph hung up without saying goodbye. It was his way. He’d said his piece, and now he was off to his next task.
“I wouldn’t do that, you know.” Carol’s soft voice broke through the burgeoning gloom of his thoughts. “What’s between us stays between us.”
Jonah glanced at her to find her giving him a stern glare.
“But, FYI, if you ever touched me in a way I didn’t want, I’d bite your hand off.” She gnashed her teeth at him, her canines appearing remarkably pointed in her human mouth.
He nodded, not at all certain if he was being reassured or threatened. Probably both. He tried not to smile back. Even with her teeth bared, she was just too cute. “Understood, ma’am.”
“Good!” She sat back with a big grin, her canines shrinking back to normal. “Coffee. Now. Let’s go.”
Jonah stood, shaking his head in amusement. Like she hadn’t known that after less than an hour in the precinct. What the hell, he could use a cup. He gestured away from their desks toward the common corridor. “Follow me, my lady.”
It had started raining almost as soon as they got home. Jonah had cooked a quick meal of soup and grilled cheese, afraid they’d both fall asleep before eating. They’d had a long day, with the murder and their newly formed bond draining them both.
“This is good,” Carol muttered, drinking the last of her soup. She blinked and yawned. A gust of wind blew the rain against the windows, rattling them, and she jumped slightly. “I’m glad we got here before the weather got bad.”
There was a severe thunderstorm warning in effect, but it hadn’t hit by the time they were done eating. Thunderstorms in L.A. were so rare it was like finding a unicorn dancing in the middle of city hall. “It’s supposed to get worse before it gets better. We might lose power.”
“I hope not.” She stretched, her T-shirt tightening against her breasts. He had to glance away before she found him gaping at her more obviously than Officer Bob. She smiled tiredly. “I have plans to cuddle up with a good book tonight.”
Jonah had never enjoyed simply observing another person so much. Her face was so expressive, showing so many different emotions that he had to wonder what she was thinking. When he’d mentioned the possibility of a thunderstorm, she’d paled slightly before controlling her expression. She must not like storms, but unless she mentioned it herself, he’d keep his curiosity to himself.
He yawned, hiding it behind his fist. They were both tired, having spent longer at the station than he’d planned. He’d wound up introducing Carol to all of his coworkers and their familiars. She’d charmed them all, asking about families and offering assistance on cases as needed. She wasn’t the only predator in the room, but she was the only wolf, and wolves were notorious for their sense of smell.
Jonah stood as the first rumble of thunder sounded. “I’m going to watch the storm.” He couldn’t pass this light show up, not when it was so uncommon. “Sure you don’t want to join me?”
Carol, once again pale, shook her head. “Um, no, I think I’ll just hit the sack and read. I’ve got a bit of a headache, so I think I’ll just try and sleep.” She stood and smiled shyly. “Good night, Jonah.”
“Good night.” He got up, gathering the dishes. “Wait. You want some aspirin?”
She shook her head. “No, I think I’ll be okay.” She shuffled her feet, appearing more and more awkward the longer she stood there. “Good night.”
He watched until she was gone, rounding the corner to the bedrooms. Something was definitely wrong. She’d practically skittered up the steps. If she’d been in wolf form, her tail would have been tucked between her legs. He checked along their bond but got nothing. Their anima and animus were continuing to weave together, leaving little spaces where emotions leaked through, but right now all he could sense was weariness.
Sometimes a bond wound so tightly that the sorcerer and familiar could communicate telepathically. Jonah hoped that would happen with him and Carol. Already his home seemed sunnier because of her presence.
Jonah sat in one if the chairs by the window, almost bouncing in his seat like a little kid. Before too long, a split-second spark lit the night sky, the lightning so brilliant it was dazzling, even inside the house.
Jonah grinned, admiring the rage of mother nature, when a small whimper made him turn around, but no one was there. “Carol?” The thunder roared in response, but his familiar’s voice was silent.
Jonah went up the stairs, listening for that whimper. Lightning flashed, backlighting the staircase. He could perceive to the end of the hall in the brief flashes of light, but no wolf bounded out of Carol’s room to greet him.
Another whimper came after the boom of the thunder shook the house. This time, the fear along their bond was so strong he staggered from the force of it.
Shit. He’d been right. Carol was afraid of lightning storms.
Jonah raced to her room and threw open the door, expecting to find Carol huddled under the sheets. They were depressingly flat against the mattress. His pretty little wolf was missing.
“Carol?” He stepped into her room warily, wondering if she was in wolf form or not. She wouldn’t hurt him on purpose, but he didn’t want to startle her nonetheless. A terrified wolf could do a lot of damage without meaning to. “Where are you?”
A small hand waved out from the closet. “In here.”
He opened the closet door, sliding it until it was flush with the other one. “Oh, Carol.”
She was on the floor, pressed as far into the back corner as she could go. She was covered in the blanket from the bed, only her eyes and nose visible. Even her feet were covered.
She winced when another lightning strike lit the bedroom. “Jonah?” The terror in her voice shook him, bringing out every single one of his protective instincts.
This would not do. Jonah could almost taste her fear. He reached into the closet and picked up his terrified familiar, keeping a tight hold on her as he strode out of her room and back downstairs. He settled her on the sofa, growling slightly when she immediately crowded into the corner. “I’m going to make you tea, then we’ll sit here until the storm passes. Okay?”
She nodded but didn’t answer, her gaze glued to the windows.
Poor baby. Jonah made the tea as quickly as he could, adding honey and milk to it, something his mother always did to soothe him when he couldn’t sleep. He carried the mug back to Carol, who hadn’t moved a single hair from where he’d left her.
He set the mug on the coffee table and sat down. Reaching for her, he murmured nonsense words until she was firmly ensconced on his lap. He kept her wrapped in her blanket for the extra security she seemed to need. He kept his arms were firmly around her, hoping the combination of cuddles and his scent would calm both her and her wolf. “Think you can drink some of your tea, sweetheart?”
Carol reached for the mug, her hand slipping through the blanket’s folds, barely moving it. She drank some, sighing happily, her body relaxing into his. “Mm. It’s good. Thank you.”
“No problem. Have you always been afraid of thunderstorms?” He couldn’t imagine his brave little wolf shuddering under blankets, but here she was, breaking his heart with every soft cry. She’d faced her first crime scene without flinching. Witnessing her reduced to a whimpering mess made him want to kill something.
She shook her head. “It was fine when I was little, but—” She jumped as lightning flashed.
He could tell that strike was pretty close because the thunder sounded almost immediately. Carol buried her face against his neck. She was trembling so hard he was afraid she’d drop the tea. He took the mug and—careful not to move her too much—placed it back on the coffee table.
“Tell me, but don’t move.”
He was hoping his scent would keep her calm. He began rubbing her back, keeping his strokes gentle. Tugging on their connection, he weaved a barrier around them, one that dampened both sound and light without eliminating them. If it eased her even the tiniest bit, it would be worth the expenditure of energy.
Carol immediately reacted, loosening her death grip on the blanket. “Um. When I was about nine, one of the girls who hated my brother and I locked us out of the orphanage during a thunderstorm. It’s one of the reasons we both moved to California. No thunderstorms, or maybe one a year at best.”
Jesus.
“We were out there for hours and couldn’t find a place to hide. Sawyer, my brother, knocked on the doors, the windows, everywhere he could think of to get attention, but no one answered him. We didn’t find out until later that the girl who’d locked us out got everyone else to play musical chairs in the upstairs playroom. Between the stereo and the storm, no one could hear us.”
Jonah tightened his hold on her. “What happened next?” She needed to get it all out. Even if she never got over her fear, he wanted her aware that someone was more than willing to hold her during a storm.
“My brother and I huddled against the house. He kept his arms around me like he could protect me if lightning struck us. Eventually, the headmistress realized we weren’t there and went searching for us. When she couldn’t find us, she finally went outside and found us soaked to the bone and exhausted. She took us in and yelled at us for staying outside in the rain.”
Jonah growled. Fuck that woman, and fuck the little bitch who’d traumatized his familiar. If he ever met them, he’d be on trial for murder soon afterward.
Carol laughed. “Not bad, sorcerer. You almost sounded like a wolf.”
He wasn’t surprised. He wanted to hunt down both of them and rip their throats out. “Who told her the truth?”
Carol grabbed hold of his shirt and held tight, creasing the fabric. “Sawyer did. I was too busy sobbing and trying to hide under the table, but Mrs. Johnson wouldn’t let me.” She smiled against his neck. “He was pissed. He yelled so loud he rivaled the thunder.”
“Good for him.” Jonah would have done the same thing. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
She took a deep breath. “Whe
n Mrs. Johnson found out what happened, she called the girl into the room.”
“Did she at least let you get changed out of your wet clothing?”
Carol snorted in disgust, which was really ticklish against his neck. He held as still as he could, considering his neck was now tingling. “Of course not.”
“Of course not,” he echoed sadly. She’d been neglected and abused by a system set in place to protect her. He really had to have a talk with the head of the familiar orphanages about making some changes. Maybe he’d get his parents and his sister in on it. His mother loved her causes, especially when it came to familiar rights.
“The girl lied about what she did, and she would have gotten away with it if someone hadn’t spoken up. One of the boys noticed what she did, but he was too afraid of her to defy her and let us back in. But at least he told the truth when Mrs. Johnson asked the others who was lying.”
“Good for him.”
“Yeah.” She jolted again as thunder rumbled through the room. “Uh, she was transferred a week later to a different facility because everyone knew she’d do it again in a heartbeat, even Mrs. Johnson. She wasn’t sorry at all.” Carol gasped as thunder rattled the house.
Damn storm. “Shh. I’m here. The lightning won’t get you. I’m a badass sorcerer, remember?”
She snorted again, this time in amusement. “What are you gonna do, oh Sorcerer Supreme?”
He put his finger to her lips. “Shh! Don’t call me that. It’s copyrighted.”
This time her laughter was open, light, a beautiful sound he wanted more of in the future.
“Seriously, woman. You want me to get sued?” He ignored the tightening of her muscles when lighting struck. This time the thunder didn’t sound until after he’d counted to five.
Good. That meant the storm was starting to move on.
He kept watch over her as she continued to sip her tea, the two of them settled into a comfortable silence. Whenever the lightning struck or thunder sounded, she’d turn her face into his neck and just breathe.
He closed his eyes, loving her in his arms. “Next time you’re scared, I want you to come to me, no matter what time of day or night it is. Okay?”
Sound's Familiar (Terra Noctem Book 1) Page 7
