Free Shifter Magnetism by Stormie Kent

expression on Nic’s face was more than scary, and she started having second thoughts until something inside her made her meet his gaze with the sharp edge of her determination. He wasn’t leaving her behind no matter what. If she allowed him to back her down, he would think he could do so whenever he wished. She couldn’t live her life under her mate’s thumb. The pressure would break her.
    The staring contest seemed to last forever.
    His expression eased, and some of the fire faded from his gaze. “You need to follow my directions when we see these men. I have experience where you don’t.”
    She had no idea why he’d changed his mind. Triumph soared inside her. “Of course, Nic.”
    They were going on a sorcerer hunt.
    * * * *
    It was dusk when they reached Acer Kano’s home. The two-story colonial was picture-perfect, with white siding, black shutters, and a bright red door. The lawn was manicured, and pretty flowers were planted in rows under the lower front windows. It wasn’t the image of a sorcerer’s home she’d grown up with. There wasn’t a steeple or broken shutter in sight.
    Nic rang the doorbell. His gaze darted around the property, and it made her nervous. The door swung open to reveal a very short older woman in a black maid’s uniform and a gray bun.
    “May I help you?”
    Nic showed her his badge. “I’m Detective Lobo with the Coldwell PD. We’d like to see Mr. Acer Kano.”
    The woman looked from Nic’s badge to Leila, but she didn’t ask any questions. “Follow me, and I will inform Mr. Kano that you are here.”
    They were led to a front room with dainty upholstered furniture and sweeping landscape paintings. Nic prowled the room, and Leila couldn’t sit. Something about his posture made her nervous.
    “What?” she asked in a whisper. Was it his strange behavior or something else filling her with dread?
    Nic raked his hand through his hair. “It isn’t him. Not the same scent.”
    She inhaled, but she hadn’t gained her wolf-girl senses until after the attack. She wouldn’t know the killer’s scent. “Why are you so agitated?”
    “There is weird magic here. It is rubbing my wolf the wrong way.”
    Leila heard steps in the hall. She moved closer to Nic and watched the doorway warily. A thin man of average height entered the room. He was dressed in a pin-striped suit. His black hair was swept off his forehead to the side. Something inside Leila bristled as the whisper of his magic reached her. It felt grim and ominous. Sorcerer.
    “To what do I owe the honor of this visit, Detective?” Acer Kano turned to Leila, and his eyes narrowed. “Interesting.”
    Nic stepped slightly in front of her, and she didn’t try to argue with him. Acer Kano made her uncomfortable.
    “I’m Detective Lobo with Coldwell PD. Mr. Kano, I’d like to ask you about your whereabouts on the night of the twelfth.”
    Kano walked toward an armchair. “Would you care to sit?”
    Nic led Leila to the sofa and urged her to sit with a gentle nudge. She didn’t want to sit. She wanted to be ready to run.
    Kano relaxed into his chair. “They’ve sent two supernaturals to my home to ask me about Saturday night. Something very dark indeed must have happened.” He smiled. “Do you both know your magic feels more unique than any I’ve ever encountered?”
    “The twelfth, Kano,” Nic said.
    “Saturday night I was at home. Mrs. Turner was here. You met her when you arrived.”
    “I’d like to speak with Mrs. Turner before we leave.” Nic sounded calm.
    Kano stood. “Certainly.” He left the room.
    Mrs. Turner returned and quickly corroborated Kano’s story. Leila breathed easier as they left the house. It was fully dark as they walked back to the SUV.
    Nic sat behind the wheel staring at the house. “I think you piqued his interest more than is healthy.”
    “I promise to stay far away from the guy.” A quiver of revulsion skated along her spine.
    “If your Council knows he’s breaking laws