Free Howl for Me by Dana Marie Bell Page A

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