Free Grimm: A Novel In The Nate Temple Supernatural Thriller Series (The Temple Chronicles Book 3) by Shayne Silvers Page B

brow at the hurt look on her face. “I don’t know how much more obvious I can be, Nate. I would hope you consider this ,” she waved a hand at her body, “a better form of release than a dusty old punching bag.” She warned.
    I blinked, realizing my mistake too late. I couldn’t believe I had missed such an obvious pass. Granted, I had a lot on my mind, but still. When a pretty girl flirts with you, you damn well better pay attention, Apocalypse or not. “Wow,” I sighed. “I’m an idiot.”
    She nodded curtly. “Yes. You are.” She folded her arms, tapping a foot as she arched a brow. “So, what does a girl have to do around here to get some claw marks on her back?”
    I grinned, suddenly focused on only her. “Say no more.” She smiled back and gripped my hand. “Still a little high strung after Barbie’s psychic attack, eh?” I teased.
    Her eyes were dark and captivating. “Only one way to find out…” Then she smacked my ass as we stepped up to Gunnar and Ashley, who were unabashedly hugging and kissing each other outside of her idling car. The sound caused them to jump apart and stare at us. Indie burst out laughing. So did Ashley. I simply turned to glare at Indie in disbelief. She shrugged, folding her arms before her.
    Then she did it again as I was climbing into the backseat.
    “I’m not just some piece of meat, you know.” I grumbled, only mildly upset that my ass smacking authority had been stolen.
    “Tonight you are.” She grinned, climbing in behind me. Gunnar rolled his eyes, but Ashley burst out laughing all over again.
    “Looks like I missed a wild night.” Ashley said, pulling out into traffic.
    “Don’t worry, we have a few more of them scheduled for the week.” I grumbled.
    “I’m guessing that’s what the car trouble was really about?” She asked, glancing pointedly at Gunnar. His cheeks flushed slightly before he murmured an apology to her. I couldn’t hear the words, but it looked like he was getting an earful.
    He finally addressed me as we passed a row of commercial buildings. “ Chateau Falco ?” I nodded. “Might be a good idea for all of us to stick together for a few days. Until this, um, car trouble gets sorted out.” He offered neutrally, giving me room to veto the idea if I wished. I glanced at Indie’s hungry eyes and smiled. It was a big enough house. Plenty of rooms. I winked at her to let her know she still held priority of my attentions, guests be damned.
    “Good idea. While you catch Ashley up I need to make another call.”
    They began talking softly together in the front seat while I made a call, feeling Indie’s curious eyes on me the whole time. Even though I had warned Jafar on official channels, I wanted a more reliable insurance policy that was solely in my control rather than the shifting winds of political favor, and after events over the past year I had wisely planned for just such an event ahead of time. But it was risky. In fact, it was borderline suicidal .
    “This can’t be good,” a familiar voice answered. I smiled.
    “Consider this your answer. Commence Operation White Knight . Immediately. Then meet me at the ranch. Bring the family and anyone they care about.” I hinted heavily, hoping he understood. “It’s… bad.” The line grew as cold as a grave.
    “Are you shitting me? I thought that was just a doomsday plan. We only came up with it a few months ago and you already need it?” I thought about it for a second, but I couldn’t think of another option.
    “Yes. Exercise extreme caution. Like we discussed. Don’t harm them. Just hold them. If you can …” I added drily, knowing that his unique abilities made him the most capable of such a high level operation.
    The voice growled back defiantly. “Of course I can hold them. Do you forget who you’re talking to?” He challenged.
    “Of course not. You’re the Obsidian Son, kid .” I teased.
    “Damn right,” Raego growled, the sound shifting to a more deadly