Free Grayslake: More than Mated: The Right Spot (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Bianca D'Arc Page B

again.”
    Ty nodded and left, his expression troubled. Patty knew leaving the decisive action in the hands of others probably didn’t sit well with the Itan, but she also saw the wisdom in putting some distance between Grayslake’s leadership and whatever was about to go down with the international drug war that had unexpectedly come to town.
    Patty went to Mario, standing close as they both watched Ty get in his vehicle and drive away. She warmed when Mario put one arm around her shoulders. She loved when he reached out to her. Even a casual touch from him made her feel special.
    “Do you really think this is going to work?” she asked him, worry for her sister getting the better of her for a moment.
    Mario squeezed her shoulders. “I wouldn’t propose this course of action if I didn’t have a high opinion of its success.” He kissed her softly on the forehead, in reassurance. “It’s going to work.”
     
    Patty borrowed Mario’s wheels to go home for a change of clothing and to check on her family. He expected her to take her time, but she was back much sooner than he thought she’d be. His inner cat liked that.
    To him, it indicated that she was as eager to spend time with him as he was to spend time with her. He’d never felt this way before, but he wasn’t questioning it. He was just going to roll with the waves until things settled down and he figured out what was really going on here. He’d let instinct take its course and see where it led them.
    So far, it hadn’t been leading them astray. He’d gotten her right where he’d wanted her since the very first moment he saw her—in his bed.
    And now it looked like they were working some kind of unexpected op together, but that was okay. He had always thought a woman who could be his partner—his equal—would be preferable in a life mate than a doormat. Having her in on this was invigorating in a way he hadn’t quite anticipated.
    Oh, he didn’t like that she and her family were mixed up in potentially dangerous doings, but he loved the way she worked alongside him to solve the problem. She was smart and absolutely gorgeous. It was the perfect combination as far as he was concerned.
    With nothing to do but wait, Mario laid out his cleaning kit on the kitchen table and set to work on his personal stash of weapons. He was pleased when Patty removed her own weapon, which he knew she kept concealed in a sexy little ankle holster, and sat beside him. The way she expertly disassembled parts of the small firearm, cleaned, oiled and reassembled them, was an unexpected turn on.
    Who knew a woman handling a weapon could look so hot? Mario tried not to snicker to himself at the thought. He knew one weapon he’d like to see her handle again, that was for sure.
    “So how is this going to go? What is your expected chain of events?” she asked quietly.
    He’d outlined the basic plan when Ty was there, but he knew she wanted particulars since it looked like she was staying for the duration. Much as he would rather she be out of any possible line of fire, he had to respect that she had a personal stake in this, and that she was a professional who knew what she was doing and might actually be able to help, if things went south. He knew an Alpha female like Patty would accept no less than belief in her competence, and he wasn’t about to insult the woman he hoped would agree to be his mate.
    Yeah. He was a goner. She was his mate. He understood that now. His inner cat preened with joy and prodded him to mark her and make her his own in a visible way that others would recognize. He didn’t want to push too hard though. What if she wasn’t feeling the same things he was?
    Mario pushed all doubt from his mind with a conscious effort of will. If she didn’t love him now, he’d stick around and make it happen. He’d be at her side every minute of every day until she realized they were perfect for each other. The cat swished its tail in agreement.
    “For now, we