Free Sentinel Lost (Mind Sweeper Series Book 5) by AE Jones

right?”
    He gripped my hand, and I let the warmth of his touch soothe me.
    “I’m sorry this is hurting you, Kyle.”
    “ You’re sorry? This has got to be more than awkward for you. I’m sorry.”
    He pulled me against his side, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “Never apologize for your feelings, Kyle.”
    “I just…I never got to say goodbye to him, and now he’s back but he’s a different person.”
    “I know, my sweet.”
    I took a deep breath. “But as soon as we solve this case, he’ll leave again, and things will go back to normal.”
    Griffin didn’t answer. Instead he kissed my temple and rested his chin on top of my head.
    * * *
    “I didn’t sign up for a girls’ day,” I grumbled from the back seat of Talia’s Mustang.
    Doc laughed from the front passenger seat. “Humor us, Kyle. You need to get out more.”
    “I get out plenty.”
    “Right,” Talia answered.
    “I don’t need you two ganging up on me.”
    Doc swiveled in the seat and pinned me with a glare. “You need some time away or you’re going to drown in self-pity.”
    “Has anyone ever told you your bedside manner sucks?”
    “Yes. But normally it’s a patient who’s being a baby.”
    “Touché.”
    Doc smiled and turned to face the windshield again. “In any case, we need to find you a dress. Do you still have the silver heels I got you?”
    “No.”
    Doc huffed. “Kyle!”
    “I lost them when I was being firebombed by demon assassins. So sue me.”
    Talia turned into a parking lot, and I glanced around. “This isn’t the mall.”
    “Nope,” Talia answered. “The mall isn’t going to have what we need.”
    “How do you even know about this place? You’ve only been living here for a few weeks.”
    Talia shrugged and opened her door. “A vampire knows how to Google.”
    I stopped myself from groaning. Could I make a break for it when I got out of the car? Nah. Talia could flash, and she’d be on me in a second. Stupid vampire super speed.
    I climbed out of the car and walked behind Doc and Talia into the exclusive-looking shop. A clerk met us at the door with a gracious smile. “How may I help you?”
    Doc smiled right back and gestured toward me and Talia. “Need some party dresses for my friends here. The sexier the better.”
    The clerk looked at Talia first, and then me. “Let’s see what we can do. Follow me.”
    Talia and Doc high-fived each other, and my stomach sank. I was not looking forward to this at all . First, we were herded into an area with chairs and a three-way mirror. The clerk suggested we relax, and then she hustled through the store, pulling dresses and placing them on a small rolling rack.
    When she returned, she crooked her finger at Talia. “You first.”
    Talia followed her to the dressing rooms, and I let out a sigh.
    Doc growled. “We’re not torturing you.”
    I shrugged. “Depends on your definition of torture.”
    Talia tried on three dresses, and every one was amazing on her. But a burlap sack would look good on Talia. With each new dress, Doc circled her like she was prey. Both women were stunningly beautiful. As in ridiculous, supermodel beautiful. Doc was blond and fair, like a Nordic goddess. And Talia’s mocha skin was flawless, as were her gold-flecked eyes. I am not feeling insecure…I am not feeling insecure…
    “What do you think, Kyle?” Doc asked, interrupting my fit of self-doubt.
    “Any of them work. It’s quite sickening.” But I said it with a sincere smile.
    Talia laughed. “I think I’ll hold my decision until we see your dresses.”
    The clerk motioned for me next, and I followed her like I was being led to the gallows.
    Doc sighed. “If you’re a good girl, I’ll buy you dessert.”
    I grinned. “Promise?”
    I entered the small dressing room. Three dresses hung on hooks. I swallowed hard once I got a good look at them, but then squared my shoulders. If I could face rogue shifters, I could try on some skimpy dresses. I flipped over the