Free Enforcer's Heart: (BBW Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance) (Stratton Wolves Book 3) by Mina Carter

Riley felt his chest expand with pride at his “charge.” She wasn’t fully turned, but she’d still put herself in danger to protect Kelli without a thought.
    “They slowed. All big men, plus six foot easily. Wearing cuts but without badges. And they looked new, not worn. No helmets, but glasses. One with a full facial beard. Another had a tattoo wrapped around his upper arm. Nearest arm to me, so that would be the right.”
    Her voice grew calmer as she rattled off details, obviously sliding deeper into her cop persona. Maybe. Riley watched her like a hawk. The paleness of her skin due to the blood loss and the tiny waiver of her bottom lip bothered him. On impulse, he reached for her hand. A thrill rolled through him when she accepted his touch without question. Slid her fingers between his.
    “Then?” he urged. They could pull the security camera feeds from the buildings, but that would take time. Besides, with her background, she could have insight they wouldn’t get from the digital feed.
    “They dropped out of the three across formation. One went in front, one dropped behind. Pulled handguns, started firing.” She frowned, her gaze unfocused as though she was looking into the past. Riley was impressed, she had excellent recall. Definitely a bonus in her line of work. “The first one couldn’t have got off more than a couple of shots before he passed us, but the whole move was practiced. Had to be, otherwise they’d have gotten in each other’s line of fire.”
    Max nodded, his expression preoccupied. Riley knew that look. Max knew or suspected something about the attack.
    “Fuck.” Ce dropped her head back. “If I’d just had my gun, then I’d have popped the back tire on the last one and we’d have an ID and an arrest.”
    Both male wolves nodded, while Kelli avoided eye contact, none of them willing to clue her in that there would have been no arrest . Just a body for the next of kin to identify. If anyone turned up.
    “Wait…what? I thought you said you didn’t shoot a lot?” Riley asked. “You’re telling me you’re good enough to shoot out a tire on a moving target?”
    She shot him an amused look. “Actually I said I didn’t get hit a lot. My target scores are the best in the department.”
    “What?” He couldn’t help the question or the hint of jealousy that colored his voice. “Even better than loverboy Tom? Can’t be much of a man… First doesn’t protect you from a shifter, then he’s a shit shot.”
    Anger flared in her eyes, lightening them by several shades. “Tom could shoot a flea off your back at a hundred yards,” she said, her voice cold. “I could give you a shave and a haircut while I’m at it. And for your information, Captain FA, I don’t need a man to save me from anything.”
    “Captain FA?” He would regret asking, he knew he would.
    “Captain Furry Asshole,” his sister added helpfully, and with more than a little glee. “I have to say it rather suits you.”
    Even his glare didn’t stop her giggles. In fact, it only made them worse, until tears streamed down her cheeks. Ce wasn’t laughing. Instead, she studied everything in the room but him. With a sigh, he turned his attention to Max.
    “What do you think, boss?”
    “I need to make some calls.” The alpha’s demeanor was grim. “They knew the lay of the land and Kelli’s schedule so that means someone, somewhere, talked. Until we find out who, I suggest you take Ce up to the cabin. Kelli, you and the kids will be visiting Kristen at her beach house for a while. At least until this dies down. And I know you’ve been dying to see her. No!” he growled when she started to argue. Then his voice softened and he stood to take her in his arms.
    “You’re my entire world…I can’t do this with you and the pups in danger.” His hand dropped to stroke over her belly. “All of them.”
    Riley looked away, feeling like he was intruding on a private moment. His gaze collided with Ce’s and