Shadowed (Dark Protectors) Read online

  “They’re human,” Dage muttered.

  “I don’t give a shit.” Three steps into the room, and Caleb focused on the guy behind her. “Let go, or I’ll take your head off.”

  Peter released Lily and paused, as if trying to decide whether or not to take him on. Good sense apparently took over, and he angled to the side to haul his buddies up. “She said she wanted to get laid—I was just trying to help. Let’s go.” They scurried from the tavern.

  Caleb didn’t move, yet somehow his gaze landed on her. “What in the hell are you wearing?”

  “None of your business.” She’d give anything to retrieve her sweater from Hilde.

  The king sighed, his focus on his niece. “What are you doing in a bar without bodyguards?”

  Janie pressed both hands against her hips. “You tracked me? I mean, you have a tracker on me?” Fury flashed red through the woman’s face.

  “No.” Dage shuffled his feet in the peanut shells. “We have a tracker on Hilde.” He winced and glanced at the forty-something woman. “Sorry, but we figured you’d venture out at some point.”

  Hilde pursed her lips, thought, and then shrugged. “Yes. Good call.”

  Lily lifted her chin and tried to find some dignity. “I believe it’s time we went on our way.”

  Caleb pivoted and blocked her path. The scent of male and wildness washed over her along with his heat. She’d forgotten his heat.

  “Dage, we’ll be along later. Prophet business and all of that.” Caleb didn’t move as he spoke. His eyes dared her to contradict him.

  “You sure?” Dage asked, reaching for Hilde’s arm.

  “Yes.” Caleb gestured Lily back into the booth. “We need to talk.”

  She thought about protesting, but truly, she’d caused enough of a scene for one night. So she retook her seat.

  Dage escorted Hilde and Janie out of the tavern. Anybody who’d watched the scuffle went back to their business.

  Caleb’s gaze raked Lily’s top, her breasts, and rose to her face, effectively pinning her in place. Red spiraled across his rugged cheekbones, and his nostrils flared. “So. Rumor has it you want to get laid.”

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  REBECCA ZANETTI has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner—only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poli-sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho.

  Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family, who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

  Please visit Rebecca at www.rebeccazanetti.com.

  eKENSINGTON BOOKS are published by

  Copyright © 2013 Rebecca Zanetti

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  eKENSINGTON is a trademark of the Kensington Publishing Corp.

  KENSINGTON and the k logo are Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

  First electronic edition: October 2013

  ISBN: 978-1-6018-3152-1

  First print edition: October 2013

  ISBN-13: 978-1-60183-216-0

  ISBN-10: 1-60183-216-8