Angels & Sinners: The Motor City Edition (10 page)

“So you think I’m good to look at?” Kendrick smiled his brown eyes beaming at her with amusement.

“It’s really rude to eavesdrop,” she commented with a roll of her eyes.

“It’s really rude to talk about someone behind their back. I’m hurt,” Kendrick said placing a hand to his chest. He smiled at her, but a part of him was hurt by her remarks. Why? She hadn’t really said anything. “I’m not that bad Astrid, I know my family left their mark on you, but me and you didn’t really have scuffles.”

“I vaguely remember a bat,” Astrid said setting his stuff down in front of him.

Kendrick chuckled.
Damn I forgot about that. Surely she has to know that wasn’t meant for her. I’d never hurt her.
“Right, that’s water under the bridge, nobody got hurt. I thought you were Killian,” he said waving his hand dismissively.

Astrid slapped his check down on the table. Her eyes met his as her lip curled up with disdain. “Is there anything else I can get for you?” she asked sweetly despite her anger.

“Only you darling,” Kendrick said locking eyes with her. Need tumbled through him and he shifted in his seat as his cock hardened.

“Well
… “
Astrid stuttered unsure of herself. She opened her mouth, but didn’t say anything. Her tongue darted out to wet her perfect lips. “I’m not available,” she finally muttered. “You can pay at the register.”
Astrid blinked, looking at him one final time before spinning around and retreating to the back.

***

Astrid sighed as she listened to Antoine go on and on about his car. Yet another horrific date. She didn’t know how to break it to him, but his vehicle was not as fascinating as he made it sound. Why couldn’t she meet a guy she liked and find a connection with them?

If this was what the next few centuries would be like, always alone, she wasn’t sure she could handle it. She gave a small smile and nodded her head when she noticed her date was looking at her.

He was an attractive man in his early twenties blonde shoulder length hair and green eyes, but she just didn’t feel anything. There were no warm tingles or sparks. It was funny, she felt more connected to Kendrick, then she did to someone she was actually trying to spend time with.

Why am I thinking about Kendrick? I’m on a date for crying out loud.
The wolf had been pestering her nonstop for nearly four weeks. It was annoying and maybe a tiny bit flattering. Astrid had to admit;
it had been a while since someone had put effort into wooing her.

“Do you want some more wine?” Antoine asked the tip of the bottle already on her glass.

“Sure,” Astrid said forcing a smile.
If she were to continue this date, she was going to need it.
It’s not like she could get drunk anyway—werewolf metabolism and all.

“Fancy meeting you here.”

Astrid sucked in a breath and turned at the familiar voice. “Kendrick,” she gasped. Why is he here? Her heart sped up and her breath hitched in her throat. He looked good. His brown hair was mussed. The suit he wore fit his muscular physique perfectly.
I just want to . . . don’t you dare finish that thought Astrid.
Her gaze slid to the right and her heart dropped. He wasn’t alone.

“Hello, Astrid. How are you this lovely evening?” Kendrick asked as he pulled the gorgeous redhead closer.

“Fine thanks,” she forced out. Jealousy surged through her. Why was he out with someone else? All the flirting was a game.
He was never into you. It was a sick twisted game--just like with Killian.

“I’d like you to meet Cassie; she is helping me to oversee the vineyard,” Kendrick said motioning towards the striking woman.

Cassie held out her well-manicured hand. A large diamond ring encased her ring finger. “It’s lovely to meet you,” she smiled warmly.

Wait, she wasn’t his date? Why do you care? Astrid shook herself forcing her mind to focus. Astrid took Cassie’s soft hand in hers and gave it a firm shake. “This is . . . Antoine,” she managed to squeak out. “My date.
”

“Lovely to meet you,” Kendrick greeted, his dashing smile appearing on his face. “Well come along Cassie, shall we, it was nice seeing you Astrid.” Kendrick’s eyes lingering on Astrid for a few more moments before he escorted the woman away.

Astrid smiled shyly at her date. Pretty sad the highlight of their get together was bumping into Kendrick. Antoine seemed none the wiser. He instantly began prattling on about his Lamborghini again. Astrid lifted her glass to her lips. She was going to need more wine—lots of wine.

Three glasses of wine later and she was finally able to make her escape. Good thing she couldn’t get drunk. With a sigh, she got into her car and bent her head down resting it on the steering wheel.
Why couldn’t she find a handsome and stimulating guy? Not that looks were everything, but there had to be some attraction to each other.

Frustrated, she banged her head on the wheel.
I need to talk to Marcia.
Slowly she sat up and dug through her large purse in search of her phone.
Where did the damn thing go? I really need to condense to a smaller purse.

Aha found you.
Triumphantly, she zipped through her contacts and dialed Marcia’s number. The phone rang several times before going to voicemail. So much for that idea. Dropping her phone onto the seat, she started her car, and eased onto the road.

She’s probably at work—or better yet, on her own date.
Not likely given the time difference, but you never knew.
One of them had to have luck in the relationship department.

The flicker of headlights in her
rearview
mirror captured her attention. Reaching up she flipped the button on her mirror to block out the blinding light of the idiot behind her.
Why did were his high beams on?
Rude much?
Frustrated she turned her attention back to the road.

Lights danced across her car and she groaned looking in her mirror. The driver behind her was flashing their lights.
What the hell were they doing back there?
With a sigh, she slowed down, hoping they would just pass her by. Rolling her eyes as they started to do just that, she shook her head. Impatient pricks. The car darted alongside her, cutting in front of her. Astrid slammed on her breaks, swerving violently to the right to avoid collision.

The sleek, black BMW zoomed by as she came to an abrupt stop mere inches from the guardrail. What the hell? Her hand flew to her chest as her heart pattered violently against her ribs. She inhaled a deep breath, trying to calm her frayed nerves.

Anger crept through her. There was only one person she knew who drove a BMW. Someone who would enjoy getting a rise out of her. She wasn’t really sure what game Kendrick was trying to play, but she wasn’t having it. She was going to confront that creep and make sure he left her alone.
No, she didn’t have a plan, but by God she would think of one.

Astrid mashed her foot down on the accelerator and sped home. Enraged, she parked her car and marched up to Kendrick’s flat. It was time she gave him a piece of her mind.

***

Kendrick sipped his scotch. He wasn’t sure why he was so bothered by seeing Astrid out on a date, but he was.
There was something about Astrid that was intriguing and he hoped to get to know her.
The more she fought against him the more attracted he became to her. What could he do to earn her affections?

He reminded himself that though she’d been on a date, not once in the month he’d been living here had he heard any riotous noises coming from her flat. Furthermore, he was certain she was at home every night, at a reasonable hour. She might be dating, but she wasn’t taking anyone home. Good.

A loud, demanding banging brought his attention to his door. The wood shook from the force of the knocks. Setting his scotch down, he walked to the door and opened it.

“
Goodev
—”

“What the hell are you doing?”
Astrid yelled at him. “I don’t know what kind of weird game you’re playing but I am done with it. You went too far tonight,” she screamed as she jabbed her finger at him.

Kendrick frowned all he’d done was show up at the same restaurant as her. It really had been a coincidence. “Astrid—”

“No, stay away from me Kendrick or I swear—”

Something was wrong. This had nothing to do with dinner. Astrid was belligerent. Flames engulfed her cheeks and angry tears churned in her eyes. Had something happened to her? Was Killian here? If his brother were here, they both needed to flee. “What
has
you so worked up?” he interrupted.

“You tried to run me off the road you maniac. I know you’ve been stalking me, and I want you to stop. Or so help me I’ll make you wish you’d never found me,” Astrid seethed. Her bottom lip trembled as she tried to contain her emotions.

“Whoa,” Kendrick said holding up his hands to show her he didn’t intend to harm her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He said quietly. “What happened?” Concern filled him; someone had tried to hurt her. Who would want to harm Astrid? Killian.
I need her to tell me everything. We could both be in danger.

“Just leave me alone,” Astrid hissed as she stormed down the hall and out the front door.

Kendrick stood in his doorway flabbergasted.
I have to do something. I need to protect her
. She had to know it wasn’t him.

Kendrick sprinted outside with the intent to follow her. Astrid stomped toward her building, fumbling through her things for her keys.

A shadow moved along the building and Kendrick paused, looking over his shoulder. The silver glint of a gun barrel came into view as a figure stepped out from behind a car, gun raised and pointed. His eyes followed the barrel to Astrid who was unlocking her door. Springing into action, he lunged toward her just as a loud crack filled the silent cool night air.

CHAPTER THREE

Astrid screamed as she was shoved against the cement wall. Her cheek scraped against the abrasive surface, sending a sting of pain through her face. A loud crack rang out through the night air, and she heard Kendrick grunt behind her, as he pressed further into her. Within a second his warmth left her and he was gone.

Turning quickly she looked frantically around, still not entirely certain what had just happened. The undeniable sound of bones cracking drew her gaze across the street.

Swallowing, she watched as Kendrick dropped a body unceremoniously onto the ground. Kendrick doubled over, gripping his side as he reached out and grabbed ahold of a lamppost. What happened? Astrid shook her head and jogged across the street.  

“Are you okay?” Astrid asked, stopping a few feet away from the other wolf.

“Never better,” Kendrick groaned. A fine sheen of sweat shone on his brow. His tanned skin had turned ghastly pale.

He’s not okay. What happened to him? Was he shot? Did someone try to shoot me? Her eyes widened as she took in the dead body.

“Who the hell is that?” Astrid asked swallowing.

“One of Killian’s men,” Kendrick grunted as he stooped down and picked up the gun, unloading the chamber. Bullets clanked to the ground, rolling across the uneven cement.

Horror washed over her if Kendrick hadn’t of knocked her out of the way
. . .
she would be dead. “Oh my god you got shot,” Astrid gasped, noticing the deep crimson stain blooming over Kendrick’s blue dress shirt.

“It feels lovely; it’s been a while since I’ve been shot. It would’ve been nice if the bullet could’ve gone all the way through. It’s much easier to clean up that way,” Kendrick attempted to joke.

Astrid gaped at him for a minute. How could he be making light of the situation? “You . . . you saved my life,” Astrid whispered surprised by his actions.

Kendrick sucked in a deep breath and stood up, pushing away from the lamppost. He bent over and grabbed her attacker under the arms and lifted him up.

“What are you doing?” Astrid asked as he started to drag him across the street. Her eyes darted around the street. She didn’t see anyone, but that didn’t mean someone wasn’t looking. What if someone sees? Does it matter? If this guy is Killian’s then you need to flee anyway.

“This is a public street, darling, can’t just leave a body lying around,” Kendrick explained giving her a playful wink.

Astrid shook her head, wondering how he could still have a sense of humor after being shot. On top of that, he was dragging a dead body across the street. Hurrying over to him, she picked up the man’s legs.

“What are you doing?” Kendrick asked looking at her baffled.

“You took a bullet for me, the least I can do is help you dispose of the body,” Astrid reasoned.

“I’m just putting him in my trunk for now. I’ll need a few minutes before I can dig a grave,” Kendrick acknowledged as he dropped the body on the ground. He jammed his hands into his pockets and pressed the button to open his trunk. “I’ll get rid of it tomorrow.”

Astrid wrinkled her nose up in disgust. The idea of a body sitting in his trunk made her stomach turn. She watched as Kendrick rummaged through the man’s pockets taking out a wallet, cell phone, and keys as well as a few other miscellaneous papers. Once he’d shoved the man’s possessions into his own pocket he lifted the man up again and deposited him into the trunk. “You don’t think we should leave now?” she asked as fear rose in her. Her eyes darted around the street. Was Killian here?