Tricked: A Dark Protectors Novella Read Online Free PDF Page A

could be immensely grateful.
    And she had a job to do. Her small desk in the corner caught her eye, and she hustled for it, drawing out a stack of manila files. Each one held details about somebody who might’ve had the motive and opportunity to poison her. “Now, fucker. I’m going to find you.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Jared parked his bike outside the bar, scattering slush and snow.
    “You’re gonna need to put the bike away for winter,” his youngest brother said, leaning against the crumbling brick building outside of New York City.
    “Eh.” Jared shrugged off snow and followed Theo into the old Russian bar. No pool tables, dart boards, or even bright lights. Bars were for drinking, and they’d better order vodka or risk being shot by the proprietor—a thousand-year-old Russian vampire.
    Theo motioned for two drinks and led the way to a scarred and scratched booth in the back. He sat. “So. You’ve got a mate. I can sense her on you.”
    Jared sat and nodded, reaching for the first shot. “Твоё здоровье!”
    “Your health, too.” Theo tipped back the drink.
    Jared drank, letting the booze hit his stomach.
    “How was it?” Theo asked, his dark eyes glimmering with amusement.
    Jared grinned. “Terrible. Seriously. Just awful.”
    Theo winced. “Dude. Sorry about that.”
    The waitress brought two more shots.
    “Leave the bottle,” Jared said, still chuckling, his entire world settling perfectly now that his brothers were back in his life. He waited until the woman had moved out of earshot. “Veronica is beautiful and sexy, but hell. She was dancing with death. Let’s just say it was a bit rushed.”
    Theo laughed. “That sucks, man. Have you had a chance to redeem yourself?”
    “No.” Jared rubbed his whiskered jaw. “She just woke up this morning, and I figured she needed a little space. The woman looks damn good in full health, brother.”
    Theo’s dark eyebrows rose. While his hair was a deep brown, he had the same black eyes as his older brothers. They filled with curiosity. “It sounds like you’re thinking of something permanent. I mean, together type of permanent.”
    Jared downed his second shot of expensive vodka. “I’m not thinking anything of the sort.” He’d had his one chance at love.
    “Right. Good luck with that.” Theo drew out a folded piece of paper. “On to business, then. I tracked down Saul Libscombe, and he has gone underground. While I wouldn’t have thought he’d avenge his brother’s death, who the hell knows? I’d feel better if I could find him.”
    Jared sighed and sat back in the booth. “Wonderful.” Chalton had killed Saul’s brother a few days before in self-defense. Yet another long-time family feud that just needed to be resolved, one way or another. “I don’t have time for this nonsense. Both Veronica and Olivia are new mates, and they’re not immortal yet. They’re vulnerable.”
    “I know.” Theo took another shot. “That’s why I wanted to track down Saul.”
    “Where’s mom?” Jared asked. “She needs shelter until we figure this out.”
    “She’s visiting Realm Headquarters,” Theo said with a grimace.
    Jared stilled. The Realm was a coalition of vampire, demon, witch, and shifter nations, and it was led by Dage Kayrs, the king. Jared had always remained away from the Realm, although Chalton worked for them. “You’re kidding me. She’s hanging with the king?”
    “Yep. Was invited and took right off. Couldn’t wait to get to know the Kayrs family.” Theo shrugged. “Chalton has lived with them for a century. I guess it’s time we got to know his friends.”
    “I have enough friends,” Jared growled.
    Theo slapped him on the back. “Now you have more. They’re good allies to have, J.”
    Maybe. He rubbed his eyes. “All right. Let’s secure Veronica and Olivia at the safe house in Nantucket until we hunt down Saul and see his intentions.”
    “The house is ready,” Theo said, his gaze caught by the