Mercy Thompson 01-05 - THE MERCY THOMPSON COLLECTION

will only record when there’s something moving. From six in the morning to six at night the cameras are off—though I can change that for you if you’d like. The cameras record onto DVDs. You should change them out every week. I’ll send someone over this afternoon to show you and Gabriel how that all works.”
    â€œYou can send them over to take it out,” I told him.
    â€œMercedes,” he said. “I’m not happy with you right now—don’t push me.”
    What did he have to be unhappy with me about?
    â€œWell, isn’t that just convenient?” I snapped. “I’m not happy with you either. I don’t need this.” I waved my hand to take in the cameras and keypad.
    He pushed himself off his SUV and stalked over to me. I knew he wasn’t angry enough to hurt me, but I still backed up until I hit the outer wall of the garage. He put one hand on either side of me and leaned in until I could feel his breath on my face.
    No one could ever say that Adam didn’t know how to intimidate people.
    â€œMaybe I’m mistaken,” he began coolly. “Perhaps Samuel was misinformed and you aren’t engaged in investigating the fae without their cooperation or the approval of either Zee or Uncle Mike, who might otherwise be reasonably expected to keep an eye out for you.”
    The warmth of his body shouldn’t have felt good. He was angry and every muscle was tense. It was like being leaned on by a very heavy, warm brick. A sexy brick.
    â€œPerhaps, Mercedes,” he bit out in a voice like ice, “you didn’t set out last night to join up with Bright Future, a group that has been tied into enough violent incidents that the fae, who are watching you, are going to be somewhat concerned—especially since you have ferreted out a number of things they’d rather be kept secret. I’m sure they’ll be extremely happy when they find out you’ve told the son of the Marrok everything you know about the reservation—that you were supposed to keep secret.” The coolness was gone from his voice by the time he’d finished, and he was all but snarling in my face.
    â€œUhm,” I said.
    â€œThe fae aren’t exactly cooperative at the best of times, but even they just might hesitate to do something to you if Samuel or I show up. I trust you to be able to survive until one of us gets here.” He leaned down and kissed me forcefully once, a quick kiss that was over almost before it began. Possessive and almost punitive. Nothing that should have sent my pulse racing. “And don’t think I’ve forgotten that the vampires have a good reason not to be happy with you, too.” Then he kissed me again.
    As soon as his lips touched mine the second time, I knew that Samuel, in addition to telling Adam everything I’d told him last night, had also informed Adam that he was no longer interested in being my mate.
    I hadn’t realized how much restraint Adam had been using until it was gone.
    When he pulled back, his face was flushed and he was breathing as hard as I was. He reached over and punched in four numbers with his left hand.
    â€œThere’s an instruction booklet, if you’d like to read it, next to your cash register. Otherwise my man will answer any questions you have when he comes.” His voice was too deep and I knew he was a hairsbreadth away from losing control. When he pushed away and climbed back into his SUV, I should have been relieved.
    I stayed where I was, leaning against the building until I could no longer hear his engine.
    If he’d wanted to take me right then and there, I would have let him. I’d have done anything for his touch, anything to please him.
    Adam scared me more than the vampires, more than the fae. Because Adam could steal more from me than my life. Adam was the only Alpha I’d ever been around, including the Marrok himself, who could make me do his bidding against my will.
    It took me three tries before I was able to slide the key into the deadbolt.
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    Monday was my busiest day, and this was no exception. It might be Labor Day, but my clients knew I was usually unofficially open on most Saturdays and holidays. Adam’s security man, who was not one of the wolves, came in shortly after lunch. He showed Gabriel and me how to change out the DVDs.
    â€œThese are better than the tapes,” he told me with more childlike enthusiasm than