Joker appears distracted. “One of the many other packs of bounty hunters who are after you. Possibly, the Krakens. They’re the best, or the worst, depending how you look at it.”
I narrow my eyes. “Why were you following us? How do you even know about the bounty?”
Joker stops pacing. “Easy. We took the contract as well.”
I growl, launching myself off the bed. I pin Joker against the wall with my arm across his throat.
Joker chokes but still laughs. “Easy, baby. I like it rough, but how about we negotiate first?”
This close, I can see that sweat is beading on his forehead.
Has he got a fever?
Heat is washing from Joker in waves.
“You just said that you weren’t contracted to kill us,” I snarl. “You’re a fucking liar.”
Joker’s eyes are glassy, and his breathing is too fast.
Worry stabs through me, no matter that I wish it didn’t.
“It’s complicated,” he replies. “We’re not the same as the others.”
“Ro,” Bird says, tentatively, “he’s not looking too good. Maybe ease off.”
I study Joker’s face.
In the hotel, he fought me with a speed and ease that no one else has managed. My hands are tied. He should be easily able to dodge out of my hold, but he hasn’t even pushed me away.
He’s trembling.
I frown to hide my concern, dragging Joker by his collar to the bed.
Then I notice the scarred bond bite on his neck.
My chest tightens.
He’s bonded to Phantom.
It hurts somehow.
Would Joker want me as a Second Alpha, especially since I am a Rogue? He’s already part of the Hunter pack. Do I want our two packs to come together?
Would that be possible? Should I desire it?
I shove Joker roughly onto the bed to hide how much it’s panicking me that he’s barely able to stand now on his own.
Bird scrambles across the bed to drag Joker against his side, nuzzling him. He exchanges a worried glance with me.
“Look,” I try for firm, “you’ve already tried to trick me once. Why would I believe anything you tell me? This could be an act.”
I lean over Joker close enough that our faces are almost touching. It doesn’t intimidate him, in fact he pushes up, until his nose nudges mine.
Joker’s honey scent becomes stronger. Why can I only smell the sweet honey scent now and no peaches? It’s delicious, making my mouth water.
“You mean my performance at the bar?” He manages to rasp.
“And on the bed.”