Roman's Gold (Underground Heat, Book 1) by Ann Gimpel Page A

Devon was back in cop mode. His gaze swept over his body. He was human again. Maybe, if he caught the shift soon enough…
    “The lab we use was robbed. Whoever planned this was a pro. Staged a riot and used it as cover. That part of things is still going strong. Good thing you’re done with your treatments. Some scumbag stole every drop of our stock. It takes a while to make.”
    Devon’s instincts went on high alert. He didn’t know for certain, but he suspected Kate had something to do with the robbery. Shifters would want the advantage the drug gave them. Hell, if it pushed him over the edge, who knew what it would do to a fully vetted shifter? Plus, they could use it to swell their ranks with people like him.
    “You still there, Heartshorn?”
    “Yup. Still here. On my way, Captain.”
    He dressed as fast as he could, given all the layers he had to put on. Devon was disgusted with himself for not just quitting, but it went against the grain. Fellow officers’ lives were on the line. The least he could do was help.
    He’d just buckled his laser gun belt into place when his other computer squawked like a dying chicken. He glanced at the display. His eyes widened. A jolt of joy rocked him. Kate. She’d texted him back. Call now. I’m home. Sorry. Didn’t look at w.c. earlier.
    He brought up a submenu and punched redial. Even though he hadn’t actually called before, the computer held a record of the number he’d texted to. She picked up on the first ring. “Devon?” She sounded tentative, wary.
    “Yeah, it’s me. I have lots of questions and not very much time.”
    “Okay. I’ll help if I can.”
    “When I left you, I got really sick—”
    “It’s probably gone now,” she interrupted. “Happens to all of us the first time we shift. Sorry. Didn’t think to warn you. Frankly, I was just as surprised as you by what happened. Wasn’t thinking all that straight.”
    “I got called in. I’m on my way to quell a riot downtown. Is there anything I can do to keep from shifting?”
    “There are … warning signs. They’re subtle and you might not notice them, but your hearing and sense of smell become more acute.” She hesitated. “I’m guessing you have at least some shifter magic. We all have it. It will take time to teach you to manipulate it, but—”
    “Kate.” He heard desperation in his voice and tried to modulate it. “I really am rushed. If I notice my senses getting sharper, what do I do?”
    “Visualize your human body. Anchor yourself to it.”
    “How? It’s like you’re speaking another language. Look, I’m sorry to bother you. I thought about calling my mother’s family, but I figured they’d just spit in my face. You’re the only other shifter I know.”
    A sigh jangled through the cellular system. “The best thing would be for me to show you some things. They’re almost impossible to describe.”
    He checked the time. “I’m not sure when I’ll be done working. Depends how bad things are and I won’t know until I get there. If I can get free in two or three hours, where can I find you?”
    There was a long silence. So long he checked the display to make certain they were still connected. “I’m not certain it’s wise to tell you where I live. I’m paranoid enough about cops trapping me here—”
    His heart constricted, but he understood her need for self-preservation. “Don’t blame you. Gotta run. I won’t bother you again.”
    “Wait!”
    He moved the finger poised above the end call icon.
    “Text me when you get free. I’ll meet you at my office.”
    A warm glow started in his belly. Maybe she cared about him after all—at least a little. “Thanks, Kate.”
    She laughed. “Hope I live long enough to not regret this. Um, Devon.”
    “Yes?”
    “You can’t dance on both sides of the street. It won’t work, at least not for very long.”
    The phone icon blinked out on the display. She’d ended the call. He glanced at his hand, horrified to see fur