No matter. Wes had dealt with false reports to the ADDA police before, and this was no different. "Then I'll work with them as well. But until they get here, I need to talk with Ashley. Can you get her from my mother's house and bring her here as quickly as possible?"
Loyal male he was, Andre bobbed his head. "Is there anything else you need me to do after that?"
"Just have some of the other Protectors keep an eye on the humans for me while the police are here. If one of the police wants to ask Tori or Ryan questions, I don't want to risk Jose or Gaby being territorial and threatening a cop. Having a Protector there will help to soothe their inner dragons and keep heads level."
His dragon growled. It's unfair that we have to take it and can't protect our own.
I'm not saying we can't protect our loved ones. However, I don't want to throw fuel on the fire, so to speak.
One day, we'll have greater freedom to do what we want.
Perhaps. But today isn't that day.
Wes dismissed Andre and went back to his desk. He needed to ready any and all paperwork for inspection. And the monotonous task distracted him from what Ashley had discovered.
Because if things didn't go well with the ADDA police, he might lose her anyway, even if she'd found a loophole for them to pounce upon.
Chapter Eleven
Wes figured there was maybe ten minutes before the police arrived at PineRock's front gate when Ashley finally rang his doorbell. He didn't waste time answering it and quickly tugged her inside. And while he couldn't kiss her hello, he brought her against his body and held her close.
Even though her slightly dilated pupils told him she was affected as much as him—Wes didn't care if his female could feel his hardening cock—she got right down to business. "Andre didn't tell me much about why I'm here. Why do we have to talk in your office instead of your
mother's house?"
He explained about the ADDA police and potential charges before adding, "So tell me quickly what you found, love. That way it won't be on my mind when I face the humans."
She searched his gaze. "Just know I'm going to help you with them, Wes. And don't even think about telling me not to."
The corner of his mouth kicked up. "I wouldn't dare try."
She smiled and her muscles relaxed a fraction. "I found a way for us to be together and for me not to be kicked out of ADDA. Well, I think so."
His heart skipped a beat. "Start talking."
"Have you heard about the dragon reward system?"
He grunted. "Only vaguely, but it's been a long time since I've heard it mentioned. Why?"
As she explained about the clause concerning clan leaders and human wives, Wes did his best not to get his hopes up. Oh, he wanted Ashley Swift as his mate more than anything. But sometimes what seemed easy with ADDA turned out to be a fucking disaster in reality.
When Ashley finished the explanation, she said, "I already typed out a quick draft of the necessary letter. And while I'd like to have a little more time to make it perfect, I can access my online copy, print it out here, and have it ready for the ADDA police, just in case."
He raised his brows, unable to pass up the chance to rile her a little. "You're not even going to formally ask me to become your mate, let alone get down on one knee?"
She rolled her eyes. "Is the pomp and circumstance more important than actually being mates?"
He should drop the teasing and just scream yes. But Wes couldn't help but caress her cheek and whisper, "I've seen you on your knees before, and I rather like it."
"Wes Dalton, if you think I'm about to give you a blowjob just as the police come knocking, I'm going to reconsider being your mate."
He chuckled. "Hey, I couldn't resist. As your soon-to-be mate, it's my job to tease you at every opportunity. I think it's a little better than me trying to irritate you on purpose, right?"
"I'm not sure teasing is that much different than irritating me," she muttered.
Taking her face in his hands, he said seriously, "I love you, Ashley Swift. I have for years but resisted admitting it. So will you be my mate? I'll even go down on one knee and offer a paper ring if that's what it takes."
Her face softened. "Oh, Wes."