Storm and Stone by Joss Stirling
‘Isaac was assessing your potential during the raid on the manor. I’d already asked him if he would consider your application. He said you did well.’
‘Did he?’ Raven felt a little curl of pleasure.
‘No, not exactly.’ Kieran’s literal mind corrected him again.
‘Oh.’
‘His exact words were “that girl can kick ass and take names” which means you make a natural Wolf.’
‘Sergeant Rivers’s team?’
‘That’s right.’
‘And what are Wolves like?’
‘I’ve already given you that answer: they are like you.’
‘Kick-ass name-takers?’
He grinned. ‘Yes. I almost cocked it all up by resuming our relationship before Isaac had agreed to let you in but, instead of chucking me out and cancelling the offer to you as the rules demand, he decided to make an exception.’
‘Because he needs your brain?’
Kieran bent closer. ‘No, because he says you were exceptionally good.’ He pressed a quick teasing kiss on the end of her nose.
‘Aw.’
‘And there’s more. Your grandfather also has an invitation.’
‘He wants to give a job to Granddad?’
‘The YDA needs an experienced caretaker to keep us students in check. The role comes with accommodation and a good salary. He won’t have to retire next year but can work on as long as he’s fit.’
She stopped by the entrance to the bed and breakfast. ‘Kieran, is this all true?’
‘Yes.’
‘And you think I can do it?’
‘Absolutely.’ He leant down and whispered. ‘And I think you like to kick ass, don’t you?’ He patted her butt.
‘You bet.’ She patted his in reply.
‘So you accept?’
‘I’m not sure what I’m saying yes to.’
‘Training in your chosen disciplines, which for you will be criminal law, physical training, evidence gathering, case building. As well as the YDA work, you can finish your A levels in London.’
‘Even Dance?’
‘I don’t see why not, as I’ve been told you have one hell of a dance partner.’
‘Really?’ she squeaked. ‘You’ll do it with me?’
‘Yes, really.’ Kieran caught her as she threw herself into his arms. He lifted her as she peppered his newly trimmed head with kisses.
‘You know something, partner: I love you!’ She laughed, face held back to soak in the sunshine.
‘I take it that’s a yes?’
‘Yes to being a Wolf—yes to studying in London for a year—a big yes to being with you!’
He let her drop back on her toes and hugged her. ‘I’d love that—and I love you, Raven.’ His confession filled her with heady delight.
‘I always thought you had exceptional taste.’
He let her pull him towards her front door. ‘I’m glad you agreed because Isaac thinks we make a good team.’
‘Oh yes? Like you and Joe?’
‘Yes, though Joe’s having a break for a few months. The manor got to him badly so he’s taking a long holiday back home. Isaac wants me to work with you now.’
‘Agents Storm and Stone: I like the sound of that.’
He backed her against the banister in the empty hallway, one hand on her waist, the other at the back of her head. Oh yeah, she recognized this manoeuvre. Her insides crinkled with happy anticipation. ‘My logic and your gut instincts: that’s a powerful combination.’
‘You’re telling me.’
‘So, do you accept the challenge?’
‘Absolutely.’ Raven went up on tiptoe as he leant down to kiss her. Yes, mission accomplished.
Joss Stirling lives in Oxford and is the author of the bestselling Finding Sky series. She was inspired to write Storm and Stone by the heroes of British crime fiction and by years of watching cop dramas.
You can visit her website at www.jossstirling.com
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First published 2014
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Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
About the Author
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Copyright
Joss Stirling, Storm and Stone