Paranormal's Love 11 - Hot-Blooded Alligator

by Charlie Richards

  All true, from a certain point of view. Tristan had always done his best to never outright lie. Of course, lying required talking to people, which he also did his best to avoid. Living mostly as an alligator hadn’t done wonders for his people skills.

  Besides, Tristan considered this manipulation...a means to an end. It wasn’t like Bud was going to keep his end of the bargain, and it wasn’t his fault that Bud didn’t remember that he’d already told him once that he was one of the shifters he’d had in a cage...just not in so many words. Hell, Bud had even asked what kind of animal he was. Maybe because Tristan had refused to answer, that meant, to Bud, he wasn’t one.

  Dumbass.

  “Yeah, yeah,” Bud replied, releasing his wrist. “Okay.”

  “I’ll head to town for lunch,” Tristan told him. Gods, that will suck. “I don’t want them thinking anything of me needing someone else to deliver your meal.” Of course, they’d want an explanation, and Tristan would give them one. “When the other comes, keep your mouth shut,” he ordered, just because he could.

  Bud nodded quickly.

  Tristan walked to the door, keeping hyper-aware of where the man was. After he closed the door and relocked it, he shook his head.

  Not even a thank you. Bastard.

  As Tristan did every meal, he took the tray to the kitchen and dropped it off. He found Dyson there. The mated gargoyle was one of the day cooks. He took the tray, then cocked his head and sniffed none-too-discreetly.

  “You smell different today,” Dyson stated bluntly.

  Tristan lifted one brow as he tilted his head. “I found my mate. He fucked me. I suppose I should have showered instead of just swimming in the lake as normal.”

  Dyson’s eyes widened and he grinned broadly, showing off sharp canines in his square brown jaw. Even though it was daylight, the gargoyle hadn’t bothered shifting to his human form. Instead, he displayed his natural black claws, wings, and horns for all to see.

  “Congratulations! Anyone I know?”

  “I don’t know,” Tristan replied honestly. “Have you met Detective Collin DeSoto?”

  Dyson nodded slowly. “I have. I didn’t realize he swung your way. Very cool.” Then his brow ridges furrowed as his scent changed to concern. “Wait, did he come here because of Wallice? Do we have trouble already?”

  Already was a subjective term. They’d had Bud in custody for over a week already. Still, Tristan could understand Dyson’s concern. While none of the paranormals living at the estate wanted to see the man released, Dyson had an extra concern...his five-year-old daughter and three-year-old son.

  Being mated to a human female, Dyson’s offspring could be either male or female. Still, the daughters would always come out appearing fully human, even if they did have a couple of extra abilities thrown in, like extra-sensitive hearing, exceptional sight, and increased strength. The sons, however, were always gargoyles and hatched from eggs.

  When Tristan had first arrived and had spent the first week floating in the pond, he’d been more than a little shocked to see a clearly pregnant male wandering the grounds with his overly-protective gargoyle mate. He’d eventually learned that was Einan’s mate, Cornelius.

  Men getting pregnant? Tristan shuddered mentally. More power to ’em.

  Tristan was just happy he hadn’t ended up mated to a gargoyle. Fatherhood? No thanks. With what happened to him, he had no desire to figure out how to raise a child.

  What about Collin? What did Collin want?

  Frowning, Tristan realized he’d need to think about these things. He’d never been in a relationship or even had a steady friends-with-benefits fuck-buddy. He’d never had to think about what another person wanted in his life.

  But a mate. Well, that changes everything.

  “What’s that frown for?” Dyson asked, cutting into his thoughts. “You think there’s already trouble?”

  Tristan heard the alarm creeping into Dyson’s voice and refocused on the gargoyle. He shook his head. “No, just thinking about Collin,” he told him. Before the gargoyle could express the confusion clouding his scent, Tristan advised, “I think we’ll be learning many new things in the coming future. Keep your mate and children close.”

  “You think?”

  Nodding, Tristan added, “I’m going to discuss some things with Maelgwn.” He turned and started away, then paused and looked back. “I need someone to take lunch to Bud today. They don’t need to speak with him or even stay, but I have to go into town.”

  “You’re going to town?”

  Smirking, Tristan nodded. “Yes. It should completely suck.”

  Dyson barked out a laugh.

  Tristan scoffed. At least someone got a kick out of his misery.

  As he again turned to walk away, Dyson called out, “Hey, I overheard Golren saying he and Taolma are going to lunch at Goldy’s Burgers and Bites. They’re meeting Caladon and Leroy,” he explained, referencing Taolma’s father and his new mate.

  Tristan knew the boa constrictor shifters had finally been reunited after Caladon had been rescued. Since Caladon and Leroy had just mated and was still in their honeymoon phase, as the gargoyles called it, Caladon was staying at Leroy’s place until the apartment sold. Golren—who’d been Taolma’s guardian while they searched for Caladon—and Taolma each had rooms here at the estate.

  “Maybe they can help you ease into the deep end of interacting like a normal person.”

  Recognizing Dyson’s attempt at teasing, Tristan searched for an appropriate response. He grinned what most would call his crocodile smile and replied, “Yes, perhaps they can keep me from scaring the natives.”

  Listening to Dyson’s guffaws, Tristan found himself snickering as he left the kitchen. He still smirked when he arrived at Maelgwn’s office.

  Chapter Six

  Collin groaned. He drummed his fingers on his steering wheel as he stared up at the large home he was parked in front of. Damn, he did not want to give this report. He did not want to meet with that man again, either, and not just because he gave him the creeps.

  Canaan was a cold-hearted bastard, in and out of court. After leaving Tristan and the gargoyle’s estate, Collin had spent the evening running a background check on Canaan Bell. He’d graduated from the University of Idaho and was immediately granted a position with his father’s legal firm. He’d started as a divorce lawyer where he’d manipulated the system for his high-paying clients, making certain their spouses—whether male or female—did not get alimony, child support, or visitation, even if they deserved it. He’d torn families apart for the all-mighty buck.

  After seven years, Canaan left his father’s firm and started his own. There were hints of foul play to a client made by the media, but nothing ever proven. That client had been found dead in his home, but Canaan had claimed he’d left hours before the time of death. After three days of suspicion, an alibi had stepped forward, an old friend from college.

  Collin didn’t believe that for a minute. His senses screamed something else. Like, maybe his friend was someone who hunted paranormals, if the client had been one, and they’d paid Canaan off. Now, the sleazy lawyer worked for them.

  Still, Collin only had his hunches.

  Remembering that Bud Wallice was locked in one of the gargoyle’s suites, Collin wondered if maybe Tristan could find anything out about him from Bud.

  After fucking Tristan that second time, Collin had held the man close for several minutes, catching his breath. Then, he’d heard voices, and it had hit him what he’d done, as well as whom and where. He’d yanked his clothes on and fled so fast.

  Tristan had asked only once for him to stay, so they could talk. Collin had refused, instead saying he needed a few days to wrap his mind around all this. He had given him his number, adding that he’d buy some time and then they could decide what to do about Bud.

  Collin didn’t know if he was disappointed or not when Tristan had responded by saying, “I will call you tomorrow. Whether or not you pick u
p, that’s on you.”

  After gaping like a fish for several seconds, staring into Tristan’s cool dark eyes—and the fact that the shifter just continued to lie there on the dock naked, didn’t escape him—Collin had shoved his hands into his pockets and left.

  Tapping the steering wheel again, Collin tried to remember all the things he’d overheard about mates. It wasn’t much, and he realized he viewed it as paranormal marriage without the ability for a divorce.

  Once you bonded, that was it. No other.

  Collin shook his head and pushed open his truck’s door. He didn’t have time to think about that now. He needed to work. Collin did make a note that he’d need to return to the estate in the next day or so, that way he could sit down and have a long talk with Tristan.

  He opened the front door of the Gardenside Bed and Breakfast and listened to the chime announcing a guest. The place had a large foyer where Cheryl, the bed and breakfast’s owner, had installed a reception desk. To the left was a wide stairway leading to the rooms, while to the right was a sitting and recreation area, complete with books, board and card games, and a large TV. Collin knew if you walked into that room and turned left, you’d find a doorway to the dining area where Cheryl served exceptional food. He’d popped in once to give an update to a client and had been invited to stay.

  Just as Cheryl appeared from around the corner, Collin’s cell phone rang. He pulled it from the clip at his belt and held it up. A shiver of desire heated his blood and his cock began to plump. Damn, just seeing the estate’s name on his screen, the idea that this could be Tristan, caused his body to react. That alone scared the shit out of him. He’d never responded like that to a man.

  Sure, he liked guys and he wanted sex, but he’d never felt his heart skip a beat just thinking they were on the other end of the line and he could hear their voice in five seconds.

  Keeping all those reactions off his face, Collin held up his phone and stated brusquely, “Detective DeSoto. Please hold.” Without waiting for a response, he lowered his cell and smiled at Cheryl. “Which rooms are Misses Wallice and Mister Bell staying in?”

  “Rooms five and six, respectively, Detective,” Cheryl replied with a smile. She glanced at the phone he held, then quickly added, “I have leftovers. Breakfast casserole and fruit salad. Can I make you a to go box?”

  Collin hummed as he smiled. “You spoil me, Cheryl, but I can’t say no to that.” He’d heard others in town talk about her breakfast casserole. He’d been tempted to stay a night just to experience it. Plus, Collin knew she had a Jacuzzi in one of her rooms.

  Me, Tristan, and a Jacuzzi.

  Lust poured through Collin’s veins, causing his cock to thicken to half-mast. Quickly, he shut that line of thought down as he turned away from Cheryl with a smile, then started upstairs. He returned his phone to his ear.

  “I apologize for the delay. How can I help you?”

  “Well, you picked up. That’s a start,” Tristan rumbled. “Does this mean you’ve calmed down?”

  “Some,” Collin hedged. “I know we need to meet and discuss a few things.” Screw discussing anything, his mind screamed. Just screw. Collin grimaced. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d thought with his dick.

  Damn paranormals.

  “Yes,” Tristan agreed. “But I can hear that you’re not at home, so I’ll let you go. I really just wanted to hear your voice and see if you’d answer, so you’d have my number.”

  Collin stopped at the top of the stairs and gaped. How the hell did the shifter just blurt out his feelings like that? Collin didn’t understand it.

  Tristan continued with, “I got a cell phone from Raymond. Will you call me this evening? I have news about our friend.”

  Hearing the reference to Canaan, Collin remembered where he was and why he was there. “Yes, what is it?” He tucked his phone between his ear and shoulder and pulled out his notepad and pen. After scribbling down Tristan’s number, he stated, “I’ll call you this evening.”

  “Thank you.” A second later, the line disconnected.

  Huh. Man of few words.

  Shaking his head, Collin headed to the door Cheryl had indicated was Sandra’s room. He hoped to find Misses Wallice alone. He’d like to talk to her privately. He had just raised his fist to knock when he heard a sobbing voice say, “You said if I helped you, I’d be able to divorce him and you’d help me change my name, so I could start a new life. This is me helping you!”

  “You need to be a better actress, Sandra,” Canaan’s voice snarled. “You look afraid, not heartbroken.”

  “But I am scared,” Sandra cried. “What if those monsters find me? I don’t want them to hurt me because I helped you. You said they kill people! That they’re dangerous!”

  Canaan heaved a sigh. “I told you they won’t find you after we change your name.” His voice took on a false soothing quality. “Sandra, just put a bit more pressure on the detective. We need that back-water hick to speed things up.” Collin heard a paper rustling. “Here, tell him you just remembered receiving a copy of this receipt via email. We need him to comb the woods.”

  After a few sniffles, Sandra mumbled something. Collin assumed it was some kind of confirmation. He paused and counted to twenty, giving them time to move on from that conversation so they wouldn’t suspect that he’d overheard.

  Collin knocked. “Misses Wallice, it’s Detective DeSoto. Are you in?”

  After hearing a couple of hushed whispers and the sound of feet on carpet, Collin took two steps backward and clasped his hands behind his back. He watched the door open to reveal Canaan. The man’s smile appeared odd on his firm lips.

  “Mister Bell, do you and Misses Wallice have a few minutes? I’d like to go over a few things and ask a couple more questions.”

  Canaan nodded, except when he stepped backward and motioned for him to enter, he asked, “Have you found anything, yet?”

  “I have, actually,” Collin stated. “Unfortunately, they raise more questions than answers they give.” He spotted Misses Wallice sitting stiffly on the edge of a large chair. He offered her a reassuring smile. “How are you holding up?”

  Sandra gave him a pinched smile. “As good as expected, I guess. I was just about to call you.” She reached for her purse, set it on her lap, and hugged it to her chest. “I remembered an email I received about an Amazon purchase for a book on hiking trails in the area. What if he got lost hiking in the woods?”

  “Does Bud hike a lot at home?” Collin asked, pulling his notebook out of his pocket. “Do you remember what book?”

  Nodding, Sandra pinched her lip as she reached into her purse. “I can pull it up on my phone,” she murmured.

  While she focused on that, Canaan took a seat on a nearby loveseat. Collin couldn’t help but notice how neither offered him a seat. In Sandra’s case, he understood, but Canaan...he was just a self-righteous prick.

  Instead, Collin pulled out the chair in front of the desk, turned it around to face the pair, then settled onto it. He raised his left leg and rested it on his right knee. Relaxing in the hard chair, he turned his attention to Canaan.

  “While she looks for that, maybe you could answer a few questions for me.”

  Canaan nodded. “Of course.”

  “Are you their lawyer or their business partner?”

  “Lawyer,” Canaan stated. “I’ve handled his business for years.”

  The man’s smile didn’t light up his eyes the way it should. With any other man, Collin could have put it down as the stress of the situation. Not this guy though. It appeared cold and calculating.

  “After so many years of working together on contracts and the like, we’ve passed the line into friendly,” Canaan continued. “When I heard Bud was missing, I insisted on coming down.” He swept his gaze coolly over Collin. “I want her situation taken seriously.”

  “We take all missing persons seriously, Mister Bell,” Collin responded calmly. “And if he did get lost hiking on a trail, a
nd we have any idea which ones he may have planned to hike, we can form search parties.”

  “What are your questions?” Canaan asked, his eyes narrowing.

  “Do you recognize this man?” Collin asked, pulling up a picture on his smart phone.

  He held it out and showed it first to Canaan, then to Sandra. While Sandra shook her head, Canaan said, “Wait, let me see that again.”

  Collin held it out again, but refused to release his phone when Canaan tried to take it from him. No way did he want this guy to have access to his phone. Canaan frowned, but then he nodded and released it.

  “That’s Dolan Reese, the private detective I told you about,” Canaan told him. “He must have gotten Bud another car.”

  Shaking his head, Collin told him, “Actually, he returned the car three days before you thought Mister Wallice was even supposed to be here.” He cocked his head and eyed the man. “According to the dates of his stay at the bed and breakfast and his rental car, he was here the week before the dates you and Sandra thought he was here. Are you sure about your dates?”

  Watching Sandra glance toward Canaan told Collin all he needed to know. They were lying. Why? Right, because they knew about monsters. How much did they know? Watching them patiently, Collin continued to keep his pen poised over his notebook. He waited.

  Canaan cleared his throat. “I wouldn’t have thought that before the picture you showed us, but now...” He paused and sighed exaggeratedly. “It’s possible. Bud was supposed to be traveling to a number of locations, but if Dolan contacted him, he might have decided to come here sooner. This theft really had Bud...well, upset, obviously.” He scowled. “Who wouldn’t be angry about having their property stolen?”

  Collin nodded. “Okay. So, how long was Dolan supposed to be in town? Do you have any information on him?”

  For the next half an hour, Collin listened to Canaan tell about Dolan and his investigation—as he’d heard it second hand from Bud, of course. Collin didn’t want to call himself cynical, but he didn’t believe a word of the bullshit the guy spewed.