by Milly Taiden
Candy popped to her feet, automatically pushing away memories of her past. She’d become good at doing that. And a little action on the front lines of the battlefield helped take her mind off home.
At the side window that looked over the alley separating the garage and building, she saw the caterers loading rolling carts with goodies. At least she wouldn’t have to cook tonight. If you called spaghetti with hot dogs and a salad cooking.
She found her chair again, sat back and stared at the white sofa and gas fireplace opposite the side window. A crocheted blanket in the design of Old Glory draped over the sofa. With red and blue throw pillows, it looked like someone had barfed up patriotism all over the floor. The whole ensemble had been here when she’d taken the office, and she’d liked it, so she’d kept it.
And a fireplace in an office. Really? One time last winter, she turned it on to see if it worked. Lo and behold, it did. It was kind of nice to have a fire going when the wind chill was twenty below zero outside. She’d never had a fireplace at any place she’d lived. Surprising how homey it felt.
Candy slapped a hand on her desk and laughed at herself. Several minutes ago, she was feeling like the biggest bitch the world had ever seen and now she was mushy over burning wood. “Crazy” did come to mind, but that was silly. She was a soldier, and soldiers didn’t have issues like that, no matter how bad the past had been.
Chapter Three
Josh chose to walk to the dedication ceremony instead of driving and having to find a place to park. He could’ve paid to keep his car in the garage, but he and his wolf loved being outside as much as they could. Which wasn’t a lot in a sea of concrete.
Some days, cabin fever got so bad, he’d take the metro to the mall where all the statues and war tributes were and walked the path around the edges of the grass a few times. He’d already memorized the words on the Lincoln monument and watched the complete exterior remodel of the national obelisk. That was no short-term job.
But now, he had something to think about. Something that wholly engulfed his mind and soul. Candy Obermier, goddess. Hard to get, but a definite goddess. In his eyes, anyway.
He knew that once he got a chance to get to know her, he’d see more than the ice princess she tried to project. Didn’t matter she was trying to shut down his organization. A quick discussion with the right people, namely the NIA director, and the issue would be moot. Hopefully. Then he could focus on taking his sweet to bed and get started counting the licks to her candy center.
The image of licking his way up her thighs and watching her squirm and moan made him tug on his collar. He hadn’t been laid in too long. But first he had to get her to see him as more than some dick whose team was too expensive to keep on board. It would take all his patience to keep his beast leashed when she was around. After all, he wouldn’t be getting into bed with anyone but his sweet Candy.
Shit, he slowed to shake his leg to reposition his hard-on. Good thing black pants were his normal attire. Otherwise, walking around with a hard-on would probably get him some strange looks. He hadn’t had that problem for a long time. No woman had ever really appealed to him or his wolf. Sure, he’d had urges and dated a few times, but none of those women had made any impact on his animal. His manly needs were what got him to go out and meet women. From the moment he laid eyes on Candy, he knew there would be no other woman he’d want to see naked or watch squirm as he thrust balls deep into her sweet, sticky center.
That had him visualizing some really dirty shit. Him. Candy. Every position known to man and some he’d make up as he went along. When she finally gave him the chance, he’d get her screaming in seconds. Fuck! His body shuddered. He looked around to see if anybody saw. For being after-hours, too many fucking people were out and about. Though that was the norm here. Guys were always running the sidewalks, shirts off, trying to impress women.
Yeah, he looked like they did, but didn’t care to attract attention to himself. He favored lying low and being ready for the attack. Surprises were a wonderful thing—when it was him doing the surprising. Come to think of it, Candy was making him think of doing some covert work to figure her out.
Damn. He should get something to surprise Candy with. Would she like flowers? Hell no. She seemed the type to chew ’em up and spit ’em out. The thought did something to the animal in him. It made him think of what an amazing alpha she would have been as a shifter. But she was human. His little sweet tart was all human.
Maybe chocolate. He thought for a second. Most women loved chocolate or cake or something. What about strawberries and champagne? Too personal. Besides, that was something that spoke sex and as much as he wanted to get her naked, he didn’t want her to freak out. He’d save the surprise for their first time together. He had to think about something else before people wondered if he’d taken a damn blue pill and been left by his female without getting his rocks off.
So, Candy wanted to close his office. Director Pommer would be at the dedication tonight, so they could speak briefly and clear it up. Pommer was one of a few in intelligence who knew about shifters. Certainly, he could influence the president if need be. Maybe not this current president; he was a bucking bronco, fearless of others.
He needed to come up with a way to prove to her that his department was important despite some of the mess-ups they had. The destruction of the virus Candy had mentioned had been for the sake of mankind’s continued existence on the planet. And the mafia incident, that ended with the city and “the family” working together to make a better place. And yeah, Agent Day was captured, and they brought in an FBI operative instead of a CIA person. But the special intelligence the FBI agent had provided had saved their lives and helped take down a human trafficking ring.
So whether Candy saw it or not, his team was fucking amazing and no humans out there could have done what they had. Try putting a human in place of his guys. They would be dead in a heartbeat. But he had to remind himself that she didn’t know they were shifters with abilities beyond humans’. Fuck! Should he just tell her? She was his mate. He’d have to tell her eventually. Would she freak out? He would be breaking his oath to secrecy. He’d play it by ear.
He looked at the cars parked in the garage next to the NIA building. Fancy cars decorated the bottom floor. Reserved spots for those in power who were seldom there to use them. Always so much going on, never enough time to go to the office.
A nice-looking family with a dachshund walked toward him on the sidewalk. They appeared so vibrant and cheerful. That was what he wanted with his mate. Candy would make him happy just by standing next to him. Or lying under him. No, not going there. Too fucking late for that.
The dog on the leash sniffed, looked him in the eye, and slowed. A near silent growl came from the adorable mongrel. The child holding the leash picked up the dog. She was gentle and loving, not reprimanding or yelling at the dog. Well-trained dog and child. He wanted that, too, a pack of well-disciplined pups. And a big pack. He was confident Candy would have no problem with the discipline part. That thought brought a smile to his lips. Then he took it somewhere else. Thinking about her disciplining him with handcuffs and leather—Dammit, man.
Opening the door to the NIA lobby, Josh stepped in and gave the guard his badge to check his name on the list. A short man in a black jacket, holding a glass of punch watched as he cleared the metal detector. He hoped people walked around with platters of finger food. He wouldn’t have to order takeout for dinner later, then.
Not seeing any food or serving dishes by the short guy, Josh stood at the edge of the small crowd, looking for his men. He glanced at his watch: half past the hour. The dedication would be starting soon, but he had time to schmooze and talk with the director about their “issue.”
Hearing a familiar laugh, Josh headed for the table with spreads of meat and cheese on tiny crackers and even smaller shrimp in creamy dip. His favorite appetizer was the small meatballs drown
ed in spicy barbeque sauce. Candy reminded him of that spicy sauce. He could eat a whole meal of those and her. His stomach growled and his dick throbbed. Good thing the twenty or so people here were talking loudly and nobody was paying his lower body any attention.
Josh slapped one of his men on the back. “I knew I’d find you all where the food was.” He met the eyes of each mate. “Ladies, you all look amazing. It’s great to finally see you all in the same room. Thank you for making sure these men got here on time.”
“Old habits, man,” Parish replied. Parish was the agent involved in the destruction of the virus Candy had mentioned.
“What are you talking about?” Frank asked. Frank and his mate Amerella had taken down the mafia while in hiding.
Bryon snorted. “Forgot already, Frankie boy? The ‘can’t pass up free food’ bachelorhood motto.”
And last was Bryon. He and Kari had brought down a human trafficking ring. How could Candy even think his team could be cut? There was no other group like them.
The women laughed.
“You probably won’t go to half of the free-food events now that someone’s cooking for you.” Kari winked at Melinda.
“Not on your life,” Amerella said, gripping Frank’s arm. “Frank will be going to every one and bringing back enough free food for me, too!” She glanced up to look at Frank. “I need to show you how to stuff shrimp in your clothes so nobody notices.”
Josh saw Frank’s eyes widen. Josh guessed that since Frank and Amerella were newly mated, Frank wasn’t sure how to take his wife. She was a mobster, after all. Amie slapped his chest. “I’m joking, François. Breathe.”
Frank was looking a bit purple.
This was what Josh wanted, too. The playful banter of mates who loved each other unconditionally. The teasing, laughing, touching. Everything he desired so badly. But Candy didn’t seem like the touchy-feely type. She looked more like the stab-you-in-your-sleep type. He sighed, tossing down another meat- on-cracker.
“Hey,” Bryon said, “I know that sigh. I’ve heard it enough times to have nightmares about it. What’s up, boss?”
What’s not up, he thought. “Sheldon isn’t here yet. Let’s wait for him and his mate to arrive.” His mate. Now he had his own mate. Someone born only for him. But she would be a tough nut to crack. Was he up to the task? Fortunately, he wasn’t up at the moment.
That could change if he thought about Candy, though. And what sucked about that was his men would smell his mating desires. Then all hell would break loose trying to get the information out of him. He was good at giving interrogations, but not good at taking them.
“Just tired. Ready for some candy.” He smiled to himself. He was an idiot but that line made him relax without having Candy by his side.
“Candy?” Melinda said, scanning the food table. “I have gum if you want that.”
Josh bowed his head. “Thank you, but no. I was just spouting off. Candy sounds good to me is all.” She raised a brow and looked at Parish. Josh could hear her unspoken question: Is he off his rocker? It made him chuckle. He loved these guys. No matter how bad things were, together, they created an unstoppable team. They would give their lives for one another.
“Director Tumbel.” Josh turned to see the NIA director, Ike Pommer, lift a cheese cracker from a platter.
“Director Pommer, good to see you again.” Josh gestured to his men. “You remember Parish Hamel, Frank Dubois, and Bryon Day.” The director shook each man’s hand and gave a nod to the ladies. “Of course. Your team has been doing a great job. Too bad we have to keep you all a secret from the public. But tonight’s for you. Your time to shine in front of some of the bigwigs here. And just so you know, this plaque will be going in the new NIA building.”
“Thank you, sir.” Now was his chance. “Sir, there’s something I’d—”
The director lifted a hand and looked over Josh’s shoulder. “Ah, here she is. Josh, there’s someone I’d like you to introduce you to. Director Tumbel, meet Sergeant Major Candace Obermier.”
Chapter Four
Well, if this wasn’t awkward, she didn’t know what was. She grabbed Josh’s hand for a strong shake. She was no wilting flower and that meant her handshake was strong, too. Not knowing whether to acknowledge they were already acquainted, she looked into Josh’s eyes. Let him take the lead on this one. A good commander knew when to take charge and when to back down.
Now that she was this close to him, she could see his beautiful eyes. They were a stunning color she’d never seen. Hazel but with a yellow-gold outline around the iris. Breathtaking, really.
Something about him drew her in. She didn’t normally have that type of reaction to a man. Any man. Her body’s temperature rose rapidly. Sweat beads formed across her forehead and above her upper lip. What the fuck was wrong with her. He was just a cute guy like any other cute guy. But he wasn’t.
Still holding her gaze, his eyes flashed gold. Well, she thought they did, but that was impossible. What the hell? She wasn’t the type of person to see things that weren’t there. People’s eyes didn’t change color like that. Then a memory tickled the back of her mind. A recollection of seeing eyes that turned gold, and stayed . . .
“Nice to meet you, Sergeant Major,” Josh said. She’d follow his lead of keeping their previous engagement between themselves.
“Nice to meet you, also, Director Tumbel.” She saw a tiny smirk start on his lips and he held his grip on her hand longer than necessary. Ass. Gorgeous ass. But an ass, nonetheless. No, she wouldn’t think about him that way any longer. The last thing she wanted was to walk around thinking of him and his smile. Those eyes. The slight beard growth that made her want to rub her face on his jaw to get the full effect of it. Nope. She wasn’t going to think about him being hot.
Her go-to persona kicked in. Anytime she felt emotions coming on, she’d slide into this alter ego that let her be the strong woman she’d had to be to survive childhood and the military.
By the happy faces of the men gathered around Tumbel, she doubted he’d told them about shutting down the department. Glancing at the men, she noted they wore shocked expressions. One of the guys breathed deeply and smiled.
“I get it,” the man said. “I bet you would like a piece of candy.” The others covered their smiles with their hands. Nothing she hadn’t heard before. He breathed deeply again.
Tumbel scowled at him. If he wanted a piece of her, then that’s what she’d give him. She cocked her head to the side. “Director Tumbel, may I have a moment with you and your team?” His face paled and his smirk disappeared. Ha, take that, jerk. “In my office,” she added.
“Don’t keep them too long, Candace.” Director Pommer smiled. “We have a show to put on.”
“No, sir. I’ll make sure they are back in time. This’ll be short and sweet,” she replied.
Tumbel’s eyes flashed. She knew he was flustered, to say the least.
“Just your team, Tumbel,” she said. “I apologize, ladies, but this is confidential.” That ruffled some feathers, but everyone seemed calm and the men stepped away. Candy moved toward the elevator not looking back to see if they followed. Inside the elevator, she pushed the second-floor button, holding the door open for the men.
Tumbel was arguing with the guy who’d made the smart-ass comment about her name. From what she heard, Tumbel was telling him to shut up. Her hearing was exceptional for an ex-pilot who’d been around for a while.
The short ride to the second floor was silent. As well as the walk down the hall to her corner office. Once inside, Tumbel grabbed her elbow and pulled her to the side next to the fireplace. She snatched her elbow free, narrowing her eyes at him. “I suggest you never touch me again,” Candy said.
Tumbel growled, and for a second, she blinked at his features. Fuck, he was close to losing his control. Then he took a deep breath and sighed, running his fin
gers through his hair. “Look, Candy—”
“It’s Sergeant Major to you, Director,” she sneered, standing defiantly in front of him.
“Fine,” he rumbled low and deep, curling his hands into fists at his sides, “Sergeant Major, I haven’t told my men about our discussion. And this whole mess is bogus. If we could just talk with Pommer, he will explain our special circumstance.”
“Pommer has no say in this decision. I report directly to the president,” Candy retorted now slapping her hands on her hips.
“That’s not what I mean.” Tumbel looked as frustrated as hell. She smiled. “Relax, Tumbel. I’ll do this gently.”
A voice came over her shoulder. “Can we watch you do it gently?”
“Day,” Tumbel snarled so roughly, her jaw almost dropped open. She couldn’t believe that sound came from him. It was so animalistic. “Go over there.” He pointed to the other side of the room.
“Sergeant Major,” he continued in that low, churned-gravel tone that was starting to make her skin hot. She’d never been turned on by a man calling her “sergeant major” until now. “Let’s hold off until after the ceremony. Can we at least do that?”
He was so cute when he was trying to sound composed, but she saw the lust in his eyes. She raised her hand, wanting to brush his bangs from his eyes. When she realized she was moving closer, she crossed her arms over her chest hoping to hide her silly intention. What happened to her go-to personality?
Being a hard-nosed bitch around this guy was nearly impossible for her. What was up with him? She cleared her throat and tugged on her green uniform top. She could do this. She’d been in a lot worse circumstances and come through rather unscathed. It would be the same here.
“I think we should do this beforehand, Tumbel.” She sounded like such a bitch in her own ears. A horny bitch wanting to jump every bone in this man’s body. God. She was disgusted with herself.