20 Shades of Shifters_A Paranormal Romance Collection

by Demelza Carlton

  She’d seen the sense in the end, and Phoebe had offered to babysit. She had introduced Jacob to Sophie, and the two had been an instant hit. Sophie was already asleep in the other twin bed.

  Time to go.

  He straightened from where he was leaning against the open doorway and walked toward her. Her hair was up in some sort of knot on the top of her head, loose tendrils around her face and neck. The dress was almost backless. Her skin was pale and flawless, and he could see the curve of her spine. His hand came out without conscious thought and stroked down the smooth skin. She went still, then looked over her shoulder at him.

  He hadn’t realized how tense she had been. Now, the lingering fear was gone from her eyes.

  She rested back against his hand for a moment, then rose to her feet and turned to face him. “Thank you. For Jacob, and for what you did back there. You saved my life. Again.”

  He hadn’t known she’d realized she was the target. He shook his head; there was nothing to say. She wouldn’t be in danger if it wasn’t for him. “Come on, we have to go.” He put his hand at her waist and ushered her out of the room. She gave Jacob one last look, but he was already sleeping deeply, exhausted by the excitement of the day.

  Phoebe hurried across the hallway, carrying some sort of shawl that she handed to Rachel. “We forgot to get you a jacket, but this should go okay.”

  “You’ve been too kind,” Rachel said.

  “Hey, you’re family now.”

  Rachel frowned at the comment, but Finn urged her toward the door before she could say anything else.

  “Do I look okay?” she asked as they went down in the elevator.

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Bella got the dress. I would never have dared. There’s a lot of me on show.” She shook out the shawl. It was black, velvet and lace, and she wrapped it around her shoulders. “Will I fit in?”

  “You’ll be the most beautiful woman there.”

  She bit her lip, opened her mouth to say something, but at that moment, the doors parted, revealing the ground floor. They walked out across the marble foyer and through the smoky glass doors that led to the street.

  A limousine was parked out front, the engine running, the driver waiting by the door. Finn nodded to him. He was one of the Washington, DC pack. Finn had called Dawson, the alpha, when they got back. He wanted eyes on the street and on Rachel—though if he had his way, she wouldn’t leave his sight again. The pack hadn’t been happy; they hated any reminder of their allegiance to him, but they hadn’t been able to deny a direct call.

  She slid into the back, and he followed her in, settling beside her as she fastened her seat belt.

  “So where are we going?” she asked as the car pulled away and into the traffic.

  “To the White House.”

  She twisted to face him, eyes wide. “Really? So what’s happening at the White House?”

  “Some sort of celebration for a visiting dignitary,” he said. He didn’t even know who. All he cared about was that the senator would be there, and they could have this out and remove the threat he posed. “Torr got us the invites.”

  “Torr must have some influential friends.”

  “More than you can imagine.”

  She blew out her breath. “I’ve always thought I had a good imagination, but you’re probably right. So much that has happened over the last few days has been beyond my imagination. This”—she waved a hand down over the dress— “nothing. The White House…pft.”

  “And how are you feeling?”

  She smiled, and the expression lit up her face. “Relieved…excited…happy. It’s funny; I’ve never been unhappy. Don’t get me wrong—I’ve loved my life, but it was more a…feeling of contentment. I never realized that until this moment. Tomorrow, I’ll worry about what comes next, going home, whether I’ll feel safe.” She cast him a look. “Werewolves.”

  “I’m not a werewolf,” he said.

  “Maybe not, but apparently there’s a whole pack of them in my forest.”

  “They’ll never hurt you.” But whatever she was thinking right now, he doubted she would return home, except maybe to visit her grandfather. He’d take her if she wished, and if they got the chance. But by that time, she would either be with him or she would be dead. And he wouldn’t think of that right now. Because if he did, he might cease to function, and he couldn’t afford to do that. Tonight, he had to neutralize the senator. After that, there was Lilith and Gabriel. Cassia.

  “And I have no clue why that is,” Rachel said. “Or why you saved me or why you’re going to all this bother and helping me now. But, you know what? Jacob is safe. And for tonight, I’m just going to forget all those questions and go with the flow. I’m wearing a pretty dress—which I can guarantee you Papi would not approve of. I’m with a handsome man, who for some reason has nominated himself as my protector. For one night, I’m going to forget the rules.”

  “Then I’ll help you.” He would give himself this night as well.

  The car stopped to go through the security check into the White House grounds. Then pulled away. A minute later, they parked outside the entrance. Someone opened the door, and he climbed out and held out his hand for Rachel. She slid her palm into his, and he helped her out. He followed the line of guests in, showed his invitation, and they entered the White House. A footman took Rachel’s shawl, and another led them through a huge set of double doors and into some sort of ballroom with tables around a central dance floor.

  He’d never been inside the White House, though Torr had regular meetings here. Stormlord Securities had several government contracts.

  There was a formal dinner first, and they would have to sit through that before he could confront the senator. Finn placed his hand on Rachel’s waist, unable to resist, as a footman led them to their table. This time she didn’t jump or pull away; in fact, she moved closer to him and, suddenly, he was sorry they were in this busy place. He wanted to be somewhere alone with her.

  Later.

  He waited until she was seated and then took the chair beside her. The table was set for eight, and the other chairs were already filled. The people upper-class and middle-aged. He didn’t recognize anyone. He nodded, but didn’t introduce himself. This wasn’t his sort of place, or his sort of people, or his sort of setting. He preferred action to politics. He always had. And he preferred open spaces to cities.

  The president entered with his wife and the visiting dignitary; Finn still had no clue who the dignitary was. Asian, but other than that he had no idea. They all stood.

  “Is that the president?” Rachel whispered.

  He nodded.

  As they sat again, he shifted his chair a little closer to her. “How are you doing?”

  She smiled. “I’m fine. It’s fascinating. I’ve never seen so many sparkly things.”

  “I should have gotten you some diamonds.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t need diamonds.”

  She was right; she shone with an inner beauty. He could sense people watching her, unable to look away, and he felt a snarl forming in his throat.

  Mine.

  And again, he wished he could whisk her away somewhere they could be alone. He owed her that kiss he’d promised.

  The first course came, and he ate, but had no clue what he was eating. He glanced around the room, searching for the senator, and found him at a table two away from where they were seated.

  Rachel was chatting with the man on her other side. He listened in; she was telling him about Haven. The man had a vaguely bemused expression on his face. She was so natural in a room full of artifice.

  The woman on his other side spoke to him, and he forced his attention away from Rachel and turned to her.

  “Sorry?” He managed to make small talk, but was relieved when the meal was over. Rachel ate all six courses, occasionally turning to him to ask what she was eating.

  “Is he here?” Rachel asked.

  “Yes.”
/>   She picked up her glass and drained it. “Let’s go talk to him.”

  They wove their way among the crowd. He kept the senator in sight and approached him from behind, studying him. He was thin and upright, his dark hair flecked with gray that was more distinguished than aging. Finn had become friends with Michael Danvers over the years and had heard a lot about the senator. He was ambitious. The last years, the senator had been pushing Michael forward, investing in his son’s career rather than his own. And with considerable success; it had been anticipated that Michael would have been the Republican candidate in the presidential elections next time around. If he had lived. His death must have been a double blow, an end to the senator’s hopes of a dynasty and his political aspirations. Jacob must have seemed like a godsend.

  Michael hadn’t loved his father—Finn suspected that he’d given up on the idea of love when his first wife had walked out on him, taking their daughter with her. And he also suspected Michael sub-consciously resented his father and blamed him for his wife leaving. But while Michael had loved his wife, he’d also wanted his life in Washington, the power, and the money. He certainly would never have moved to Haven. Some people just weren’t meant to be together, he’d told Finn. They’d been too different.

  He’d never spoken of his wife’s death.

  Had he suspected that his father was somehow complicit?

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the couple who’d been talking to the senator walk away, leaving the man momentarily alone. “Let’s do this,” he said, and Rachel nodded, though something flickered in her eyes.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “I have so little family,” she murmured. “I don’t like to think of him as bad. But I’ve always known there was something not right about him. I suspect he’s one of the reasons—probably the main reason—why my mother took me away from here.”

  “We can’t choose our families.” Except he had.

  “I know. I just wish things were different.”

  He rested his hand on the small of her back, needing the contact, and they circled around and came up in front of the senator. He looked up as they halted, his brows drawing together in a frown as though trying to place Finn and not succeeding.

  “Senator.” He nodded to the other man.

  The senator turned his attention to Rachel. He looked at her, but it was the look of a man admiring a beautiful woman—and Finn had to fight the urge to punch the old bastard on the nose.

  “Grandfather,” Rachel said, and his eyes widened.

  Then narrowed as he studied her closely. Finn saw the moment he recognized her. “Rachel. You look a little…different than at our last meeting. I told you that you would fit into my world.”

  “And I told you I had no intention of doing so.”

  He examined her, head cocked to one side. “You never liked me, did you? I remember when you were little more than a baby. You would scream every time I came anywhere near you.”

  She gritted her teeth and her eyes flashed. “You took my son. How dare you?”

  His eyes narrowed. “And you took him back. How did you do that? A woman with no money and no connections. And yet somehow you managed to break into my house, disable my guards, and take back your precious son.” He turned to look at Finn. “Are you going to introduce me to your…friend?”

  “I’m Finn Stanton. You might have heard of my company, Stormlord Securities.”

  Something flickered in his eyes at the name. Good, he’d heard of them, one less thing to explain.

  “Ah. My son employed you to find Rachel’s mother when she left him. My son is now dead, as I’m sure you’ve heard. And your employment is terminated. I looked you up, and you have a reputation for efficiency and ruthlessness. I assure you Rachel inherited nothing from her father. She has no money to pay you with. I suggest you rethink your allegiances. I could put a lot of business your way.”

  “I don’t believe my allegiance is for sale. But thanks for the offer.”

  “You get involved in my business and you pay the consequences.” The senator’s tone turned cold, all pretense at friendliness vanished. “Return the boy to me. His mother as well. I’m sure I can persuade her to see things my way.”

  “And if I don’t?”

  “I’ll make sure your company is finished.”

  Finn smiled as he pulled out a paper from his pocket and handed it over to the senator.

  He looked down at it, his fingers tightening on the report as he read the words. “Where did you get this information?”

  “That doesn’t matter. Just be aware that if you ever go near Rachel, or her son, again, this information will be made public.”

  A flush darkened the man’s skin. Finn could almost see him trying to control the rage that flashed in his eyes. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

  “Actually, I know exactly who I’m dealing with.” Finn stepped closer. “I also know something of your latest business partner. And let me just give you some advice. Back away from her now. She does not have your best interests at heart.” He turned to Rachel. “Let’s go.”

  As they walked away, he could feel the senator’s gaze on his back. He didn’t turn.

  “Do you think it will be enough?” Rachel asked.

  “Yes. He’ll try and convince himself he can do something. He’s not the sort of man who’s used to losing. But in the end, he’ll see sense because he knows if he doesn’t, he’s finished. We have enough on him to not only end his political career, but to put him in prison for the rest of his life.”

  “What was on the paper?” she asked.

  “Information on how he was funding your father’s campaign. Let’s just say that most of his methods were not legal.”

  “It’s wrong that he has so much power.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll take him down. Make sure he never has any say in anything that matters again.”

  She blew out her breath. “Thank you. Now, can we go home?”

  Chapter 16

  Tonight had been beyond anything Rachel had ever experienced in her life. It had been fascinating, seeing all the important people, the beautiful women with their fancy dresses and jewels. But she was glad to be away from there.

  She’d gotten a lot of bad feelings from a lot of people. Perhaps good people didn’t go into politics. Which was sad. These were the individuals leading the world, making decisions that affected millions.

  They’d both been silent on the drive back, Finn seeming a little preoccupied. He’d taken her hand almost absently, as though it was a natural thing to do, threading his fingers through hers, resting both their hands on his thigh. His touch sent a feeling of peace and safety through her. As though nothing bad could touch her while she was with him.

  It was late, almost midnight, when the car pulled up outside the building. She wasn’t used to late nights. At Haven they often went to bed with the sun and rose with the sun. But despite the late hour, she felt wide awake, alert. She cast Finn a sideways glance. He looked so handsome and distinguished in the black tuxedo. And, although he’d been dressed the same as the other guests, he’d stood out among the crowd. There was something that held him apart. A sense of age and power, despite his youthful appearance.

  “How old are you?” she asked as they got into the elevator and the doors slid closed.

  He frowned and looked down at her. “Old enough.”

  Very cryptic. “Is that something else you can’t tell me?” The list was adding up. What was he hiding? And why?

  “I’ll tell you everything soon. I promise. Just give me a couple of days to sort a few things out, and then no more secrets. For now, trust me. I’ll never knowingly do anything to harm you or Jacob. And I’ll do everything in my power to prevent anyone else from hurting you.”

  Could she trust him? The strange thing was, she already did. She’d trusted him all those times when she’d seen him in the forest. As a wolf. When she should have run screaming.

&nb
sp; She nodded slowly. “I trust you.”

  He didn’t ask, just led the way to the apartment where Phoebe was staying as though he knew she would need to see Jacob. He tapped lightly on the door, and a few seconds later Cade opened it and gestured for them to enter.

  Phoebe was on the sofa, but got up when she saw them.

  “How did it go?” Cade asked.

  “I don’t think the senator will be a problem from now on.”

  “Good. One less thing to worry about.”

  She wondered what the other things were, but decided they probably came under the heading of things Finn would tell her soon, but not now. Tomorrow she would worry about it. Tonight was time-out.

  She followed Phoebe out of the sitting room to the room where Jacob was sleeping. Phoebe opened the bedroom door, and Rachel peered inside. The light was dim, but she could make out Jacob curled up in the bed. He was deep asleep, his wolf wrapped in his arms.

  “You should leave him here for the night,” Phoebe whispered. “He’s not going to wake now, and moving him will only disturb him. Come and get him in the morning.”

  Part of her wanted to wake him, to keep him close. But another part whispered to leave him sleeping.

  She tiptoed across the room, bent down, and kissed him on the forehead. He didn’t stir. Did she want him to? If she woke him, took him back to her room, would he stop her doing something she might regret?

  No. The answer came immediately.

  Whatever happened, and she hoped something would, she wouldn’t regret it. It might be wrong by Haven’s rules, the rules she had grown up obeying. But she had never really believed in them. She had followed them because she didn’t care enough to break them.

  Now she cared.

  Now she wanted something that went against everything she had been brought up to believe. And she couldn’t and wouldn’t think it wrong.

  She gave Jacob one last look—he was safe, thanks to Finn—and backed out of the room. “Thank you,” she said. “I won’t wake him.”

  Phoebe smiled as she closed the door. “I think you’re making the right decision.”