by J. C RIMELL
It was a mystery.
At the end of the document Ken had marked his notes with an asterisk:
*I've seen my fair share of oddities. But have to admit, this has baffled me beyond anything I've ever come across. Good luck.
“Okay,” Madeleine whispered. After pouring another cup of coffee, she perched herself on the stool at her desk and put on her clear-rimmed glasses. Her attention turned toward Ryker, who was standing outside the glass doors holding up an evidence bag. She smiled, watching as he slipped into a regulation protective suit. Then he stood looking a little uncomfortable while he punched the code into the biometric scanner that would allow him access to the lab.
Ryker hated that he looked as ridiculous as he felt, but rules were rules and the lab had to be kept sterile. Even though none of them carried diseases, you never knew what you were picking up from the outside world. Hence being covered from foot to neck, but that's where he drew the line. There wasn't a chance in hell he would wear the plastic shower hat in place of his ball cap and look even more like a dick, especially in front of her.
Heat swelled in his eyes as he peered through the glass and spotted Madeleine's radiant smile. Yeah, she found his awkwardness amusing and was laughing at the fancy costume he now wore, the same one she made look cool and intelligent. He heard a click and the vacuum door hissed open.
The room should have smelt sterile, chemical, but all he could scent as he walked across the lab was her. She was like coming home after being away too long, sweet apple, cinnamon and nutmeg, comforting and warm. And sweet Jesus, apple pie was his favorite kind of treat.
“You have something for me?” she asked, spinning her stool around as he came up and stood beside her. Madeleine gazed up as his large body loomed over her, his deep chestnut eyes shaded by his cap so she could never read him, see his emotions.
She so often wished she could.
Ryker held up a brown paper bag in his left hand. “I know it's against rules, but I thought you might be hungry.”
Madeleine swallowed the surprise, touched by his thoughtfulness.
“Ah, it's just a couple of muffins.” He shrugged, trying to make it look like no big deal as he handed it to her, then placed the evidence bag on her desk.
She took the paper bag, already smelling they were her favorite double chocolate chip. “That was very considerate,” she said softly, her gaze drifting back up into shadowed, hidden eyes she wanted so desperately to see. Her stare lingered longer than she meant it to until she thought for a split second she'd caught a faint spark ignite from beneath the peak of his cap. But it was painfully swift and fleeting.
Still, it set her heart ablaze.
“Thank you, Ryker.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sitting at the head of the deep, polished table in the conference room of the Society's main office, the Overseer thrummed his fingers with a slight impatience. He was about to address his Alphas, Protectors, and Sentinels. As the head of the Society, he was their Chief, each sector up and down the country, across the world had one, and right now he was angry.
He eyed each member of his committee with careful consideration. He was beyond any doubt that the men and women sat at his table were the best. Which led him to wonder how the hell some new breed of supernatural beings was pulling the wool over so many skillful eyes.
The Society were a community. A large family, where everyone had a rank, a position and a job to do. As the Overseer, he was the one who kept everyone reading from the same page and had done so since his predecessor. His own father had passed on the torch twenty years ago and now lived with the Elders in the remote Alaskan territory. He was already a powerful Alpha and was mated, a right given to the strongest of Alphas so that the shifting population would continue to grow. Now he was a leader that was well respected by those he governed.
His five Protectors were sitting at his left along the table while his six Sentinels were on his right. Seated at the far end of the table were Fleet and three of his soldiers. The Overseer's chest swelled with pride even though he was well beyond pissed off. The only other member that should have been present was his right-hand man, and brother. Alex was meeting with the Northern arm of the Society about the new threat that was sweeping across Shadow Creek and the neighboring towns.
Although each sector of the Society didn't always see eye to eye, the law was law, and it was adhered to. And when it came to a threat not only to the human population but that of their own too, they would stand side by side as comrades to defend and protect each other.
It was clear, each of them felt the heavy weight of the Overseer's stare as the room fell silent. His thrumming ceased and everyone waited for him to speak. Most were present, except of a few Shadow Pack members, who were sectioned at various points in and around Shadow Creek. There were never any excuses if you were called, not if you valued your life. You came, no questions asked.
He sensed the tension in the room mounting. There were a multitude of powers from many shifters sat around the table, especially from Fleet, a strong Alpha in his own right. The room was buzzing with an invisible energy he could feel crawling across his skin making the hairs on the back of his neck prickle with unease.
“There is no reason for me to explain why you're here. You are well aware of the growing threat we are now faced with.” His voice was a calm ocean, but the undercurrent below the smooth surface was unmistakably a looming tsunami. The Overseer's power sent out a warning ripple through the room. His deep gray eyes flicked across each of them. “Somebody better tell me what the hell is being done about it.”
§
Kit had never felt so liberated. Intoxicated by the rush, the speed, the wind in her hair and Cade's hot palms covering her trembling fingers. The roar of thunder overhead was a detonation to her ears, silencing her brain, all she could do was hold on.
So she did―tightly.
Cade loved the way she clung on, trusting him, as he weaved her bicycle around hairpin bends in the coastal road on the way out to the lighthouse. The conical tower was built of brick and painted white, stood on the tip of a long narrow road that verged the sea. It could be easily seen as it stood over a hundred and thirty feet with a magnificent dome. With a range around eighteen nautical miles, shining out into the darkest of nights bringing those out at sea safely home.
And it was Kit's most favorite place in the world.
Laden, gloomy clouds full to bursting with rain hung over the craggy rocks. The sky now covered with deepening shades of midnight blue as the thunder exploded overhead and lightning flashed across the sea. Large spots of rain pelted against them as they swerved past the keeper’s residence. Along the narrow, stoned road that opened up to a circular island on which the lighthouse was perched. Within seconds the heavens opened and Cade quickly parked under the rear overhang of the old, disused keeper's quarters roof. Dismounting, he took Kit's hand and together they ran around the grassy area encompassing the tower. Then descended some stone steps set into the ground until reaching a door at the bottom.
Kit didn't know where they were going. She'd only ever sat against the wall at the base of the lighthouse reading her novels and enjoying the view. Already drenched through to her skin, she hoped to get to some shelter pretty quickly. Thunder clapped above them making her jump with fright as lightning lit up the sky. Her prayer was answered when Cade tugged her closer to him, snaking an arm around her waist he brought her into the warmth of his body.
“I can't believe you rode me here on my bike.” This gorgeous, tough, big man had rejected his Harley and his male pride to bring her here. That act alone had earned him a considerable amount of her trust.
A laugh escaped him, and the sound was deep and honest. “Yeah, I'd appreciate it if you kept that to yourself.” He shook his head. “I've got a reputation to think about.”
His eyes were a vibrant gun metal with slashes of silver in the darkness of the stairwell, mirroring the strikes forking overhead. His hai
r was slick and wet like he'd just stepped out of the shower with lips that glistened with moisture. When his tongue swept across his lower lip, Kit's gaze followed and she couldn't hold back the soft moan that escaped her.
He was sex incarnate.
She suddenly found it hard to breathe, unable to take her eyes from the seduction of his delicious mouth when he spoke. “Will you trust me… Kit?”
Feeling the rain trickling down between her breasts underneath her clothes, her body shivered. A need that ran as deep as her marrow overwhelmed her. All she could think about was wanting him to kiss her so she could slip her fingers into his drenched hair, now jet black against his creamy skin. She wanted to trust him, completely. But could feel herself teetering on the edge of something and if it continued, she was afraid she would fall, and fall deeply.
Cade never brought anyone here, but Kit wasn't just anyone. Among a few of the many things he knew about her, he knew she loved this place, that's when he stumbled upon the secret he wanted to show her now. He felt her tremble, and could see a hunger spike in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Her mouth parted, her hands finding their way up past his chest and were curling around his neck.
Cade leaned in closer, appreciating the feminine feel of her up close, the warmth of her hands on his skin. Captured by her inquisitive gaze as he cupped her face with his free hand. “Will you… trust me?” he asked again, this time his lips almost upon hers. Pressed up tight against her, his body responded to the intimate proximity. There was no denying she would feel every hard inch of it pushing against her abdomen.
Kit barely nodded, her breathing was fast and shallow. Her chest heaving against him with her breasts going taut from the friction of his rough leather jacket and the moisture of her cold, soaked clothes. She let her fingers tug at the ends of his hair as he tilted his head down further. The promise of a kiss so temptingly close.
With her body pinned beneath him against the wall, Cade felt the invisible energy that vibrated between them. Turning his sight to night vision he easily distinguished the lust that turned her bright, blue eyes a sultry, deeper sapphire, and he couldn't resist taking her mouth with his own.
Cade stole a gentle, seducing kiss that was short, but deliciously sweet. His canines were elongating. He felt the heat of his eyes burn in the darkness, lighting her face in a silver hue, he saw her eyes flutter beneath their lids. He wanted to stay with her like that for an eternity, but one of them had to think straight. Apart from the fact he would likely terrify her if she opened her eyes to his glowing irises. Or felt the sharp, bladed points of his fangs―or if he didn't get them out of the rain soon, she'd likely freeze to death.
Reeling in his desire, he pulled away gently and dropped his head to her ear. “Baby, hold on and don't let go.”
It was almost like an out-of-body experience.
Whatever that was.
One minute Kit was standing outside in the rain. In a dreamlike, sensual embrace with Cade Grayson's lips melting against her own, the very sensation of which had her writhing against him. Her core hot like a burning inferno.
The next instant was a blur.
The sky seemed to swirl. The rocks and cliffs span around them. Slowly at first, until the whole world receded and all Kit could see was a blinding light as the air was sucked from her lungs. Her body felt like it was being wrenched through a hole far too small to accommodate her body.
When Kit opened her eyes, she couldn't see anything through the pitch black that engulfed them. But was comforted by the fact she was still held securely in Cade's reassuring embrace. “Are you okay?” Her senses being heightened in the darkness, the soft words brushing her cheek made her skin ripple and her body shudder with a deep craving.
She felt dazed because she couldn't comprehend what had just taken place. “What the bloody hell just happened?” Kit gasped, once Cade gave her a little room, and some air had inflated her lungs again.
“Teleportation,” Cade said flippantly like it was the most natural thing in the world. Taking the lighter from his jacket pocket he flicked open the top and lit it. “Now we're underground, below the lighthouse.”
Kit's brows crashed together. “Teleportation? Like, moving from one place to another?” She asked incredulously, her voice hitching up a notch.
Cade felt her shake, heard her heart rate kick up a gear. She looked utterly beautiful in the amber glow of the single flame that swayed in her sapphire eyes. He smiled. “Sort of, but it has limitations.” He let that sink in, saw her trying to work out the plausibility of it as her eyes narrowed skeptically. “Come on.” He let go of her waist and laced his fingers through hers and lit up the way ahead of them with the glimmer of the wavering flame.
They went through a long tunnel before reaching a wide open space. Kit could smell the sea and the air was a little musty. Apart from the odd cobweb hanging from the hefty steel joists, she was surprised to find it fairly clean. She heard the waves crashing against the rocks; the thunder continued to drum overhead and she was shivering so badly her teeth chattered. Cade gave her his lighter, which shook unsteadily in her hand while he speedily got a handful of wood he kept stashed at the far end. He placed it into the neat circle of rocks in the middle of the concrete floor. Then taking the lighter back again, he placed the flame to the kindling and within seconds the dry wood flared up.
Kit watched as the dark room lit up in shades of amber and gold, the sound of wood crackling and spitting filled the air. She slowly warmed even against the chill of her wet clothes, still dripping from head to foot. Her eyes followed orange and saffron sparks drifting upward to the high girders above them until her gaze weaved through the smoke and burning flecks and found him.
She was all alone with Cade Grayson.
The man.
The wolf.
Who could teleport?
WTF?
“You really need to get out of those things,” Cade suggested, realizing it may sound logical to him, shifters thought nothing of being nude, it was natural. But getting a human woman to strip off her clothes right in front of a guy she didn't know too well, would be a pretty tall order. He swiftly followed his proposition by unzipping and removing his leather jacket and stripping the T-shirt off his back which was toasty warm and still dry. “Here,” he said, moving toward her with his arm outstretched holding the dry clothing. “Change into this. I promise not to look.”
His body was breathtaking. In the soft light of the fire, the shadows cut in against muscle, chiseled to perfection, she tried not to stare but her eyes had a will of their own. Kit knew he was right, it made sense to change into something dry. She was―after all―soaked wet through, and that shirt he was holding out to her was so big it would cover her body with ease. She didn't miss the wicked glint in his eye as the flames from the fire danced in the depths of his gaze, making him seem momentarily devilish.
Kit took the shirt from him. “Thanks,” she said, before making her way around the fire toward the back of the room where she peeled her wet cardigan from her arms. Flicking her head over her shoulder, she saw that true to his word, Cade was standing with his back to her and was looking into the fire. It took Kit several heartbeats before she could pull her eyes away from his body, the image now imprinted in her mind.
The tattoo that curled around his left arm and pectoral also decorated his left shoulder blade. Kit noticed two identical scars on his upper right arm, the two slashes were savage and slightly raised and pink against his skin. His back was strong and defined, his waist tapering, leaving his jeans low on his hips. She felt a strange hunger erupt in the pit of her stomach. Realizing at once it wasn't for food, especially as it was twinned with a luxurious warmth pooling between her thighs.
She bit her bottom lip and turned away. Slipping her arms free of her dress, she pulled Cade's T-shirt over her head and to her waist. Then wriggled her dress down over her thighs letting it fall to her feet. God, the cotton of his T-shirt smelt so good, every fiber was lac
ed with his scent. Clutching a fistful she brought it closer to her nose so she could breathe it in deeply.
There was nothing Cade wanted to do more at that moment than take a crafty peek. Just a fleeting look over his shoulder, quick and harmless. He didn't know how the fuck he managed not to give in to temptation. His highly sensitive hearing picked up every one of her movements. The long pause while her eyes studied him, searing his flesh he could almost feel their penetration through to his bones. Each delicate sound of fabric as it was removed from her body, brushing against her skin. Goddamn, his teeth were clenched so tight, fighting against the urge to spin around they almost shattered under the pressure.
But a promise was a promise.
After hanging her sopping clothes from a couple of wooden pegs that jutted out of the brickwork, she pivoted around to see his back still turned. The muscles were bunched and tight beneath his skin, almost uncomfortably so. Thunder continued to roll above them and the rain pummeled against the tower. She ruffled her hair and tried not to think about the state it was in, already feeling more exposed than she should have bra-less beneath a cotton T-shirt. Clearing her throat, she whispered, “You can turn around now.” Wrapping her arms around herself she came closer to the fire.
Cade had never seen her looking so damned beautiful. The firelight warmed her skin and her damp hair accentuated her high cheekbones. Those exquisite eyes had flared with a sudden heat, the electric blue now melting into oceanic pools that sucked the breath right out of him. His shirt came to her knees and he stop his mind from wandering, knowing only too well she was almost naked beneath it. The sight of her breasts puckered into tight peaks beneath the fabric and he too broke out into a sweat.
Cade bit off a curse and piled more wood onto the fire, there would be enough to get them through until morning if necessary. Flipping the lid on a small wooden crate, he pulled out a black, nylon sleeping bag and undid the zip. Feeling her studying his every move only intensified his hunger.