Carnal

by Stone, Piper

  I took a deep breath, calming my nerves. Get yourself together.

  My rational mind told me that a small animal, like a deer or a fox had run scared into the woods, even if we were in the middle of the city. My irrational mind told me otherwise. However, I wasn’t going to test my luck. I backed toward the opening, still searching the perimeter.

  Crack!

  The harsh snap was enough I almost lost my balance. I swung the barrel in the direction of the sound, sucking air in rapidly as the shadows of the trees became oppressive. Suffocating. Darkness enshrouded my periphery of vision until I was frozen.

  Sometimes darkness is the only thing we see. Look beyond to find the light and the truth.

  I’d heard the words more than once while training at the police academy, the saying one I would never forget. I was a fool for buying into the fear. I pushed away the strangling demon, standing at my full height. There were no monsters lurking in the darkness, only beasts crowding my mind.

  I laughed softly, turning to head back to the house when I sensed the presence; however, this time I wasn’t afraid. As I turned my head, my eyes were able to lock on another pair, only they glowed in the darkness.

  * * *

  The whistles started the second I walked into the office. Granted, none of the other detectives had ever seen me in a dress. Even the few Christmas parties I’d attended, I’d remained in my normal work clothes—pants, an unflattering shirt, and a jacket.

  “Vava voom!” one of the detectives called out, making a crude gesture that allowed me the joy of promptly lifting my middle finger in his direction.

  “Sensitive,” another hissed.

  I merely gave the asshole a hard glare, continuing to head toward my desk. I hadn’t noticed Max’s presence, although I’d felt him almost immediately after walking into the room. A single bead of perspiration trickled between my breasts, a clear indication that I hadn’t been able to purge the man from my system.

  He was apparently my kryptonite.

  I ignored the rest of the crew and slid onto my seat, only seconds later darting a glance in the direction of where Max stood merely twenty feet away. He’d watched and from what I could tell by his expression enjoyed my arrival.

  And the men fawning over me.

  Max slowly inched closer, swaggering like some demi-God. Who the hell did he think he was? When he reached my partner’s desk, which was backed up against mine, only then did I hear a sound coming from his massive chest.

  A raspy growl.

  I stared into his eyes, unblinking. They were completely normal, the light adding a hint of cobalt blue to the otherwise dark intensity. I had to chalk off the morning’s experience to my lack of sleep and nervous stomach.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, his face pinching with concern.

  “Fine. Just a long night going over evidence.” Whether or not he believed me, I didn’t care. I shook my head, firing up my computer. I wanted to get this over with.

  “What do you have, a hot date?” he finally asked as he moved to sit on the edge of my desk.

  “You are welcome to use Mark’s chair so you don’t have to be so close,” I commented, trying to remain as nonchalant as possible.

  “I don’t have access to your computer systems.”

  I almost whispered the word ‘yet,’ but I kept my mouth shut.

  “Interesting. It would appear that you have other plans for the day. I thought we were working on the case.”

  “While it’s none of your business, I have a lunch meeting that I was unable to get out of.” I heard the disdain in my tone and noticed almost immediately that every other detective seemed far too interested in what we were doing. I shifted the cursor, moving quickly to the pictures that had been taken of the various crime scenes. “You might want to take a look at these.”

  He leaned over, dangerously close, allowing me an intoxicating whiff of his scent. He wasn’t the kind of man to wear cologne, but he didn’t have to. Everything about him reeked of testosterone and pheromones. I gripped the mouse with enough force I was afraid I’d crush it. Why did I continue to think anything sexual about the man?

  “You look beautiful. I hope he’s worth it.”

  The comment seemed far too inappropriate, even though we’d had sex more than once. I shifted closer, pointing toward the computer screen, my mouth dry. While he was my partner, I had no intention of telling him about my earlier scare or what had to be hallucinations. I didn’t need to be taken down another notch or two.

  Max was instantly intrigued, even placing his hand over mine and forcing a change to another series of pictures. The instant electricity was startling, a second bead of perspiration threatening to give away my nerves. I was fully aroused, my panties instantly damp and my nipples aching. I bit back any kind of reaction, doing everything I could not to inhale his... delicious smell.

  “I can understand why other officers continue to believe the attacks are from an animal,” he said quietly, keeping his voice low.

  “I’m no fool, Max. For an untrained eye, you might think that but take a look at the way the bodies are positioned.” With his hand still attached to mine, I flipped through a series of images, only stopping on each one briefly. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  He eased back, chuckling under his breath. “You’re good, Detective. I missed what you were saying at first. The bodies were placed in the same manner, almost in a ritualistic approach.”

  “Exactly.” I was suddenly excited, my breath skipping.

  Exhaling, he rubbed his jaw and I was cognizant he had the most sensual two- or three-day stubble, only adding to his provocative image. “This changes... everything.”

  What I found interesting was the catch in his voice, almost as if he’d expected something of this nature.

  “What do you make of it? Some vampire-type group hunting victims at random?” I sat back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest. My action drew his gaze, his eyes falling from my face to my chest then back up. I could swear the man was sneering.

  “There are several active cult-style groups that are listed in and around the Denver area so that’s a remote possibility.”

  “Why remote?”

  “Because wannabe vampires drink blood. Some have altered their dentistry with implants in order to perform whatever bloodsucking act they think will garner them mortality.”

  Sighing, I glanced at the pictures again. “Instead of ripping out their throats.” I studied the images, trying to make sense of what I was seeing. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say we were dealing with the paranormal.”

  Max laughed, folding his hands together. “Meaning what, Detective? Ghosts? Demons?”

  I swallowed before answering, unable to look into his eyes. “Werewolf.”

  “There are no such things as werewolves.” There was such defiance in his tone, such certainty.

  “Of course there isn’t. But there are dangerous criminals hell bent on crushing people’s lives.”

  “Said like a woman who knows from experience.”

  I laughed softly, once again unable to look him in the eyes. “My life is my life. Okay?” He didn’t need to know that every man I’d dated had faded into the woodwork the moment they learned I was a cop.

  “I’m your partner and as such, we’re going to stay in direct communication. I want you to call me tonight when you get home and check in. Do you understand?”

  “My God. You think you’re my keeper. That’s insane.”

  “What I know, Kathleen, is that if you’re correct in your assumptions this is a very human killer, then you already got too close. The murderer likely knows who you are and given the nature of his crimes, he won’t appreciate having any loose ends. Do you understand what I’m saying to you?”

  I didn’t answer right away.

  “Do you?” he snapped.

  “Yes. Fine. Okay? I get it. I’ll let you know I’m all right.”

  He took a deep breath before movi
ng away. “You’re one rebellious woman determined to go it alone. Just remember that monsters like the one who murdered these people feed off easy prey.”

  As he walked away, his words haunted the hell out of me, and I shivered to the core.

  * * *

  “There you are!” My mother’s gleeful voice was full of happiness, her eyes lit up from the joy of the day as well as at least two glasses of wine. I couldn’t blame her. My father took every opportunity to gloat about his good fortune to anyone who set foot over the threshold. Today would be no exception.

  “I’m sorry I’m late. Traffic was a bear.” I wasn’t lying. Just getting out of the city had taken me twice as long as normal but the real reason for my tardiness was the time I’d spent with Max. While he hadn’t laughed me out of the police precinct with my idea, he had attempted to undermine my theory.

  There were no such things as werewolves.

  Okay, so my rational side knew that, but what other explanation could there be? I thought about my grandmother’s beliefs and the stories I’d heard for a few seconds before shaking them off. The call we’d received from the medical examiner with his promised update only added fuel to my fire. Sadly, he’d been unable to identify the saliva found in the wounds. While he did mention it was possible the substance had been tainted by some unknown drug, he wasn’t willing to add a label stating either animal or human. The inconclusive findings could fuel whatever news reports were issued later on.

  Which could start a citywide panic.

  The call I’d placed to animal control hadn’t offered any help either. They’d caught four foxes, a bear, and shot two wolves, but their autopsies hadn’t revealed any human remains.

  We were at square one with no other evidence. Captain Walters hadn’t taken the news very well either. The killer was brilliant in my mind, performing the kills without so much as a single drop of his, her, or its blood found at any of the crime scenes.

  “Are you with us, darling?” my mother asked, narrowing her eyes.

  “I’m sorry. Just working long hours.”

  She eased a strand of hair behind my shoulders, her sigh exaggerated. “I hate the line of work you’re in.”

  “Please don’t, Mom.”

  Shrugging, she took a step away. “Just try and enjoy your sister’s special day. All right?”

  It was always a crapshoot about how much or if I could enjoy the time when I came. I barely tolerated holidays, refusing to come for any other reason.

  I glanced around the foyer and into the living room, noticing the dozens of fresh flowers placed in strategic locations. Nothing too good for my baby sister’s engagement lunch.

  “Well, everyone is in the sunroom. Your father is just about to give a toast.” My mother winked before squeezing my arm and moving toward one of the vases to adjust. Brenda Kelly was a consummate host. She’d certainly had enough practice over the years. There’d been countless dinner parties, corporate functions for my father’s bursting-at-the-seams business, and holiday events that made the society pages.

  I loathed every one of them.

  “Well, this should be fun,” I muttered under my breath, smoothing down my dress given I knew I’d receive a critical eye from my father upon my grand entrance.

  “Just grab a glass of champagne on your way in, sweetie,” my mother suggested. “This is a celebration. Hopefully one day soon we’ll be throwing a party for your engagement.”

  Her lilting laughter made me cringe. I was unlikely to ever take the plunge and both of my parents knew it. Another reason I was the black sheep of the family. I grabbed a flute from one of the four waiters hovering like vultures, moving just inside the doorway to the sunroom, praying not to be seen.

  As maid of honor, my duties would soon begin and I couldn’t wait. I snickered at the thought. What did I know about planning a bachelorette party or helping with the selection of fluffy bridesmaid dresses? I’d been a tomboy my entire life, preferring guns and horses to Barbie dolls and nail polish.

  Unfortunately, my wish wasn’t granted, my sister noticing me immediately. Her squeal of happiness drew everyone’s attention.

  “Kathleen!” As Celia rushed toward me, I felt the weighted gaze of my father as well as his immediate disdain. Maybe my choice of red for my dress hadn’t been my best decision, but I enjoyed seeing the great James Kelly riled.

  I also noticed a man standing just off to my father’s side. This was no doubt the man my father had hired after the last time I’d turned down his job offer. Tyler Ridgefield had an impeccable reputation working with failing companies, his financial savvy perhaps exactly what my father needed. While I had to admit the man was remarkably handsome, I had a bad feeling my father would try to use him as leverage.

  Another engagement attempt, perhaps?

  “Hiya, sis. I’ve missed you,” I whispered, hugging her tightly. We’d always been close and even though I hated the pomp and circumstance, I was determined to make certain my little sister had a fabulous wedding.

  “How are the plans going?” I asked casually, studying the group of people who’d been invited. Senators. Congressmen. Judges. Corporate moguls. Standing in the room were the who’s who of Denver society.

  And I could see maybe two other guests under the age of forty. The party had been entirely orchestrated by my parents. Another glow and show moment.

  She shrugged, giving me her usual mischievous expression. “You know how Mother and Father are. Maybe you and I can get together next week over nachos and beer to really talk about plans.”

  I laughed. Her engagement hadn’t stripped her from her spunky personality. “I’ll see what I can do. If I can get away from this case I’m working on.”

  “I heard about it. I’m so sorry. What a horrible case for you to have to work on. The murders are so violent. Any idea who the killer is? Is it possible there’s some wild animal on the loose?”

  I gripped her hand, pulling her closer to the door. We’d kept everything under wraps in an attempt not to terrify the public. “Where did you hear that from?”

  “You know Father,” Celia said dourly. “He knows everything. He mentioned it in passing last night when I had dinner with them. I think he’d had a chat with your captain.”

  What. The. Fuck. Seething, I snapped my head in my father’s direction. “Asshole.”

  She squeezed my hand. “Remember, big sister of mine, this is a party. If I have to endure getting all dolled up, then you can promise me you won’t start a fight.”

  I wasn’t certain I could promise her anything at this point. I’d known for years my father had gone to school with Captain Walters, had even kept up a cordial friendship, but if my father had interfered, I would never speak to him again. One thing was for certain. I was going to confront him before I was forced to endure leg of lamb for lunch. “I’ll do what I can.”

  “Don’t let him get to you, Kath. You have your life and he has his. He’s just never gotten over the fact you continue to refuse to work with him.”

  I lifted an eyebrow, taking a huge gulp of the champagne before answering. “You mean work for him. Speaking of which, how’s the new job?”

  I could see a glimmer of unhappiness followed by a huge smile. “It’s going okay. Not certain how much longer I’m going to be there though.”

  “Why?”

  She darted a glance over her shoulder at her fiancé. “Zane wants to start a family.”

  As if on cue, Zane Sadler noticed my entrance. He was well aware I didn’t like him. When he walked closer, I could see bruises on his knuckles.

  “Did he hit you?” I hissed.

  Celia narrowed her eyes, glancing from me toward Zane. “Don’t be silly. He was trying to do me a favor and hammered his hand. Jesus. Let it go. I know you don’t like him, but damn it.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said quietly. Still, I was ready to yank out my sisterly claws when our father cleared his throat, immediately drawing almost everyone’s attention.

 
My father tapped his crystal flute with one of his very expensive rollerball pens, his eyes burning a hole into me. “Excuse me. Ladies.”

  Zane stopped in his tracks like the good boy my father was grooming him to be.

  Celia took me by the hand, yanking me in the direction of Zane. I’d done my homework on the man but now I knew I had to keep a watchful eye on him. If he’d touched my sister in any manner, I’d have no issue cutting off his hands. I smirked at the thought as Zane gave me a respectful nod.

  The guy was handsome and perfect for the family fold—Harvard educated, captain of the lacrosse team, and an all-around athlete. He was a basic Colgate commercial in the making. Maybe he’d become the son my father always wanted. Or maybe he’d spar with Tyler. At least the two of them might be able to keep my father out of my hair. What did bother me was that Zane seemed too perfect, as if he was hiding a terrible lie.

  Stop being a cop for once.

  That wasn’t going to happen. I only half paid attention to my father’s pontificating speech, congratulating his special little girl on her accomplishment. Since when did marriage become a business achievement?

  After the round of clapping and good wishes, the crowd broke up almost immediately, no doubt heading for the massive bar display that had been set up. I waited in the sunroom until my father walked out, likely headed to his office for yet additional business before lunch.

  He’d been the kind of father to work eighteen-hour days, missing dance recitals and school functions. To his credit, he’d gone from barely making a living to becoming a multimillionaire. Sadly, he’d never learned that money didn’t buy happiness.

  “You’re sitting beside me at lunch,” Celia said in a teasing voice. “We can make fun of the other guests.”

  I couldn’t help but smile, remembering how often we’d gotten in trouble for doing that very thing over the years. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  “You garnered the attention of Daddy’s sexy employee,” Celia whispered in my ear.