“What happened?” She put a hand on her bare hip. “Tell me fast. We both have to get dressed. The investigators will be here soon and I want to hear before them. Is it just the windows?”
His smiled and let his eyes roam over her creamy skin and full, curvy form. Her assertive demand excited him and he’d have loved to press her against the wall and fuck her until she was whimpering his name. Unfortunately, she was right. The investigators would arrive quickly. He knew Steven would have put the investigators and operatives on alert just in case help was needed.
“Just the windows? I’ll have you know I don’t like having my property destroyed. Someone broke every first floor window on this side of the house and they will pay.” He curved an arm around her waist and guided her up the stairs.
“Do you have enemies that do that regularly?” She smiled up at him.
“I don’t have any enemies at the moment,” he explained. “If I did, they wouldn’t just break my windows.”
Her smile faltered and faded. “You think it was the one who put the spell on me.”
He nodded. They dressed and got ready for the agents’ arrival. There really wasn’t any other explanation. If it had been any of his enemies, they wouldn’t have stopped at a few windows. They would have come after him. The person who’d put a spell on her was a witch. He or she could have used magic. It would have been much more damaging. For whatever reason, the person must have been afraid that the magic would have been recognized. As an attempt to scare him away from Genny, it barely rated and had no hope of working.
The Protectorate agents arrived in short order. By the time the evidence had been collected and statements taken, the sun was rising. Evan called a few friends and they covered the windows until he could arrange to get them replaced.
He urged Genny up the stairs. He was a little worried about how quiet she’d become since she’d learned she was the target of this attack. She was brooding, probably thinking she was responsible. He could almost see her turning everything over in her mind, trying to find out what she’d done to cause this. He could smell the fear as well as a hint of panic. None of those emotions would fade quickly on their own. She’d never get back to sleep while held by those volatile emotions. He knew he couldn’t soothe her with words. Not now. The feelings were too raw, the situation to recent.
As they neared the door, he swung her up into his arms, her hands gripped his shoulders for a moment before sliding around his neck. Surprising him, her lips brushed over his and she desperately kissed him.
Geneva let his heady taste wash over her. She threw her whole being into that moment. She wanted to block all the thoughts whirling in her head even if it was just for a few moments. Until he’d picked her up, she’d been lost wondering who hated her so much and why. She hadn’t done anything to anyone. She couldn’t think of anything she could have done to cause such an intense reaction. He didn’t ask any questions just kissed her back.
Barely recognizing when they got into the room, her tongue continued to stroke against his. His hands tugged at the t-shirt she’d put on, pulling it up over her head. His palms stroked up and down her body as if trying to soothe her a little before his fingers glided inward as if he couldn’t resist the temptation offered by the swell of her breasts. She tugged at his shirt, managing to undo the buttons. The material parted and she slid her hand across his warm broad chest. His hands cupped her buttocks, lifting her against him. She moaned as he rolled his hips. His cock felt hard as it pressed against her pussy. She lifted into the grinding pressure. Gasping, she tore her lips away from his, her body quivering with need. His hand slipped down to cup her pussy.
“I can feel your heat, smell it. Tell me what you want.” His teeth nipped at her lips.
She licked the tingling lower lip and tugged at his hands. “I want you.”
He smiled and unbuttoned her jeans. “Get out of those pants and I’ll give you what you need.”
He was out of his clothes before she managed to get halfway out of hers. He climbed onto the bed and waited for her. She stepped out of her pants and moved to the bed. He tugged her onto the mattress. She braced a hand on the soft sheet. His lips closed over hers as he rolled with her, pressing her beneath his body.
She savored his weight and warmth. He drew his hand down her body, lifting her thighs as he settled between her legs. She smiled and kissed him. Her hips rocked into his. She wanted his cock inside her. And if he didn’t move soon, she’d do whatever was needed to get what she needed. He reached between them as she tugged at him.
“Fuck!” Evan cursed and pulled back. He moved to one of the bedside tables and grabbed a condom from the drawer. A growl rumbled in his voice. “I can’t believe I almost forgot.”
The package ripped and a moment later, he’d rolled on the latex. He moved between her thighs and drove into her, his cock sliding deep. Her nails scraped down his back. She wanted him filling her, but she needed him to move. His hips surged against her in a fast, hard rhythm. Her legs tightened around his thighs as she rose to meet each thrust. Sensation pulsed low in her belly. It felt so good.
His teeth nipped at her lips. She gasped, her mouth opening for his kiss. He continued moving against her. Her heart raced. She thrust her tongue against his, desperate for more. She felt the sharpened edge of his teeth. A thrill of anticipation sizzled through her. She arched and drove her hips against his.
“More.” She nipped at his neck.
His hips thrust hard against hers. His eyes blazed, almost seeming to glow golden as his hips drove against her. He looked wild and seemed barely in control. She wanted to rip that last vestige of willpower away from him. Her nails raked down his back. She felt the pleasure building even higher. Her body quivered with the pulsing sensation and she knew she’d come in only moments.
His hand lifted her leg, raising it higher as he continued to thrust into her. “Is this what you need?”
He drove into her, grinding his pelvis against her, before withdrawing and thrusting forward again. White light burst in front of her eyes and pleasure arced through her body. Even her toes tingled with the sharp sensation. He pumped into her, each thrust sending an echoing ripple through her body. He stiffened over her, a growl rumbling against her chest. With a last thrust of his hips, he collapsed against her.
For long moments, his head rested against her neck. Only the sound of their breathing broke the soft silence in the bedroom. She stroked her hand down his back enjoying the heat of his body, just the feeling of security she got being close to him. All too soon, thoughts of the broken windows and the person behind them returned to her mind. Whoever was behind this wanted her away from Evan. Geneva knew enough about werewolves to know that wouldn’t be happening. He’d claimed his mate. He wouldn’t leave her in danger.
Evan nipped at her neck. “You know what I’d like to do?”
“What?” Geneva arched her neck, giving him more access to the curve of her neck. Those nips stung, but also sent a ripple of anticipation through her.
“I’d love to flip you over onto your stomach and draw you to your knees. I want to push my cock deep into your hot wet pussy and close my mouth over this muscle right here.” His lips dropped a kiss on the spot where her neck and shoulder joined.
“But you’re not going to do that?” Her voice sounded breathless. She could easily imagine that scene. His large muscled body over hers, his dark skin contrasting with her lighter skin. She could almost feel the heat of his body, the thick cock pressing into her.
“No, I couldn’t hold back. I’d bite you and in that position, I wouldn’t be able to stand the confining grip of a condom. I’m already having trouble holding back. You’d begin the change.” His hand cupped the side of her face and his head rose. His eyes were once again a rich deep brown and she could see hunger and possessiveness in that intense stare.
“What is the change? Does it completely change me at one time or does it take days or more?” She couldn’t deny she was curio
us. It could very well happen if they didn’t find the person behind the spell soon. He wouldn’t let her out of his sight if he thought she was in any danger.
“It takes time. The full conversion could take up to a year, but even the beginning stages would destroy much of the spell work, but not the spell.” He slowly withdrew from her. “Now go to sleep, you need to rest.”
“But if you bite me, I’ll turn into a full werewolf? Not just something more than I am now.” Geneva wanted to know all of the details.
“You’ll be a full werewolf, not just a stronger witch. Sleep. You know you’re tired.” He settled beside her a frown on his face.
A werewolf. It might be interesting… She shook her head. Imagining what it would be like to change shapes wasn’t something she should be thinking about. She was trying to avoid being bitten and even this mating thing. She had no idea how she’d do it even if the witch just walked into the Protectorate and confessed tomorrow. At the very least, she’d have to move. Werewolves were persistent.
* * * * *
“Why are we going back to the Protectorate? I thought the witches were going to try to locate the person who put the spell on me and you were going to stay out of it.” She sat in the front seat of his SUV and shot glares at him any time she could catch his eyes.
Evan slashed a glance at her as he pulled into a parking space. He loved the challenge in her voice and her attitude. She wore tight jeans and a close-fitting deep-blue shirt with a deep v that sent his blood rushing south. It gave him some interesting ideas about proving which one of them was in charge. He’d enjoy the tussle later. She’d been sleeping when he’d made the call. He knew she’d had trouble getting to sleep again last night, but after the window incident, he didn’t waste any time. He’d called Steven almost as soon as he’d woken.
“We won’t be dealing with the witches today, Genny. Steven’s arranged for us to look over the files of the missions you’ve contributed to in any way.” Evan opened the door, reached back in and helped her out of the vehicle. “It’s most likely someone you’ve angered. It’s unlikely someone just decided it would be a great day to put a harmful spell on a stranger.”
Geneva grimaced. “I know you’re probably right, but I don’t really get that involved with anyone. It’s not like I’m an operative. I don’t have that much interaction with anyone who’s done something wrong.”
“You might not see the connection, but someone obviously blames you for something and wants you in pain.” Evan drew her to the doors of the Protectorate building. The glass gleamed almost blindingly in the bright sun.
Jamie smiled as they entered and waved them to the door. A buzz sounded and the door opened. Geneva went in just in front of Evan. After they entered the hallway, Evan stepped up beside Geneva. Steven waited in the hallway. Evan saw Geneva’s eyebrows rise.
“I’ve got a room ready and the files of the cases she’s worked on that have been closed are already there. Going back five years as you asked. Since this person seems so intent, he or she might have been planning this for a while.” Steven led them down the hallway to a glass-walled room.
Three laptops sat on a long table. “The files are there and as we find more, we’ll send them on to the computers for you. One of our researchers will be coming to help with the coordination. If you find someone of interest, Danielle will begin looking into the person.” Steven stopped just inside the room.
“Good. We’ll begin the search. This will probably take a while.” Evan nodded and went to the table.
Geneva followed and sat on one of the chairs in front of a laptop. She turned on the computer and looked at it dully. Evan knew she was having a tough time acknowledging that someone wanted her in pain or worse. She opened a file and then looked over at him.
“How am I supposed to know what to look for? I don’t know why this person is doing this.” She ran a hand through her hair and sighed.
“Try to remember if there was any kind of anger or scene. If you met the person held accountable. Any kind of remarkable case,” Evan said. “We’ll keep a list of those.”
A woman came into the room and smiled. She introduced herself as Danielle. Her black hair was short and slightly curly. Evan nodded and looked down at the computer.
“If you find any interesting people just tell me and I’ll begin the search.” Danielle smiled and her long lashes fluttered.
He accessed the first of the files on the computer. The report seemed straightforward and not that important. A young wizard had been using his magic in public. He probably wouldn’t have drawn the Protectorate’s interest if he hadn’t injured someone doing it. Witches and wizards tended to keep a low profile. Their powers tended to make some people more nervous than the existence of werewolves and vampires did.
“Tell me about this person,” Evan urged, showing the file to Geneva.
“He’s just a boy. He wanted to show off. From what I know, he was lonely, trying to find a place. His parents had just moved here. He got a slap on the wrist and a mentor. Besides I don’t think he’d have the power or knowledge for this.” Geneva shrugged.
Evan nodded. “We’ll put him in the not likely category. Let’s move on to the next file.”
They’d gone through three more files when Geneva suddenly sat up straight. She stared at the picture on the screen. He saw her look at him and then back at the screen.
“I remember this one.” She touched the picture and it filled the screen. “If he was alive, I’d say you definitely needed to put him on the list, but he killed himself rather than let the Coven and Council judge and punish him.” She tapped the screen and the picture returned to normal size. “His family wasn’t happy. They thought the charges and the evidence had all been created to hurt their standing.”
“His family goes under investigation. This could just as easily be a relative, especially if they really believe the evidence was faked.” He wasn’t prepared to ignore the possibility.
“If you’re going to investigate every family member who’s said something they regret, the list is never going to end. Family members tend to stand up for each other.” Geneva folded her arms across her chest and sent him an annoyed look.
“Then there will be a lot of names to search.” He moved on to the next file and waited until she’d followed suit. Protecting her came before worrying about how much work he was putting on someone or making someone angry. Even her. She’d have to see that her safety would always be a priority for him.
She rolled her eyes, but moved on to the next file. Frowning she read it. “This woman gave me chills. She didn’t care who she hurt. She used magic to commit robberies and hurt people while she did it. She’s lucky she was only stripped of power and put in prison.”
Evan understood what she was saying. The woman could have been put to death for it. Her file didn’t list any family or even a next of kin. Just judging by the few cases they’d read, they’d have a difficult time narrowing down the people who might want to kill her. Frustration and anger built. He wanted this finished now.
“Does she have any relatives?” Evan leaned forward and looked at Genny. The woman sounded unbalanced.
“It’s not listed in the report and I didn’t find any.” She drummed her fingers on the table. “This could take days.”
“Then it will take days. I don’t want any person who could be angry with you left off the list.” He reached over and grasped her hand, squeezing gently. He wanted to comfort her, to pull her into his lap and hold her, but held back. “Let’s move onto the next. Do you remember anything about it?”
She turned back to the screen and began studying the files. They worked for hours. He’d ask her questions if she didn’t have any immediate comments about them. When she started rubbing her temples, he knew it was time for a break.
“Would you like to go get something to eat? I’m a little hungry.” He pushed his laptop back and waited.
She looked over at him, blinking for a moment. “I am hung
ry, but don’t we need to work on this more?”
“We can take time to eat and let someone else work on this for a while.” He stood and held out his hand.
She rose to her feet and slipped her palm over his. He drew her over to the door, but stopped to look back at Danielle. He checked his watch.
“We’ll be back. Steven’s arranged for others to look over the files and they should arrive soon. If there are any questions they need answered have them flag the file,” Evan told the woman just before he opened the door and urged Genny out in front of him.
“Where are we going to eat?” Geneva asked.
“I know this place that makes a great steak and a fabulous iced tea. They have an excellent wine and beer selection, but there’s still work to do.” He could almost taste the rare meat and his mouth was watering just at the thought of it.
“That sounds good. A nice long lunch is just what I need. I was beginning to get a headache.” She smiled seeming to relax as they left the Protectorate building.
* * * * *
Geneva had enjoyed the meal, but inevitably they’d had to go back to the Protectorate and wade through the files. She felt a headache growing and no amount of rubbing at her temples was going to relieve it. She just didn’t understand where this was going to get them. Already they had a list of over fifty suspects and that didn’t include the people flagged for further investigation. There were going to be too many suspects to narrow down in a short time. The spell would be removed long before they knew who did it. She sighed and added another person to the suspect list. Hands fastened on her shoulders and pulled her out of her seat. She knew it was Evan. Aside from the fact that he tended to get vocal if another man touched her, she recognized the feel of his hands.
“It’s nearly seven and we’ve had a long day. It’s time to go home, eat and get some rest,” he whispered in her ear.
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