Bear Claw

by Crissy Smith

  The kiss she’d gotten as she’d left his apartment had made her head spin and her knees weak.

  “You know you’re going to have to tell him. If you get serious, he’s going to wonder why you lock yourself in your office all the time.”

  Not wanting to think about that conversation, she shrugged. “I know.”

  Chapter Eleven

  It had been a long couple of days. Usually on a Wednesday night, he would still be in the groove of things at work. The case wasn’t going nearly fast enough for him. While things with Brandy were great, being apart from her still took an emotional toll on him.

  Walking into his apartment, he could still smell Brandy all around. His cock instantly hardened. Some of the exhaustion seemed to lift from his shoulders. He dropped his bag of files on the coffee table on his way to the kitchen.

  He grabbed a beer out of the fridge, twisted the top off before tossing it into the trash then sighed. This was what he needed. He wanted to put in some more hours but at least he could be comfortable.

  Draining half his beer as he strolled into the bedroom, he finally started to relax. A few more chugs and he finished the beer.

  His erection pushed at the seam of his jeans. The scent of his and Brandy’s lovemaking hung heavily in the bedroom. She’d woken him with her lips wrapped tightly around his cock. Palming himself, he closed his eyes, remembering.

  He was unzipping his jeans when his phone pinged to announce a text message. He groaned then released himself to dig into his back pocket for his cell.

  Surprised to find a message was from Zak, he quickly swiped his finger over the screen to pull up the text. It was unusual to hear from him again so soon. Normally Zak would be undercover a week or two after which time he would contact Jamie.

  2250 Market

  That was all, just an address. Worried now, all thought of relaxing quickly left his mind as he rushed from the bedroom. Grabbing his leather jacket, he was out of the door and on his bike minutes after getting the message.

  Market Street wasn’t far from his place. Farther downtown in the industrial district, there were a lot of warehouses and old buildings.

  Jamie took his motorcycle for the ease of getting through the traffic and in case he needed to make a quick getaway. As he drove, he thought about calling Cody but he didn’t want to worry his friend or Aubrey if Zak needed a meet.

  He’d worry about bringing Cody in on things later.

  In less than ten minutes, he’d entered the almost dead industry area. At this time of night, there shouldn’t be a lot of activity. He slowed his bike and carefully navigated the streets.

  Taking Production, one avenue over from Market, Jamie watched the numbers on the buildings. Carefully, he cut through an alley that he believed would bring him out right in front of the address.

  Immediately, he saw the difference. Instead of the abandoned structures he’d passed, there was a lot of activity in front of 2250 Market. Shutting his motorcycle down, he waited, sitting and taking it all in.

  There were several younger men standing in front, leaning against the brick and smoking. After climbing off his bike, Jamie slunk into the shadows of the alley to get a better look.

  A loud group slammed the door open and exited. To his shock, he recognized Victor Douglas. The college student had his hands deep in his front pockets, shoulders slumped, while the group he was with hooted and hollered.

  “That’s one of the boys I’m worried about.”

  Jamie jumped up then spun around. “Damn it, Zak.”

  Pushing off the wall, Zak strolled over to him. Jamie wasn’t surprised he hadn’t noticed him. Zak was a master of staying hidden when he wanted to.

  “What’s going on?” he asked Zak.

  “I’m in with a group of shifters that the powers that be are worried about striking against both humans and shifters. From what I’ve seen so far, we should be worried.”

  “That kid, Victor, he’s the one I’ve been searching for.”

  “Yeah, and Aubrey’s boy is inside but they are keeping a close eye on him. Since they lost Sean Nichols they’re worried.”

  “Do you know what happened to Sean?”

  Shaking his head, Zak kept his gaze trained over Jamie’s shoulder. “No, the kid was taken out ahead of my arrival. I’ve heard rumors that he was having second thoughts. They won’t stand for that kind of behavior.”

  “Damn.”

  “I’m not in deep enough to meet the guys in charge. This is one of the many locations they have. This is what they call the recruitment. They send the most loyal soldiers out to bring in more people. Mostly young, impressionable kids.”

  “How many are here?” Jamie hadn’t expected an organization so detailed.

  “Twenty-five to thirty. Early twenties and younger.”

  “How much younger?”

  “Very. Fuck, Jamie, they have children here doing their dirty work. I can’t wait to get my hands on these assholes, I’m going to tear them apart.”

  “I’ll help.”

  Zak chuckled softly. “They have something planned. I don’t know what yet, but from the few pieces I’ve been able to pick up, it’s big.”

  “Does the commander know?”

  “I’ve updated him. He wants me to get in as deep as possible. I have to work on that but there are a couple boys I’m worried won’t make it. That’s where you come in.”

  “You want me to get them out?” he asked, although he already knew.

  “It’s what you do, man. The guy you’ve been searching for is obviously miserable. They intend to test him soon. If he fails, he won’t be alive once morning comes.”

  Jamie cursed. Turning back around, he looked the way Victor had walked. “I’ll get him out.”

  “Cool.” Zak slapped his shoulder.

  “What can I do to help you?”

  “Get Victor and as soon as I can arrange a safe way to separate Aubrey’s boy, be ready.”

  “I can talk to the commander about joining you.”

  “Nah, man, you’re needed out there. You’ll have to stop whatever the big statement is going to be. Besides, I’m not alone here. The Coalition isn’t the only organization worried.”

  “You have backup?”

  “Unexpected, but I do.”

  That made Jamie feel marginally better. “I’ll have to tell Aubrey.”

  “I figured. Just keep her away from here. You know how she is. I have to get additional Intel on who’s in charge so we can bring down this group. Aubrey will be more concerned about the kids.”

  It was harsh but that was why Zak got the tough cases. He would protect those he could but he understood better than anyone that one couldn’t always save people from themselves. “I will. Keep in touch.”

  Zak grasped his upper arm and their gazes met.

  “Keep a look out for your girl too. They’re going after anyone they believe will get them what they want, including humans.

  “What’s the end game?” Jamie was almost afraid to ask.

  “War,” Zak answered quietly. “A human-shifter war.”

  * * * *

  After hanging up posters for hours all over the city, all Brandy wanted was a hot shower and a cold beer. Chris had talked her and a few others into helping him hit the streets, making sure everyone was aware of the upcoming march.

  She felt good helping, especially after her talk with her cousin earlier. Chris really impressed her and she was happy to do her part. Plus if her relationship worked out with Jamie the way she hoped, the result of all legislation passed may affect them.

  Pulling into her driveway, she groaned, spotting William’s vehicle parked in front of her house. She really didn’t want to deal with his bullshit.

  Not that she was going to have a choice.

  Turning off the ignition before unstrapping her seatbelt, she braced herself for the upcoming fight. And it would be a fight. While she tended not to argue with her parents, her brother had always managed to push
her buttons.

  Resolved to get it over with, she pushed open her door. William had climbed out of his car and stood on the sidewalk waiting on her.

  She took her time walking up to him. “What are you doing here?”

  “Late night?”

  “None of your business. Now what do you want?”

  “Aren’t you going to invite your brother in?”

  Instead of rising to the bait, she crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Come on, Brandy. I want to talk to you.”

  He’d try to bully her into doing what he wanted.

  She blew out a breath. “Fine, come in.”

  Leading the way to the front, Brandy wished for a guard dog. A big old monster of a thing that would give William a scare but not hurt him. Instead, all was quiet as she stepped onto the porch to unlock her door.

  Her home might not be as fancy as William’s condo, but she was pleased with it. An antique lamp lit the small entrance, its dark walls shining brightly.

  Setting her bag on the table, she then dropped her keys in the dish. “Want a beer?”

  William gave her a hard look.

  “Well, what do you want?”

  “Water is fine.”

  She waved her hand so he would follow her. She loved the open floor plan of the house. The kitchen had been recently updated, so as she turned on the light, the brightness showcased the marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances.

  At the fridge, she reached inside and pulled out two bottles of water. William had settled on a stool in front of the island, so she remained on the other side.

  “I need you to listen to me,” he said.

  Brandy nodded. She wanted him to say his peace and leave.

  “You have to stop letting Chris influence you. Your involvement with this opposition is going to hurt the family name. You have to think about how your actions are affecting everyone else.”

  “Maybe you should think about what you are doing and how it will affect an entire group of people who don’t deserve it.”

  “Spare me the bullshit. You’ve never cared about anything other than your own life. You’ve never involved yourself in affairs that didn’t directly concern you unless Chris talked you into it.”

  That was harsh, and maybe he was right. She’d have to think about that later. “I might not care about the same things that you do but I know forcing this registration on the shifters isn’t right.”

  “You’re going to go against your family for people you don’t even know? They aren’t human.”

  “What does that matter? If the tables were turned, how would you handle it? Betray your friends and family for whatever side has the most money?”

  “You think this is all about money? You’re dead wrong, sister. This is about power. And using what these creatures are is for our benefit.”

  “Which is exactly why they are fighting this.”

  “And why are you helping them?”

  “I told you, it’s the right thing to do.”

  Shaking his head, William twisted the cap off his water before taking a long drink. After he set the bottle down, he leaned forward. “Because of your new boyfriend?”

  Brandy tried not to show any reaction. Opening her own water, she took a small sip. “What do you mean?”

  “Please,” William said with disgust. “You’ve been seen a couple times in the company of a man who works for the Coalition.”

  “You’re having me followed?”

  Snorting, William shook his head. “Listen to me. Everything you do is always reported to me or Mother and Father. You are a Brooks, although I don’t believe you deserve the name. What you do can be used against the rest of us.”

  Anger burned through her—not only at the insult but also the fact that someone was betraying her privacy. “I don’t give a rat’s ass what comes back on you, dear brother. You’re the one who has never cared about anyone other than yourself and what you can get out of any situation. That is an insult to the family name, not fighting for what you believe. You don’t want to push me on this.”

  “Or what? You think Father will help you? He knows what’s best for all of us.”

  “I don’t need to go tattling on anyone. If I decide to take you on, it will be face to face. I don’t need to come at you from behind.”

  William stood, but Brandy didn’t back down. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. “Now you start acting like one of us? Any other time I would have given you credit. But you need to watch yourself this time.”

  “Don’t worry about me. You’re going to have enough on your hands as we really start to get supporters. We’ll take this fight as far as we need to. And I will be as public about it as possible.”

  Shoving away from the island, William turned to go. “You know Mother won’t let that happen. She’s already pissed about how you acted with Colby.”

  “Yeah, and I wonder where she got that idea.”

  “He’s a lot better of a choice than some filthy shifter. Won’t that be amusing once your new relationship is revealed?”

  “Get out,” she demanded.

  William grinned at her. “See you at the next dinner.”

  Watching her brother walk out of the kitchen to the front of her house, she silently fumed. He had a lot of nerve. Especially now that she had been stupid enough to challenge him.

  She wouldn’t be backing down and she regretted nothing, but that didn’t mean anything would be easy.

  Disagreements were one thing. This time she knew there would be no coming back from what she was going to do. If William wanted to stand in front of the cameras and plead his case, she would do the same for the other side.

  The slamming of the front door finally had her shoulders relaxing. She tossed her bottle in the trash as she exited the kitchen.

  Now she was going to take that shower. Pausing long enough to lock her front door, she then quickly made her way into her bedroom. She flipped on the light then rolled her shoulders to release the rest of her tension.

  Going to her dresser, she stopped and pulled out a pair of pajama pants, tank top and panties before setting them on the bed.

  She wondered where Jamie was. Maybe after she was done she’d give him a call and ask how his day was. Yeah, that sounded like a plan.

  One of her favorite rooms in the house was the bathroom. She’d also spent a lot of money to have it remodeled at the same time as the kitchen. The tall, wide shower stall was done in gray stone and marble. Two showerheads sprayed down to beat the day’s stress away. Turning the hot water handle on, she let the mist fill up the area.

  She couldn’t help but think about Jamie staying with her. Instead of separate showers as they’d taken this morning, they would both fit in her stall.

  That was something to look forward to. In the near future, if she could manage it.

  Stepping inside and feeling the first drops of the powerful pressure, Brandy moaned. That felt like heaven.

  Chapter Twelve

  Jamie had been up most of the night following Victor and his buddies while trying to plan his next move. He’d called Ray in at first light and filled him in where he could take over the watch.

  Sitting at the diner while he waited on Aubrey, he took out his notebook to make some more notations. It was painfully obvious that Victor didn’t want anything to do with the group he was hanging with.

  While the other young men had been out causing trouble and harassing people at a couple of bars, Victor had remained in the background not saying much. Jamie had gotten a few good pictures of the gang so, after breakfast, he planned on heading into the office to run them through. If any had been picked up in the past he would at least get some names.

  With Ray watching out for Victor for the time being, Jamie was also going to have to set up his team in shifts.

  First, he would brief Aubrey on matters without giving away too much about Zak.

  He wasn’t surprised Cody walked into the diner with her. While A
ubrey might push him for more information, Cody would be able to buffer and understand when Jamie wasn’t able to give her everything he had.

  “Hey, hon.” Aubrey kissed his cheek.

  “Morning, guys,” he replied.

  “Looks like you haven’t been to bed yet,” Cody commented.

  Jamie shook his head. “Long night.”

  “Did you get a hit on the case?” Aubrey asked as she slid into the booth across from him.

  Cody sat next to her, and Jamie met his gaze.

  Cody glanced between the two of them then sighed. “What is it?”

  “I heard from Zak last night.”

  “Is he okay?” Aubrey grabbed Jamie’s hand.

  “He’s fine,” he quickly assured her. “But he’s connected to both our cases.”

  The waitress came up to the table. They placed their order but Jamie could see Aubrey nervously shifting in her seat. Once the server had moved on, Aubrey bent close.

  “He’s got your boy under watch plus the kid from college I was looking for.”

  “Where?”

  “Downtown, but they’re too deep in trouble for us to go in and get them.”

  “I want to talk to him. Make sure he’s okay.”

  He really didn’t want to tell her the kid wasn’t doing well, but he didn’t have a choice. “Just listen.”

  As he explained everything, he watched as Aubrey’s shoulders slumped. Cody tried to comfort her by placing his arm around her and hugging her. He only paused while their coffees were dropped off.

  By the time he’d finished, the food had been delivered.

  Aubrey remained silent as the meals were sorted. Once they were alone again, she looked up at him. “There’s more you’re not telling me.”

  “I can’t give you what Zak is working on.”

  “I know. This is so much worse than I thought. I was still hoping that they took off for a while but were more or less staying out of trouble. I knew that wasn’t the case, but I kept wishing.”

  “They’re definitely in over their heads. Zak’s going to do what he can to protect them. If he sees a chance to get them out of there, we’ll do it. I’ll bring you in.”