Irresistible

by Annie Nicholas

  Tim stepped forward and took the down payment.

  When she hired him, she could smell the werewolf in him and his crew. It would be handy to have some around in case her hunger…got bad. Maybe he knew Max. Maybe they were in the same pack. She ground her teeth. There he was again.

  Tim examined the check. “Looks like everything is in order, Ms. Lafram-framboys.”

  Inside she cringed as he massacred her last name. “You can call me Marie.”

  “Sorry.” At least he had the decency to look chagrinned. He held out his hand. “My crew will be here in the morning.”

  She shook his hand and tried not to give away her heritage by squeezing back to the same degree as him. Everyone thought of her as human, a masquerade she’d worked hard to create. “Great. I can’t wait to re-open.” Swallowing around a small nervous lump in her throat, she let go of his hand and decided to ask him what nagged in her soul. “And when do you think that will be?”

  His smile faded. “Uhh, two weeks without any snags.”

  An eternity but not a surprise. She needed a plan B. Feeding off Max last night would normally keep her satisfied, except stress always made her hunger unpredictable. “All right. We can’t afford snags, Tim. Keep me informed if you run into any.”

  He nodded. “We’ll start tomorrow. Do I get a set of keys, or will you meet us every morning?”

  Damn, she hadn’t even thought of that, and she only had one set. With an appointment in the morning on the other side of town, she couldn’t be in two places at the same time. She chewed on her bottom lip. “I can’t meet you, and I need to finish a few things here tonight before I lock up. It won’t take me long, can you wait? I’ll get another set made tomorrow afternoon.”

  “No problem. There’s a dive down the street that makes a mean burger. I’ll drop in after I eat to get the key.” Tim waved and left the building.

  “Thanks,” she called out after him.

  * * * *

  Max followed the lake’s edge searching for his mate’s scent. His pack had a huge presence in the forestry committees so the land remained mostly undeveloped, an unofficial hunting ground. Until he hit the borders of the large town of San Heuvas. Then the neighborhoods started and a large carnivorous monster wouldn’t be welcome.

  Glancing behind him, he had two choices. Go back as a werewolf or go forth as a naked man. Neither appealed to him. Once he set his mind on a task he saw it through, which meant finding some clothes. Crawling on his belly, he followed a line of fences along the forest, seeking a clothesline or a discarded suitcase filled with designer clothes his size. Both seemed impossible, most people used dryers for their laundry these days.

  Nothing panned out. Growling a slow, steady rumble, he returned to the lake’s edge and glared over the water. He could swim. Maybe it would give him a different vantage point, however he needed to go as a human. Even from the shore, he’d look too big for a dog out in the water. The change came easy as his beast retreated. It didn’t struggle for dominance now that he searched for their mate. So far, he’d traveled quite a distance, and worried he’d find her body instead of her smell.

  With his eyes closed, he leaped. He hated seaweed, slimy and mushy on his feet. Give him a pool any day. The water hid his nudity while he swam along the shore, yet he wouldn’t be able to find her scent. He’d have look for clues.

  Like a red bikini top hanging on the back balcony to dry. Almost too easy, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The small white house appeared aged. He breast stroked closer. Yard empty, lights off, no one seemed at home. Yet the coincidence was too strong. This had to be her place.

  Her yard opened to the lake with a cement seawall and a ladder bolted to the side. A tall privacy fence lined each side of her yard with its patchwork lawn. She wasn’t a gardener, apparently. He used the ladder to launch himself onto the seawall and strolled to the balcony. Sniffing the bathing suit, he took in her faded scent. Yep, this was the place. He had a lead, but he wasn’t too sure what to do next.

  A pair of familiar navy blue trunks lay discarded on the floor, his missing swimsuit. The little magpie had taken it. He dressed then tried her back door. It was locked tight. Breaking and entering wouldn’t make a good impression, but he’d come too far not to get an answer.

  Why had she left him?

  He descended the balcony steps and opened the gate door that led to her empty driveway. Oddly, he could smell her. The scent trail thinned yet still existed, tracking it would be possible. He shouldn’t be able to do such a thing. Not unless it involved blood or sex--or the mating. He hung his head. They were soul mates, so they should be able to track each other anywhere in the world. Crap. The chains got heavier each step he made toward her, nevertheless he couldn’t stop. He needed to find her, throw her over his shoulder, and bring her home. Shaking his head, he kicked the beast out of his thoughts. No, he needed to find her and talk with her. Nobody was moving into his haven.

  The walk turned into a jog, which became a run until he approached the downtown area. A shirtless jogger went unnoticed, but he ran barefoot as well and that might raise a few eyebrows. He didn’t need any more lewd conduct charges on his record. Sticking to the alleys, he caught traces of her scent and followed in a roundabout way until a familiar whistle drew his attention and he spotted Tim, Chad’s father, strolling on the sidewalk toward him. He sighed with relief. “Tim!”

  The big werewolf stopped mid-stride and glanced down the alley. “What the fuck? Max?” He looked around him then hurried into the alley. “Where are your clothes, you dumbass? Did you get caught in someone’s wife, again? Don’t you have any common sense? I should pound some into--”

  Max raised his hands to block his best friend’s well meant punch. “I know this looks bad, but I kept my promise. No more married women.” He dodged again. “Tim. Hey man, I’m tracking my soul mate.”

  The swings stopped. “Don’t pull my leg. I’ll find out if you’re lying.”

  “I never lie to you.” The glare directed at him made him cringe. “Not when it counts. I met her last night at my party. You should have come.”

  “I have all the ass I want at home. Those days are over.” Tim eyed his bathing suit. “You swam here?”

  Max tried to run his fingers through his curls, but they were a tangled mess. “It’s complicated. Ask Chad about it. I need a little help.” He gestured at his body.

  “Yeah, tell me about it. You look frazzled, Max. You can’t approach your mate like this. You’re only going to scare her off, even if you did swim across a damn lake for her.” Tim wrapped his thick arm around Max’s shoulders. “My pickup is around the corner. I’ve got a work jumper that Chad uses in there. Then we’ll get a burger and you can tell me about your night.” He winked. Tim might get his ass at home but he always liked getting details from Max’s exploits.

  “But I might lose her.” He pointed in the opposite direction of the way his burly friend dragged him.

  “You can’t. She’s your mate. You’re meant to be together, no matter what happens.”

  Max dressed in the one-piece outfit Tim pulled out the back of his work truck. Every nerve in his body jangled, and if his shoulders got any tenser they’d snap off. Tim was right. He needed to pull it together.

  The burger joint was only a block away, and Max sat in the closest booth to the door. Noise squeezed in from every side, kids laughing, music from the overhead speakers, and the hum of voices. It didn’t help his state of mind.

  “You look like shit.” His friend crammed in across the booth from him.

  “Thanks.”

  “Why didn’t you get a table? My legs are cramped.” Tim shifted his muscled bulk so he could prop a leg on the bench. “That’s a little better.”

  “Sorry, had other…things on my mind.”

  Gazing around the room, Max spotted their waitress heading their way. She took their orders, her eyes lingering on him as she wrote, and gave him an ask-me-my-number smile.

  Yeste
rday he might have, not today. The thought startled him. He didn’t even know his mate’s name and already he’d made an unconscious commitment. His soul went cold.

  “So, spill it. Tell me what happened.”

  Max gave Tim the x-rated version of his story.

  “You always have fun problems.” Tim grinned. “Sounds like you have a hot mate who knows what she wants and how to get it.”

  “Yes, but she left me, in the woods.”

  The waitress returned with their coffees and winked.

  Max waited until she left. “My mate’s smell is off. She’s not a werewolf, and she might not even be a shifter.”

  That raised Tim’s eyebrow.

  Exhausted, Max rubbed his eyes then stared into his cup of black coffee as if the answers were hidden inside.

  “Finding a soul mate among humans is rare, but it does happen.” His best friend attempted to give him a reassuring smile. Tim was always a terrible liar.

  “She’s not human.” He knew that for sure. Not after she’d flung him on his back and pinned him to the ground like he had no supernatural strength of his own.

  “Not a shifter. Not a human.” Tim counted off on his fingers. “Vampire?”

  Max shook his head. “No bite marks.”

  “Did you get someone to check the places you can’t see?”

  Chuckling, Max realized how desperate and serious he’d been until now. “You want to go into the men’s restroom and check for me?”

  Tim grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  The tension Max carried melted as he laughed out loud. “I couldn’t handle that.”

  Before Tim could respond his cellphone rang, and he checked the caller ID. “Dang, I gotta take this. It’s Tanya.” He answered and spoke in a hushed tone with his wife. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Tim closed his cell and faced him. “Brody fell and broke his arm. Tanya’s driving him to the emergency room. I’ll need a rain check on lunch, buddy.” Concern about his youngest son lined his friend’s face with age.

  “No problem. I’ll take care of the coffees. Call me if you need anything.” He shook Tim’s hand.

  When he turned to leave, he stopped. “Shit, there is something you can do for me. I’m supposed to pick up a set of keys for a job we’re starting in the morning. It’s not far from here. Can you get them for me? I’ll send Chad back this way to drive you home.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’ll get a cab and drop the keys in your mailbox.” He smiled. “Where do I go?” Max knew his friend needed the work. With five sons at home and now a medical bill, money would be tight.

  Chapter 5

  Max stepped through the Pretty Pussy Cat’s charred doorway. Damn, he remembered what this place looked like before the fire. Classy, high scale strip joints were few and far between.

  Knocking on the open door, he called out, “Hello?”

  A pile of debris sat in the far corner, made of burned chairs and tables. He moved further inside the room and passed the remains of the stage. He frowned at the ash covered floor and black walls. Tim would need his whole crew for this project. The click of high heels traveled from a back room, and he twisted in time to come face to face with his prey.

  She stared at him open-mouthed.

  “You!” His inner beast roared in triumph. What were the odds she’d be here? He didn’t want to believe in fate yet here stood his soul mate. “Damn.”

  Dressed in a loose gray business suit with her long blond hair pulled tight in a twist behind her head, she held her ground. “What are you doing here?” She eyed him from head to toe.

  The seductress he’d met last night peeked out from behind this mask of a cold, professional woman. He found her sexier like this and allowed his gaze to travel along the hint of curves under her suit. Snapping his eyes away from temptation, he cursed his libido for the first time in his life. “Would you believe I came to get a set of keys for my buddy Tim?”

  She raised a skeptical eyebrow.

  “We’re a small pack. I met him at the burger joint for lunch. He got called away on an emergency and asked me to do this.” He hated to admit it but now that they stood in the same room, he wanted her.

  “Let me gather my things and lock up.” She returned to what appeared to be a makeshift office consisting of a card table and folding chair. Papers and files covered the tabletop. Grabbing her purse, she spun to face him. “I am having a hard time believing this is a coincidence.” She offered him a set of keys.

  His efforts to find her would be rewarded. Grinning, he stepped closer. “That’s okay.” Their hands brushed against each other, and an electric current of possessiveness ran through him. He’d heard that with males it could be this intense. Fast. Raw. Nothing logical. Just strong instinct taking control. It was overwhelming. He’d been full of doubts all day, but not anymore. He leaned in to claim a kiss, but she pressed her hands on his shoulders, dropping the keys, and squirmed out of his grasp.

  Her eyes narrowed and the sharp scent of anger fell from her in waves. “Keep your hands to yourself. That wasn’t an invitation.” She drew away and pulled at the hem of her jacket.

  Her reaction differed from a female werewolf and left him at a loss as how to respond. Ever animalistic cell in his body cried out to bite and mark her as his. Her retreat pissed off the wolf spirit bound to his soul. She didn’t even know they belonged together. He took a deep cleansing breath and calmed his beast. Thank goodness, he wasn’t all animal. She’d never stand a chance.

  He gave her his best come-and-get-me smile. “You never told me your name.”

  She blinked. “My name? Why do you need my name?”

  “I can ask Tim for it.”

  “Your friend can’t even pronounce it.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she eyed him, her intense blue gaze like a set of ice picks. “Marie Laframboise. So, he doesn’t know about us?”

  “He knows I met someone…special last night who snuck off while I slept.” He mirrored her action, daring her to make a polite excuse.

  “I got what I wanted.” Lifting her chin, she met his gaze. “My life is complicated enough without a relationship.” She swept her arm encompassing the room.

  Max followed her territorial gaze as she assessed the club. “So, you were just looking for a good time. A one-night stand.”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  Her answer stung. How many times had he given such heartless answers? Karma was kicking him in the ass today. “I can accept that.” Not. But he could be a bastard too. After all that exertion to find her he wanted something in return. He drew closer, taking in her ocean scent.

  She stepped away. “What are you doing?”

  * * * *

  Retreating from his advance, Marie backpedaled until her behind scraped against the wall. She wanted him to follow, she knew how to play the game. If he wanted her enough to track her to the city, then she’d get a mid-afternoon snack. That he could even walk after how much energy she had consumed from him amazed her. Maybe Max really could be plan B? Someone to use until the club could sustain her once more.

  “Did you have a good a time?” he whispered.

  The unexpected scent of the lake hit Marie, fresh and clean with a hint of fish, an aphrodisiac for those who longed for the water.

  She adjusted her jacket by pulling at the hem in the back then in the front, making the buttons strain. Her gaze wandered along his body then darted up to finally meet his stare. She licked her lips in a slow sweep, and his eyes followed her tongue’s path.

  This sensual creature was the hottest thing she’d ever fucked. And she’d cozied up to a few infernos once or twice before.

  He laid his hand against the wall on each side of her head. “I’m still waiting for your answer.”

  “I had a good time.” Her breathy voice wasn’t much of an act anymore. This shifter knew how to play the game well. Oh, this would be so much fun.

  As if unable to resist getting a taste, he captured her lips w
ith his mouth. When she grasped his shoulders and pulled him closer, he melted into her body, pinning her to the wall. Nothing could have shocked her more. Her blood pumped as if she’d just run a freaking marathon as his erection pressed against her hip. She arched her back, her breasts straining against her suit jacket.

  Breaking from the kiss, she moaned, “Touch me.”

  With a curse, he unbuttoned her jacket then the million tiny torturous buttons of her blouse. Man, she was starved for his touch and he offered her a buffet. He wrenched her clothes off her shoulders and she laughed. Tracing the white lace of her bra, he brushed his fingertips over her puckered nipples.

  She leaned into his touch. “More.”

  Greedy, he peeled the bra over her head, too eager to bother with delicate clasps. He latched onto one of her nipples with his lips, drawing it into his mouth. As he suckled, he shifted her skirt over her hips and lifted her legs to wrap around his waist.

  She allowed his hands to run up her legs, under her skirt, to trail along her lace panties. All rational thoughts disappeared. He wanted her. No pheromones involved.

  He dived back in for another kiss, and she couldn’t resist tasting his lust. His soft, full lips were made for kissing. With the tip of her tongue, she licked along them. He tasted of forbidden fruit and wild nights. She sensed a shiver course through his body. No man had fed her like he did and survived, yet here he stood, attempting to seduce her once more instead of running for his life.

  Thank the void of the dark sea for leading him to her club. How many chances was she willing to take with him before she lost control and killed him though? “We shouldn’t do this.”

  “Shouldn’t, couldn’t. That’s the story of my life. I never let that stop me before.” He tore her panties off her hips and let them fall to the floor. The brush of his touch over her damp slit made her gasp.

  “I’m no good for you, Max.”

  Delving his fingers deep inside her pussy, he whispered in her ear, “I love things that are bad for me.” With his thumb, he ground her clit in a circular motion.