Desert Bound

by Elizabeth Hunter

  The moon brought a shifter’s animal nature to the front of their mind. Tempers were more easily riled. Instincts were harder to suppress. Ted had the urge to ask Allie if she’d seen any lone bears sniffing around her house, but she resisted. Ollie would kill her if he thought she’d brought it up. She didn’t know what the man was thinking, and she didn’t have the energy to figure out anyone’s love life but her own.

  It was then that Ted realized she’d be in Las Vegas during the first night of the full moon with Alex McCann.

  Because she was an idiot.

  “I don’t know what Alex and I are doing.” She scowled at her suitcase, annoyed with the oversight. “Other than making out occasionally.”

  Allie sighed. “I miss kissing.”

  “And we’re going to Vegas because we’re looking into something about Marcus. He lived there for years. If someone wanted to kill him, the motive is more likely going to be in Vegas than here.”

  That was the whole reason. It wasn’t because she wanted to see what it was like to be with him away from their families and responsibilities. To see if it could be as good as she remembered to just be with him.

  Allie looked nervous. “But why don’t you let Caleb investigate? That is his job. And he can work with the police there, right?”

  “Yes, he can. And he will. But Caleb won’t let Alex get involved. And like it or not, Alex McCann is the future leader of this town.”

  After talking it over with her mother that morning, she realized it was the one thing they agreed on regarding the McCanns. They were good leaders. The cats were loners. They didn’t want the responsibility that lay in town leadership. They wanted the stability and respect that came with being the second largest clan, but they didn’t have the interest to lead more than themselves. If they occasionally antagonized the wolves, that was just an entertaining side benefit. Both her mother and Ted agreed that having the wolves wield a steady hand over the various canines, birds, reptiles, and bears was a good long-term strategy. And if the McCanns wanted to pretend they had authority over the cats… well, they could think what they liked as long as they didn’t interfere.

  “People in Cambio Springs need to see Alex taking part in solving this murder. Especially the Quinns. It’s better for everyone if they can see him doing something. It promotes stability. Caleb is a smart guy, but he’s new. He doesn’t get that.”

  “Yeah, that makes sense.”

  “Plus, Alex’s instincts are gold.”

  “They are. He told me years ago that Joe and I were a bad idea.”

  “He did?” Allie nodded, but Ted didn’t ask anything else. “I also know that Alex has friends in Las Vegas. Friends who might be considered… somewhat shady.”

  Allie’s blue eyes widened. “Really?”

  She shrugged. “Despite being the golden boy of the Springs, Alex knows how to get his hands dirty when he needs to.”

  “But will you get to roll around in the mud with him?” Allie grinned. “That’s the real question.”

  “Troublemaker.”

  When Alex picked her up in his truck on Thursday afternoon, he was annoyed. She could see it in the set of his shoulders.

  “Something wrong?”

  He frowned and shrugged his shoulders, closing the door behind her as he tossed her bag in the back of the crew cab. Ted rolled her eyes. Hours in the car with Alex in a bad mood was going to be barrels of fun.

  Ten minutes of loaded silence was all she was willing to take.

  “Tell me what’s got you pissed off, or turn the truck around and take me home. I’m not putting up with this shit.”

  Anger flared in his eyes. “Seriously, Ted, leave it. I’ll be fine with a little quiet.”

  “You’re full of it, brooder.”

  He tore off his glasses and looked at her. “What?”

  “Brood. You brood, Alex. Like a little kid, sometimes.”

  “I do not.” He put his glasses back on, but his mouth settled into a pout. Ted tried not to laugh at the petulant expression.

  “Caleb?” she guessed.

  “Whatever.”

  Not Caleb.

  “Marcus’s brother-in-law?”

  “An asshole, but at least he’s an efficient one.”

  She paused. “Your dad.”

  The clench in his jaw told her she’d hit the bullseye. Alex said nothing, but his knuckles were white.

  “You can tell me what he said, you know. He’s probably as thrilled about us as my mother is.”

  “Oh?” His voice came out in a low growl. “And what does your mother say?”

  “Probably the same thing your dad says. We’re too old for childish rebellion. Our relationship will never work. I need to find someone more appropriate for my future role in life, as she puts it.”

  She wasn’t prepared for the sudden swerve off the road and the slam of the brakes. Alex put the truck in park and reached over, grabbing her over the center console and bringing her lips to his, branding her with a ferocious kiss that threatened to make her head swim. Color flashed behind her eyes. She could feel her cat clawing her skin. She wanted to run. Wanted to give in to the animal who recognized her mate. Scent. Touch. Everything was too close to the surface. She could taste the bite of blood at the corner of her mouth where he’d nipped her. Alex sucked her lower lip into his mouth, tempting then soothing with a stroke of his tongue before he nipped her again.

  She pushed him away. “Stop.”

  “Why?” He barely sounded human. “Do I not fit your ‘future role in life,’ whatever that means?”

  “You know what she means, just like I know your father has told you the same thing. I know he doesn’t want you mated to a cat.”

  “I don’t give a shit what he wants. I’m not him. And his choices don’t affect mine.”

  “You trying to convince me or yourself, Alex?”

  He said nothing. Just stared at her for a minute before he put the car in drive again and started back toward the highway. But she could feel the roiling temper and the tantalizing sensual energy that filled the air. If she could come from scent alone, she would have. He was that tempting.

  And they were still two nights away from the full moon. Yay.

  “You really want to start the weekend like this?” she finally managed to steady her voice. “We have work to do. We’re not here to…”

  “What? Give in to this heat? Like we should have months ago?”

  “Scratch the itch so we could concentrate on more important things? That’s not why I suggested going to Las Vegas.”

  “I know it’s not. Acting like this isn’t important is just going to piss me off. Can you ignore it?”

  She took a deep breath and tried to ignore the burning need in her body. “Let’s just get there. Did you look up the name your assistant gave you?”

  “Didn’t need to.”

  Good to know his natural arrogance hadn’t taken a serious hit. Maybe it was fed by his libido.

  “So who is it?”

  “The name’s Frank Di Stefano. And you know him.”

  “I do?”

  “We went to a party at a house he rented in Malibu. He wanted to throw his son a big party for his twenty-fifth birthday.”

  “Wait… Cam? Your friend Cameron’s party?”

  “Yep.” Alex’s jaw was tight, and this time it wasn’t from his own father, but his friend’s. “Cam’s dad is the one who helped finance Marcus Quinn’s business.”

  Ted fell silent. Because Cameron Di Stefano’s dad didn’t just help Marcus start his business. He’d had a hand in Alex’s, as well.

  Chapter Twelve

  Stupid, stupid, stupid. He had Ted to himself for a whole weekend, and he’d started out pissing her off because his father had annoyed him.

  What happened to romance? He had to get his head on straight. The fact that they’d be together in the days leading up to the full moon would be challenging enough for their different animals.

  “You’re
being selfish, Alex. She’s not the right mate for you, and you know it. She’ll never be the woman our clan needs. She’s a cat. A dominant one. Do you want to be fighting for dominance in your own relationship?”

  The problem was, he and his dad saw things from entirely different angles. Alex’s mom was fantastic, and she’d relished her maternal role. She’d been a great partner for his father.

  But Alex wasn’t his father.

  He didn’t want someone who always looked to him for leadership. He had enough of that with all the wolves in his pack. When he was at home, he wanted someone who challenged him. Who questioned him in a way his mother would never question his father. He wasn’t being charming when he told Ted she kept him sharp.

  He would be a better alpha with her influence. He just needed to make his father see that. He could rebel, but it would affect the pack. Affect the whole town, if he did. A power struggle between the alpha and his heir wasn’t what the Springs needed with all the other changes taking place.

  “Alex.” Her voice was unexpectedly tentative. “Are you worried because Cam’s dad—”

  “It’s not that, Ted.” He reached across and took her hand, grateful that she closed her fingers around his palm. “I always knew Cam’s family was a bit shady—”

  “A bit?”

  He grinned. How did Ted being a smartass always pull him out of a bad mood?

  “We never had a full partnership; it’s not something I’m worried about. It was only two houses we financed together and it was years ago. We went our separate ways, but we’re still friendly.”

  “Does he still live in LA?”

  “Cam? No, in fact, we’re staying in his hotel once we get into the city.”

  “We are?” Her eyes narrowed. “I knew I should have been in charge of the hotel reservations.”

  She probably should have been, if she wanted to keep her distance. As it was, he’d reserved a very nice suite at Cam’s boutique hotel on the Strip. All the location with none of the noise. Alex hated the sound of slot machines. He’d already called Cam’s secretary, hoping to set up a dinner. Plus, he’d have Ted in the same suite for the whole weekend. To say he planned to turn up his charm offensive was an understatement.

  Ted turned up the radio and leaned back to take a quick nap, but Alex smiled. She hadn’t pulled her hand from his.

  They pulled into the hotel a few hours later. Alex felt conspicuous driving his dusty pickup truck under the sleek striped awning, but he’d left his Lexus in LA the last time he’d been there. He had no need for it in the Springs, and nowhere to park it at the moment.

  “Ted.” He squeezed the hand that still rested in his palm.

  “Mmm?”

  “We’re here.”

  She blinked awake and immediately went to pick up her purse before she looked around.

  “Oh. Wow. This is… nicer than I expected.”

  “There’s got to be a few advantages to running myself ragged with work.”

  “Right.” She sniffed and rubbed her eyes. “Right. Well, I hope I brought the right clothes for the hotel.”

  He got out of the truck and walked around, taking perverse pleasure in tossing the keys to the valet, who eyed the truck with unconcealed disdain. Alex opened Ted’s door before the bellhop could reach it and leaned toward her, his voice whispering low in her ear.

  “Their job is to please you, not the other way round. Never forget that.”

  It was Thursday, but the chic hotel was still buzzing with energy. Bellhops took their bags and gestured toward the front desk, but Alex walked immediately toward the concierge desk, keeping Ted’s hand in his, so she wouldn’t bolt. He smiled in relief when he saw the familiar face.

  “Romano?”

  The impeccably dressed man turned from speaking with a young member of the staff. He was only in his late twenties, but carried himself with a confident calm that Alex hoped to see in his own hotel manager when he got to that point. Romano was a cousin of some kind. Italian, by way of Milan, as opposed to Cam, who was Italian, by way of Brooklyn.

  “Mr. McCann!” Romano said. “What a pleasure to see you again. Does Cam know you’re in town?”

  “Not sure. I called Stephanie on my way here. It was a last minute trip. Good to be back, Romano.”

  “You are most welcome.”

  The hotel was one of his favorites, despite the ridiculously young crowd that flocked to the luxurious lounge and European-style pool. It held none of the faux arrogance of the larger resorts. The walls were covered in rich art and old mirrors. Bronze nudes stood in discreet niches, demure in a way the average guest would never be. Cam had done a hell of a job with his first solo venture, and according to rumor, the hotel turned a good profit, even as new as it was. Alex couldn’t wait to pick his old friend’s brain about work.

  He glanced at Ted. She looked silently around at the lobby of the hotel, taking it all in with a jaded eye, unimpressed with the glittering birds who checked in at the front desk. Smiling a private smile that told him a million witty remarks were circling until they were alone. He put an arm around her waist, eager to get to their room. Alex wanted to spoil her, and he hoped she’d let him, if only for the weekend.

  Romano turned the charm toward the woman at his side. “And you’ve brought such a beautiful friend to visit. Welcome to Las Vegas.”

  “Thank you,” Ted said with a smile.

  “Romano, this is Doctor Teodora Vasquez, a good friend of mine.”

  “If you need anything at all, please let me know.” He handed Ted a simple card that Alex knew would have his personal line on it. “You asked for the family suite when you booked? Or the master?”

  “The family suite was free. Stephanie said she’d arrange it.”

  “Excellent.” A few taps on his tablet computer must have brought up the information. “Everything is in order.” He pulled a thin wallet from a drawer at the top of his desk that Alex knew would hold two key cards to the most private suite not reserved for the hotel owner. “If you’ll follow me, Doctor Vasquez, Mr. McCann?”

  Romano led them through the lobby, where all eyes were on the dusty couple who warranted the attention of the manager.

  “Seriously, man, we’ve eaten dinner together at Cam’s. When are you going to call me Alex?”

  “When I’m not at work, Mr. McCann.”

  Alex shook his head and smiled. “Is Cam on the property?”

  “I believe so, but he was in meetings most of this afternoon, so he’s probably catching up. I’ll make sure to let him know you’ve checked in.” He ushered them to the door and handed over the key. “I’ll have your bags brought immediately. The fridge is stocked with the usual, but would you like anything else to eat or drink?”

  He could see Ted repressing her eye roll. “I think we’ll manage. Thanks.”

  “Of course. Please make yourself at home.”

  Alex was already waving the key in front of the lock as Romano walked away.

  Ted said, “Please tell me the family suite has more than one room.”

  “Of course!” He held open the door as she walked through. “It has three. Of course, there’s only one bedroom.”

  “I knew it.”

  Alex could tell she wasn’t really mad. He grabbed her around the waist and nipped at her neck before she could go exploring. “Seeing as you already make a habit of sneaking into my bed, I didn’t figure you’d mind.”

  “Charming…” she murmured, but he didn’t know if she was talking about him or the room.

  It was pure luxury, from the leather sofas and the solid antiques to the red drapes and—

  “Are those mirrors?” Ted asked, looking up. “On the ceiling?”

  “Well…” He kissed her neck again. “It’s classy, but it’s still Vegas.”

  They were waiting in the lobby for Cam a few hours later. His old friend had called just an hour after they’d arrived at the hotel, asking them to meet him and a date for dinner. The simple black dress
that Ted brought was perfect. She’d done her hair in the loose curls he loved and brushed on some makeup, which she rarely wore at home. It made her dark eyes even more dramatic. The only jewelry she wore was a pair of deep turquoise earrings. The pop of color against her gold skin and dark hair was eye-catching. Despite her earlier reservations, more than one man turned to look as they walked through the lobby. But then, Ted had never needed elaborate outfits to catch a man’s attention.

  “We’re meeting Cam and his dad? Or just Cam?” she asked.

  “Cam and a date. Don’t know who it is. But the new restaurant here is supposed to be good.”

  “It’ll be nice to see him. It’s been… ten years since the last time?”

  “Or more. I haven’t seen him in over a year, even though I called him when I knew I’d be opening the resort in the Springs.”

  Cam had asked him to visit Las Vegas at the time, but he hadn’t been able to. So Alex was more than happy to meet for dinner, glad to catch up with his old friend and hopefully find out if meeting Cam’s dad was also an option.

  The old man and his son appeared to keep their businesses separate, from what Jolene could find out. Even though Frank Di Stefano had transitioned most of his business into legitimate enterprises, a few shadows still lingered. Shadows he didn’t want near to his only child. Still, if Alex and Ted wanted any information from Frank, then Cam would need to be convinced. Cam trusted him… to a point. But the information they were after had to do with the distinctly shadowy portion of his father’s business. He’d be cautious, but Alex was expecting that.

  “Alex!”

  He turned and saw his old friend. Cam had taken after his French mother’s side, so he looked far more California Golden Boy than East Coast Mob Scion. That, too, was something Alex suspected Frank Di Stefano liked. Going legitimate was a generations-long process, and the cleaner he could keep Cameron Di Stefano, the better things looked to investors.

  “Alex.” Cam stepped forward and gripped Alex’s hand. “How the hell are you? I heard you moved out to the desert, huh? Leaving the field open for me?”