by Tia Didmon
1
Copyright 2019 Tia Didmon
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may
not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without
the express written consent of the publisher except for the
use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses,
places, events and incidents are either the products
of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner.
Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased,
or actual events, is purely coincidence.
I love hearing from my readers so feel free to email me:
[email protected]
Other books in this series by Tia Didmon
Virgin Mate-viewbook.at/VirginMate
Enter The Lair-mybook.to/EnterTheLair
Hunters Passion-mybook.to/HuntersPassion
Shifter’s Eden
A Cascade Cougars Novel
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Epilogue
Chapter 1
“The devil is calling.”
Brock looked up at his secretary. The light from the mid-morning sun reflected off her designer glasses. “The devil?”
Marcy took on an expression of disgust. “Kevin Kallan.”
Brock moved his hands under the desk so Marcy couldn’t see his claws pierce his fingers before retreating. “How the fuck did he know I was here? We only arrived on site four hours ago.”
She put a perfectly manicured hand on her hip. “You know that asshole has men everywhere. He’s been watching you since you took over Marksmen Enterprises.”
Brock rubbed his chin. “Makes you wonder what he’s afraid I’ll find.”
“If that madman fears anything,” she said curtly.
Brock had sensed Marcy’s hatred for Kevin Kallan. He had assumed she believed Kevin was a ruthless businessman who was responsible for the death of Brian Marksmen. As he listened to the venom in her voice, he wondered if she was aware of Kevin’s true depravity.
Brock sat back in his leather chair, loosening his tie as he watched the line blink. “I got it. Thanks.”
Marcy left as he picked up the phone. “What do you want Kallan?”
Kevin’s voice was cordial. “I have called to offer you a deal.”
“You have nothing we want,” Brock said in disgust.
“I have something you need whether you know it or not,” he said, his ire evident.
Brock swiveled in his chair to look out the large window. The grounds surrounding the small manufacturing plant were vast and unmanicured. “How about you tell me why you are following my movements.”
“I have a decided interest in your family. I like to know where all of you are at all times.”
“You can’t get anyone near our lair and you know it.”
“I don’t need to see your day-to-day activities,” he said in disgust.
“Why did you call me?”
“I want Racheal to make me another serum,” Kevin said,
“Why the fuck would she help you. She almost died helping you, besides, she held up her end of the bargain. Your inability to hold on to the only thing that could save your miserable life, isn’t our problem.”
“Racheal did abide by our agreement. Mrs. Cortez’s interference will be dealt with. I offer a trade.”
“What do you have to trade? Did you kidnap some unsuspecting shifter off the street?”
“No. I offered a two-month amnesty for Racheal’s help. I have not interfered with any member of your species.”
“But that time is now up.”
“Yes, it is.”
“So, your offering another amnesty...”
“No. I’m offering all Kallan Corporations research on the shifter gene. Racheal is only aware of a portion of that research.”
“She needed Jordon’s blood for that serum.”
“I have his body on ice. She will have the samples she needs.”
“So, you will courier his samples...”
“I will send a representative. She is to stay on site with you until the serum is complete then return it to me. That is non-negotiable.”
“I don’t want to be stuck with one of your people for two weeks.”
“Racheal knows what she is doing. I’m sure she can manufacture what I need in a week.”
Shit. “I’ll have to discuss this with the head of my lair.”
“Tell Talen that this offer expires in an hour.” He hung up.
Talen picked up the first ring. “What’s up?”
Brock replayed the conversation with Kevin for his oldest brother.
“He knew I was the head of the Lair? How would he know Dad retired?” Talen asked.
“He also knew I was here. Marcy and I only got here four hours ago. We haven’t even checked into the hotel,” Brock said.
“Any chance Marcy is on Kevin’s payroll?”
“She hates him. I don’t know the history but she despises the man.”
“Garrett checked her out when you asked him to. There was nothing in her background to suggest blackmail.”
“She never lies to me and…”
“And?” Talen persisted.
“She has a slight interest in me.”
“Under the circumstances I suggest you keep it professional.”
“I don’t shit where I eat. I’ve got this.”
“I have every confidence in you Brock, but with three mates in the lair...”
“I know.”
Talen cleared his throat. “I admit. I want that data. With Aiden struggling to adjust to his new form and two coyotes as part of the lair, that data could be crucial.”
“And if we had his research, we may be able to find the women he’s targeting and get to them first.”
“Yes, but it’s your ass on the line here. This has to be your decision.”
Brock pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’ll take the deal.”
Jane stood like a statue before the monster who employed her.
Kevin smoothed the lapel of his jacket. “I have an assignment for you, Miss Eden.”
“The details sir,” she said.
“You are to take some blood samples and information to Brock Cascade in Texas. He will have Racheal make a serum from them. You will remain at the Marksmen facility for one week while she completes her task.”
“He’s a shifter. I won’t be able to lie to him. What if he asks my true agenda?”
“You will tell him you are not authorized to give that information. You understand the consequences if you fail.”
Jane’s composure slipped for a moment before she brought herself back under control. “I won’t fail.”
“You have thus far.” Kevin reminded her.
“We have had little intel to go on until now. I didn’t have a starting point.”
“You do now.” Kevin handed her an envelope. “Everything you need is in there. Don’t underestimate the shifters. There have been enough mistakes.”
She nodded. “Understood. Am I going alone?”
Kevin’s eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t leave one of my favorite assets unattended. Danov will escort you.”
She took the envelope, not letting her distaste for his favorite henchman show. “Do you think that’s wise? He’s...”
“He wil
l do as he’s told and so will you,” Kevin scowled.
“When do you wish me to leave?” she asked cordially.
Kevin looked her up and down. “You will leave immediately, and Jane... If Brock were to take an interest in you, it may make your task easier to achieve.”
“I have no control over another’s interest but the fact that I work for you will not work in my favor.”
Kevin looked away. “I suppose not. Stop by the lab and have your tracker updated before you go.”
“Yes, sir,” she said as she left.
Jane walked to the lab. She appeared the perfect Kallan employee. The soldiers called her an emotionless bitch, sometimes to her face. Her features were that of a pale statue, while inside she screamed.
Jane sat quietly while Danov parked the car.
He pulled the keys from the ignition and turned to her. His Russian accent was less pronounced than when she’d first met him. “Jane, get in there, complete your mission, and get that serum if possible.”
Jane regarded him coolly. “This isn’t my first assignment.”
“Getting intel from weapons dealers and dirty senators is nothing compared to dealing with the shifters,” he snapped.
“I will get what we came for by any means necessary,” she said.
Danov’s fingers flexed. “I know what Kallan told you but if you touch Brock Cascade, he’s a dead man.”
“You seem to be misinformed. This is my assignment. You protect me and do as I tell you. Are we clear?”
“Crystal, I won’t interfere with your assignment but if you want Brock to continue breathing when we leave, don’t touch him.” His accent thickened with the warning.
Jane grabbed her designer purse and stepped from the car.
Brock Cascade stood with a dark-haired woman in a pristine gray suit that rivaled her own. They approached the couple. “You were not required to meet us in the parking lot but I thank you.”
“I have no intention of letting anyone from the Kallan Corporation on site unattended,” Brock said curtly.
Jane nodded but part of her was hurt. She had performed this dance dozens of times yet this was the first time she felt regret. Maybe Danov was right. The men she had been forced to extract information from were despicable men. The shifters were being taken advantage of, used, like her. “I understand. I have the samples and the information in my purse. Please direct me to Racheal Cascade.”
She saw Brock’s face twitch. She had intentionally divulged Racheal’s new name to see if he would catch it. He was as intelligent as he was handsome. She had never seen a man fill out a suit like he did. It seemed tailored to accent every muscle. Yet the shaggy cut of his black hair said he couldn’t care less.
Brock rolled his shoulders as if she had insulted him. “Racheal will not be working on the serum in your presence.”
“I am to...”
“You are to deliver the samples to her. Answer any questions she may have, then wait for her to return with the agreed upon serum. Are we clear Miss?”
“Eden, Jane Eden. I assumed Kevin had given you a dossier on me.”
“He did.”
Jane bristled. Was Brock trying to get a reaction from her? Probably. Many had tried. “What do you wish us to do while we wait?”
“Kevin sent a dossier on you. Not on your partner.”
Jane glanced at Danov. “This is Victor Danov. He is here to ensure my protection and that of the serum.”
Brock leaned in. “We aren’t the ones with a history of attacking defenseless women.”
Jane felt the heat from his breath move through her body. She stood immobile as the warm sensation tingling her skin dissipated. She was aware of the dangers of getting near a shifter. She had taken precautions to ensure she wouldn’t be affected. She turned toward his face, letting him know she wasn’t intimidated. “Where are we staying?”
Brock smiled and leaned back. “Mr. Danov will have to go with Marcy to make arrangements for his stay as we weren’t aware he was invited to this party.”
Jane saw the flicker of irritation on Marcy’s face. Marcy’s looked into Brock’s dark eyes before nodding.
Jane looked stiffly at Brock. “Would you care to give me a tour of the facility?”
Danov growled. “Not without me.”
Jane turned to her partner. “You are here to ensure my safety not interfere with my assignment.”
Brock smiled. She saw the predator show through. “Are you sure you are safe with me, Miss Eden?”
She felt excitement course through her. She tramped down the foreign emotion before it could show on her face. She was faced with an emotion she hadn’t felt in three years. Dread. She had accepted she was going to hell for her actions. Would she be taking Brock Cascade with her? “Lead the way Mr. Cascade.”
Brock’s cat was confused and so was he. Everything about Jane Eden was a contradiction. Her tall slim body was covered by a high-end tailored suit. It was professional, not sexy. Her red hair was wrapped in a strict bun, making him wonder how long it was. She gave no signs of interest in him yet he sensed she was. His cat wasn’t giving him the signs to mate but kept sending him erotic images. He knew he couldn’t trust her. He had to find out more information about her and her henchman.
He noticed the scar under her chin. His cat growled at the thought of her hurt. He chastised his beast trying to figure out why his cat was so disgruntled. She remained as a statue waiting for him to respond. Something about her stance seemed forced as if her suit and impersonal look were a form of armor. “Marcy, have Garrett do a complete background on Mr. Danov, and have him look further into Miss Eden. He missed something.”
Her expression remained like a sculpture. He wondered what it would take to make the stone princess crumble. His cat sent him another suggestive image. He shook off the uncomfortable feeling. He had always been in sync with his animal. Always put his cat’s needs first. It had never been overly demanding. Until now. Something wasn’t right about his reaction to Miss Eden. He reminded his animal who sent her. This was a game. Kallan played to win. Brock never lost. “Miss. Eden you will be staying with me in an adjacent room.”
Danov put his hand on Jane’s arm. “Remember what I told you.”
Brocks cat growled at the protective nature of the man’s touch. “Is there something I should know here?”
Jane pulled her arm free. “Mr. Danov has overstepped his bounds. He will be happy to make arrangements for his room,” she said coolly.
Brock didn’t want to give her a tour of the plant but he didn’t want her near Victor Danov either. “Marcy, please escort Mr. Danov to the office and make arrangements for his stay. Jane would you follow me please?”
He held out his arm cordially. Her hesitation was slight before she rested her hand on it. He felt his cat rise. “Let’s get started.”
Chapter 2
Brock had taken her on a brief tour of the plant. She had learned that they manufactured hunting gear. She knew this had been one of Brian Marksmen’s legitimate businesses. She’d made a note of the layout in case she needed to investigate further. He led her to a break room for the employees.
He picked up an apple from the fruit basket and motioned to the tray of wrapped baked goods. “Would you like a refreshment?”
She glanced at the mini-fridge on the counter. “A drink please.”
He pulled two colas out of the fridge and held one out for her.
“And if I prefer water?” she asked.
His expression didn’t change. “You don’t.”
She hated that he was right. Something about his dominant attitude thrilled her and pissed her off at the same time. Her anger was expected. Her interest was a concern.
He popped the tab of one of the colas and held it out again. She took it from him, ignoring the smug look on his face as an employee from the plant came in.
She took one look at Brock and her face lit up. “Mr. Cascade it’s so good to meet you. I’m Jenny. We talk
ed on the phone.”
Brock’s face softened. “Jenny, it’s a joy to meet you in person. How’s your son?”
“He’s doing much better. The care facility you transferred him to is a miracle. He should be able to come home in a couple of weeks.”
“That’s fantastic news, but I thought you were off work while he was hospitalized.”
Jenny fiddled with her hands. “Sarah authorized a month off as Kenny’s original diagnosis was three weeks but there were those complications at the General Hospital. So, he’s been in for five now. But the private hospital has gotten the infection under control. They want to watch him a little longer, is all. You and Sarah have been so good to me. I didn’t want to ask for more time. Especially when you’re paying me.”
Brock put a reassuring hand on Jenny’s shoulder. Jane hated he was touching the fragile young woman. “Jenny, I checked your records myself. You didn’t miss a day of work until your son got sick. You have been a model employee. You finish your day and I will have HR set you up with another three weeks off with pay, and if you need longer, you call me. You have my number.”
Jenny’s face softened. “Thank you, Mr. Cascade.”
“Call me Brock.”
“Do all the employees call you by your first name?” she asked.
He winked at her. “Only the good ones.”
She smiled looking over at Jane.
Brock glance over at Jane. “This is Jane, she is from the Kallan Corporation. We’re in the midst of a business transaction.” He said it with a smile as if it were an inside joke. The girl stiffened when he said Jane’s name.
The girl looked at her in fear. “You’re Jane Eden.”
“Yes. Have we met?” Jane asked.
Jenny looked down. “No, my brother worked for Kallan Corp. He got me this job.”
Jane had an uneasy feeling. “Who is your brother?”
“His name is Sam Maurier.”
Jane’s stomach rolled. “He was killed in Spain, I believe.”
