by RK Close
A single black rose is lying on the forest floor. I bend down to pick it up, holding it by the stem. It’s exquisite. I reach to touch the silky petals, but the rose shatters like thin glass. Shocked, I drop the rose as if bitten. As the rose falls from my hand, sound comes rushing back to the forest, and with it comes a deep-chested growl. I raise my head and look directly into the eyes of the largest wolf I’ve ever seen.
Its golden-brown-and-white coat moves softly, like downy feathers, as the large animal stalks toward me. There is something intelligent in the eyes as it bears down on me.
I’m frozen, like a paralyzed rabbit before the kill. The wolf closes the distance, and with a mighty leap, it lunges at me with jaws spread wide.
I wake, sitting straight up in bed, a scream at the back of my throat threatening to erupt. My eyes dart around the dark bedroom, my mind fighting to leave the dream for reality. I clutch the sheet to my chest, and I force my breathing to slow. “It’s only a dream. It’s only a dream,” I tell myself.
Just a dream.
But my dreams are never just dreams.
***
After tossing and turning for a couple of hours, I finally give up and force myself to get ready for the day. I’m throwing back my third cup of coffee when the doorbell rings. Practically flying out of my chair, I run to the door, pulling it open without bothering to see who it is.
Dayna jumps, grabbing her chest. In contrast, the two vampires on either side could be made of stone, next to her animated gestures. Dayna, Jacob, and Adam stand in the hall giving me varying degrees of odd looks. I giggle out loud before slapping a hand over my mouth.
“Hi!” I say, with too much enthusiasm. I catch myself bouncing on my toes before forcing myself to stand still. The trio stands in the hallway staring at me like I just sprouted a third head.
“Sorry. I’ve had a lot of coffee this morning,” I say sheepishly. “Come in, come in.” I grab Dayna, pulling her inside. Adam and Jacob follow, still looking at me with worried glances.
“Seriously, it’s just the coffee. I made it really strong this morning.” I close the door and then rush past them on my way to the kitchen.
“I don’t guess you guys want any coffee, and I’m not about to bust a vein for you so…” I look up from pouring another cup and stop. “Oh. Sorry. I’m talking a lot, aren’t I?”
Adam finally cracks a barely-there smile and shakes his head. “We’ve already eaten, Samantha.”
Adam takes a seat at my dining room table that seems too small for him. His comment pulls a pinch of irritation from me. My overly active brain visualizes him intimately embracing some beautiful woman for a meal. My vision has both in the throes of pleasure while he takes his sustenance, making it all the worse. I realize I’m glaring at him when he gives me a knowing smile. Shaking off that image, I take another sip and ignore Adam’s satisfied smile.
Jacob pulls out a chair for Dayna before sitting down next to her. Dayna gives me one of her smiles that could sell toothpaste, then sips from a to-go cup she brought with her. I lift a coffee cup to her. She crinkles her nose at me, then makes a gagging motion by pointing her finger down her throat. I just smile at her mischievously.
Dayna can’t stand the smell of coffee and hates when I offer her some, which I can never resist doing. I wink at her before taking another long sip from my oversized mug. Trying to keep my movements slow and regular, I take the last seat at the table.
“So, Jacob, what do you have for me? Lots of useful information I hope.”
Jacob, holding Dayna’s hand, pulls his eyes away from her to answer me.
Smiling, I remember when I told him I’d stake him if he did anything to hurt her. Dayna has looked like a pinup calendar model since middle school. Her shoulder-length chestnut hair and olive skin tone are compliments of her Italian ancestry.
Jacob, on the other hand, looks like a sophisticated version of a fun-loving surfer, with a permanent smile and blond wavy hair that stops just short of his shoulders. Where Adam is dark, brooding, and difficult to read, Jacob is smiling, happy, and charming in a fun-loving sort of way.
Dayna’s life was threatened because of me, and I was willing to do anything to secure her safety. Looking back, I know it was a knee-jerk reaction, which I should have thought through. I’d do it again, but I’d make certain I knew all my options before acting impulsively.
“I’ve learned that there are two dominant lycan packs in the Phoenix area. First is the Luna Pack led by no other than Robert and Genevieve Taylor, and the—”
“What? Are you telling me my clients are the CEOs of a werewolf pack?” I’m trying to wrap my head around this information. My mind goes back to that weird thing that happened when I touched Genevieve.
Adam and Jacob share a grave look when we discuss anything supernatural and potentially dangerous. Dayna just looks thoughtful and more curious than she should be.
Jacob releases Dayna’s hand to lean forward in his chair and spreads his palms on the table.
I’m still not sure how I feel about Dayna and Jacob dating, but she seems happier than she’s ever been and I know Jacob has a lot to do with that.
“You may want to back out of this particular job, Sam,” Jacob says, giving me a steady look.
Even my friends are telling me to stay away from this case. “Why is everyone telling me this? Do I have fragile written across my forehead? All of your warnings are beginning to feel like a conspiracy!” I say, getting up to pace. I’m ready to bounce off the walls or possibly commit homicide. I wouldn’t let this case go now, even if someone paid me double.
“Jacob’s suggestion is valid, Samantha. You have never dealt with a lycan. They can be formidable in their efforts to protect their pack. They’ll see you as a threat to their safety. Should the Taylors learn that you know their secret, you could be in mortal danger. I’ve no doubt they’ve killed for less,” Adam says, crossing his arms over his chest as if preparing for a battle.
That’s fine. I’m just the girl to give him one.
11
Bad Blood
Adam is out of his chair and in my face before I can blink. His piercing blue eyes are intimidating, but I stare angrily up at him in challenge. I’m no longer the scared little girl who’s just discovered the monsters in the closet are real. Well, maybe I am, but I’ll be damned if I let it show.
Dayna’s chair almost falls over as she jumps up to do who knows what. Protect me, maybe? That’s laughable but sweet just the same. Dayna won’t even carry pepper spray. Envisioning her coming to my rescue against a big bad vampire almost breaks through my bad mood. Almost.
I glance at Dayna to let her know everything is all right, just in time to see Jacob touch her arm reassuringly. She looks away from me reluctantly. Jacob tells her something with his eyes. An unspoken message passes between them as she glances back at me before returning to her chair. She still looks uncertain, but her trust in Jacob is evident. They already seem to have a bond between them.
Dayna hasn’t seen how volatile Adam and I can be when we clash on something. My focus returns to the imposing figure before me. At five-foot-nine, I’m tall for a woman, but Adam towers over me by a half foot.
“I don’t need anyone telling me how to do my job or if I can do my job,” I say coolly.
Something flashes in Adam’s eyes. I’m not certain if it’s anger, acceptance, or possibly respect. Most people I read like a book. I know what’s going on inside their heads before they do. But not Adam.
“Do you have a death wish, Samantha?” Adam asks in a dangerously quiet voice.
It’s not fair that the whole blood-sharing thing doesn’t work both ways. Then again, I hated when Gabe and I could feel each other’s emotions. Drinking his blood had similar effects but thankfully was only temporary. That was a dating nightmare.
“No, I don’t have a death wish. But I do have a business, and I don’t get paid unless I do my job. Unlike you, I don’t have unlimited funds,” I fire b
ack.
“I can provide for all of your financial needs if you’ll let me.”
I hear a gasp from Dayna.
What the…?
My mouth opens and then closes while I try to process what he just said.
“Did you just offer to become my sugar daddy?” I ask, crossing my arms in disbelief.
Jacob bursts out laughing, which I’ve never heard from him before. Adam and I look at him sharply. Dayna covers her mouth with her hand, trying to keep from laughing. We are the only ones who don’t see the humor.
When I look back at Adam, he’s still glaring at Jacob. When his gaze returns to me, I raise my eyebrows, waiting for his answer.
“I was not inferring any such arrangement. I offered to remove the reason for your lapse in judgment. There were no strings attached,” Adam explains.
“My lapse in judgment? Adam, you need to realize that I had a life before you walked into it, and I need to have one when you leave. It’s not my habit to depend on anyone else, and I don’t plan to start now.”
He gives me one last unreadable look before turning away. I wish I could know what he is thinking.
While still tense, the situation seems to have been defused—somewhat. I return to my chair and look at Jacob. “What else have you learned about the local packs? How many others are there and do we know who leads them?” I’m all business again.
“As I’ve said, Robert and Genevieve Taylor lead the Luna Pack. There are two dominant packs in this area and a couple of smaller groups with little to no power. The other big player in Phoenix is the Mojave Pack.” Jacob looks at Adam, who nods. “I’m still working to determine who the leaders are or what the trouble is between the two groups. I expect to know more soon.” Jacob pauses then adds, “Sam, you should know that a pack typically has one member that carries out most of the justice or protection for the group. Genevieve is the enforcer for the Luna Pack.”
I try to fit this into my visual and mental inventory of Genevieve Taylor. It doesn’t fit. At all. My assessment of the elegant, refined, and almost delicate Genevieve is in stark contrast to the title of Enforcer.
“Are you sure about your information, Jacob? I’ve met the lady, and I can’t imagine her even yelling at anyone, much less dishing out pack justice. Are we talking parking fines and written notices?”
Jacob’s expression holds none of the playfulness from moments before. “Don’t let the package fool you. She’s a werewolf, Sam. She’s a top-of-the-food-chain predator. Genevieve is equally as dangerous as any vampire.” Jacob pauses, letting his words sink in. “To answer your other question, we are talking death sentences, ass kicking, that sort of thing.”
Dayna exhales loudly. “Sam, please be careful. This woman sounds dangerous. Do you have to take this case?” Dayna’s look is pleading.
“I’ll be extra careful. I understand this isn’t just an average case, now. I’m not going in blind anymore. Don’t worry about me.” I start to sip my coffee again before I realize I’ve had way too much, and place the cup back down. My hands are so shaky; it’s embarrassing.
A thought occurs to me. “Wait. If the Taylors are werewolves, what does that mean for their son and daughter?”
“They’re werewolves,” Adam and Jacob say in unison.
Holy cow! Chad and his sister are werewolves.
Adam has been staring at me with a thoughtful look. He hasn’t added anything further to the discussion, but at least he isn’t glaring at me anymore.
When we finish, I thank Jacob for the information and say goodbye to him and Dayna when they leave.
I turn the corner after seeing them out, and run right into Adam’s chest. He grabs my arms to keep me steady. His arms slip easily around my back and trying to forget the earlier tension, I let mine slide around his waist. A little sigh escapes my lips as I ease into him.
Pulling back, I look up at him. He looks to my lips before his head lowers to claim them. And just like that, all my stress melts away to be replaced by a sweet tension that’s becoming harder to ignore.
***
Somehow, I manage to make it to the gym for my training session with Eddie. Over the last few years he’s trained me in boxing, Judo, and other martial arts. I usually have several bruises after our sessions, but I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else. Eddie is one of the best trainers in town and used to be a contender in the Ultimate Fighting world.
He took a friendly interest in me a few years ago when I informed him that he forgot to wipe down the barbell he’d been sweating on for fifty minutes. I stood there watching and waiting while he cleaned the bar to my satisfaction. We’ve been coach and student since then, with a standing date every Thursday.
I was lucky we became friends. Eddie doesn’t train anyone who isn’t competing, and I’m only competing with me. I like the idea of being able to defend myself if and when needed. With my enhanced speed and strength from Adam’s life-saving blood, I’ve had to watch myself with Eddie. By the looks he’s given me, I think he knows something’s up, but he hasn’t said anything. I may need to come up with a story, but I hate lying. Not to mention, I’m not very good at it. After a quick shower and change, I’m about to exit the gym when I hear Eddie say, “You playing on the dark side, Chiquita?”
I stop to gape at him. “What?” I’m not sure that I heard him correctly.
Eddie looks at me a moment longer. “Never mind. I won’t be here next week. It’s a family thing,” he says. Before I can respond, he turns and walks away.
“Okay,” I say to his back. I’m not sure he heard me.
His question makes me nervous. Am I playing on the dark side? And what would Eddie know about it?
On my way to the car, I place a call to Russell. My car doubles as my second office. Russell doesn’t answer, and I don’t bother to leave a message. His mailbox is usually full because he doesn’t check it. Ever.
Russell’s old school and not interested in the newest technology. He shocked me when he started carrying a cell phone. Now if he would remember the car charger I gave him for Christmas last year and use it, we’d be making progress.
Christmas.
It’s right around the corner. I need to think of a gift for Russell. He still treats me like a teenager by giving me a handful of cash whenever he sees me. He’s also a bachelor, so the money doesn’t come in a card. I try to refuse it, but he doesn’t have any kids of his own, and it seems to make him happy, so I take the cash.
The engine of my ’65 Mustang roars to life just as Russell calls me back.
“Hey,” I say.
“Hey, kiddo. I saw your call, but couldn’t answer. What’s up? Everything okay?”
He tends to talk to me like I’m still a teenager, but it doesn’t bother me. He taught me everything I know about being a PI.
“I haven’t heard from you since Thanksgiving and wanted to say hi. What’s got you so busy?”
He clears his throat nervously. “Oh, I’ve just been working on a few things. Nothing exciting or new.”
Awkward silence.
Now I know Russell’s up to something, but I won’t pry. I’ll just wait until he’s ready to spill the beans. Maybe he’s taking a new consulting job that’s hush hush.
“Okay, fair enough. I do have a favor to ask.”
My father and Russell were longtime colleagues and friends, which made him a regular visitor to our home. Russell’s wife died early in life, but he never remarried. I have vague memories of his wife from when I was young.
“Whatcha need, Sam?” he asks.
A few fuzzy images from his wife’s funeral are forever locked in my memory. He’s the closest thing to a parent I have now.
“Could you pull some strings and get me surveillance tape for a street corner, and maybe a tap for a private building as well?”
“Sure. I don’t have a pen with me but text me the location and time frame and I’ll see what I can do. It could take a week or more. I lost one of my connections downtown
. Agnes retired from the police force last month. Will that still work for you?” Russell asks.
“That should do. Thanks for doing that for me. I’ll talk to you about getting together for Christmas soon. Bye.”
We end the call, and I make another. This one to Madison’s roommate, who should be back by now. I’m curious to know if she called the police when she saw their apartment.
12
True Nature
Juliet is a tall, thin blonde that could pass for Madison’s twin. From a distance, she’s polished and poised, not a hair out of place. My hair wouldn’t look that good if I were walking out of a salon. Her glossy pink nails hold a to-go cup in one hand and a designer handbag in the other. Juliet’s shiny lips suck on the green straw of her drink while she tries to find me amongst the lunch crowd.
Deciding to put us both out of our misery, I stand and wave at her, since I have the advantage of having seen her picture. She stops in her tracks and gives me a quick up and down inventory with her eyes. Juliet plasters a fake smile on her face and advances toward me. I extend my hand, and she studies it for a second before delicately grasping my fingers with hers. I’m sure she noticed my lack of polish and scraped knuckles. It bothers me when someone barely shakes my hand.
By my observations, Juliet sees other women as a threat to her feminine prowess. Between my non-designer threads, messy blond locks, and the bruise on my collar bone, I’m sure she can rest easy in my presence. She might change her mind if Adam walked up. That thought puts a genuine smile on my face as we make our introductions and sit down.
“Thank you for meeting me, Juliet. What did you think about the apartment when you arrived home?”
Juliet raises her eyebrows in exaggerated excitement. “Oh, did the Taylors tell you about the surprise? It was sweet of them, especially with Maddie missing and all. I’m hoping she’s off with some hottie or something, but it doesn’t seem like something Maddie would do. She’s too much of a control freak.” Juliet stops to take a sip of her drink and maybe a breath.
