Carnal

by Stone, Piper

“I thought you were engaged,” I admonished, watching as Tyler approached.

  “Marriage doesn’t mean I’m dead, you know. I’ll leave you two alone. He’s very nice so please don’t bite his head off.” She walked away before I could grab her even though she knew I was terrible with small talk.

  “Very funny,” I said between clenched teeth.

  Tyler studied me intently as he walked closer, finally holding out his hand. “Kathleen Kelly. I’ve heard a great deal about you from your father. I’m Tyler Ridgefield.”

  The moment I shook his hand, I felt a rise of heat in my system. “I’m certain you have. I hope you find working with my father... enjoyable.” I had the distinct feeling he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I’d prided myself on being a keen observer.

  He offered a genuine laugh, his eyes lighting up. “Your dad is formidable, I’ll give him that, but I enjoy a challenge, much like what I’ve heard you are.”

  Why did I have the feeling he’d been directed to talk with me? My hackles raised, I took a decided step away from him. “I’m the kind of woman who doesn’t play games very well, something that you should keep in mind. I do hope you enjoy the party. I need to have a chat with my father before lunch.”

  “Of course. I hope we’ll have a chance to talk again.”

  His grin would be considered boyish, charming by others. I could see right through him. “I’m certain we will.” Huffing, I finished off my champagne, placing the glass on one of the side tables and heading down the hallway toward my father’s office. The door was cracked and I could tell he was already on the phone.

  I knocked once before walking inside, closing the door behind me with a hard thud.

  He swung around, as if prepared for a fight. There was such coldness in his eyes, but this time not because of my interruption or anything I was wearing he deemed inappropriate. I could tell that whoever he was on the phone with had riled him completely. He motioned me in and turned his back toward me. “No, goddamn it!”

  My father rarely lost his cool.

  I noticed an easel near his bookcase and walked closer. The architectural drawings were exquisite, truly exceptional and no doubt his latest project. I stole a glance in his direction, concerned just how tense he seemed to be.

  “I’ll have to call you back,” he stated gruffly, rubbing his eyes when he couldn’t immediately disconnect the phone. “No, this is my daughter’s engagement party. I will call you when I’m available.” He slammed down the desk phone, lifting the receiver once again as if ready to smash it against the base unit. After gently placing it down, he grabbed his drink from the desk and when he took a swig, I noticed his hand was shaking.

  “What’s wrong, Father?”

  He didn’t answer me right away and when he did, he’d turned around wearing his usual half smirk. “Nothing at all. Just contractual differences. Nothing for you to worry about today.”

  ‘Today’ seemed to be weighted. “You seem pretty angry.”

  He eased his glass down, taking several deep breaths. “Is there something you need from me, Kathleen, or have you come to goad me on something as you usually do?”

  His agitation was even more aggressive than normal. We’d pushed each other’s buttons for years and this afternoon, I wasn’t in the mood for the round of bullshit. “I came to ask you a direct question, Father, and hopefully you’ll give me a straight answer. Do you think you can do that?”

  While his face reddened initially from anger, he quickly relaxed, even shaking his head as he chuckled. “You are so intelligent, Kathleen, and the most tenacious woman I have ever met. No wonder you are thought of so highly at the police department.”

  “Hmmm... That means you were talking with Captain Walters. Weren’t you?”

  He frowned before walking around his desk. “He and I are old friends. You already knew that.”

  “Maybe,” I said, darting another glance at the glamorous set of buildings. “However, the timing seems odd since I was pulled off as the lead on a fairly gruesome case, one that certainly has political implications if it’s not handled well. Tell me, Father, are you running for office and asked that I be removed from that case?”

  He seemed genuinely surprised. “How dare you, Kathleen.”

  “How dare I? You’ve been trying to get me to work for you for years. Did you finally decide to derail my career so you could have your way? I would think your new lackey would be exactly what you need.”

  “If you mean Tyler, he was an important find for the firm and I would never derail your career, although you should learn to make better decisions for yourself. You’ll wind up dead if you’re not careful.”

  While a certain portion of my accusation might be overblown, I could tell that I was right about the topic of conversation they’d had. When he remained silent for longer than thirty seconds, I closed the distance until we were only inches apart. “How dare you, Father. I’ve worked very hard to get where I am. This case is one of the most disturbing I’ve ever worked on and for some reason, there are people who want to sweep it under the rug. I can only imagine why. Is this about Captain Drake Walters running for office? Given your deep pockets, I would think that fits right into various strategies you have for your company.”

  I’d never said anything like this to my father in all my years, but this was the last straw.

  I expected him to lash out, but he slumped against the desk, once again rubbing his eyes. “It’s not like that, Kathleen. I would never do anything to hurt your career. As far as Tyler, he’s exactly what I’ve needed to keep the expenses in line, but he doesn’t have your skills.”

  “My skills. Interesting word since I think you’ve already asked him to try and entice me into coming to work for you.”

  He shook his head vehemently. “He is his own man. Not like that at all.”

  “Then what is it?” I’d never seen him this uncomfortable. “Tell me, Father. I really do want to know.”

  “Kathleen, you’re very important to me and I need you working with me. In fact, I was hoping to talk with you today about taking over as VP.”

  “Vice president?” He’d upped the ante, which shocked the hell out of me. “I’m not qualified for that job.”

  “You’re more than qualified and I need you by my side. I can offer you two hundred thousand starting salary with full benefits of course. I need you, Kathleen. Together, we’ll make Kelly Industries an even bigger player.”

  I was absolutely floored, uncertain of how to react. “You know I can’t do that. I love my work.”

  “I thought you might say that.”

  “So you did everything you could to wreck my job.” When he didn’t deny it again, I knew the truth. “I don’t know what to say to you any longer. I love you, Father, very much, but I can’t stand the sight of you right now.” I backed away, tears forming in my eyes. Whatever he’d said had actually influenced my own captain.

  While something didn’t make much sense, I could tell by his reaction a heck of a lot more had been said. I shuddered and almost tripped in my effort to get to the door.

  “What about the party?” he asked.

  A nasty retort almost left my mouth, but I pulled back, taking a deep breath. “I’m not hungry. I’m certain Celia will understand.” I closed the door with a hard thud behind me, furiously wiping tears that had slipped past my lashes.

  As I walked toward the front door, another intuition snapped into my mind.

  There was something that several people were hiding, lies that had cost lives. What I realized at that moment was that I had no way of knowing who I could trust.

  Except for Max.

  And there was no rational reason for me to say that except I knew instinctively.

  I also knew bodies would begin to drop.

  And I was suddenly terrified.

  Chapter Eight

  Max

  “You will be the king of our people one day, but you must accept the responsibility. Then and only then can yo
u rule.”

  My father’s words had been said at least a dozen times but until recently they’d been met with deaf ears.

  I glanced up and down the street at the unsuspecting people living in what they believed to be a protected environment. They had no way of knowing they were little more than food.

  That is if wolves decided to go rogue. I’d come to believe that was far too much of a possibility.

  Werewolves.

  For Kathleen to come to that conclusion wasn’t surprising; however, I had to find a way to steer her in another direction. Fortunately, she had to leave for whatever meeting she had before she’d had a chance to explore the option, but not before hearing updates from the medical examiner. It wasn’t going to be long before the press gathered a hint of what we were dealing with.

  I was actually shocked the Denver police had been able to keep the horrific murders quiet up to this point. My instinct told me everything was about to blow wide open.

  I sat in my truck at the stoplight, unable to take my mind off Kathleen. She was absolutely beautiful in every manner, but her complete distrust of me was another aspect I’d have to deal with sooner versus later. I needed her. I craved her.

  Her scent covered me.

  I glanced into the rearview mirror, doing everything humanly possible to curtail the hunger. While she would have no way of knowing, she was intensely fertile, drawing me closer. I shifted in my seat, forced to rub my hand across my aching cock, driving my thoughts toward the images I’d seen of the murders.

  The pictures of the victims were telling. I’d managed to snap a few shots of her computer screen with my phone, even taking the time to enlarge a few. The evidence would prove useful with the other pack members, as if I needed to convince them a wolf had gone rogue. What I couldn’t understand was the reason the wolf had placed the victims in a certain position after their murder. The ritualistic mannerism was unlike anything I’d ever heard before, but there certainly had to be a reason.

  However, my gut told me that the wolf’s actions were more for the Wolfen and not for an unspoken ritual. My father would likely know. I was even beginning to fear an onslaught of the upgraded disease, its dormancy building strength and potency. If we found the rogue, his blood would be tested prior to his required elimination.

  As the light turned green, I glanced at my two duffle bags. I didn’t intend on staying at my cabin for long even though initiating the hunt was necessary. And I’d made a promise to my father. I’d told Director Finley nothing regarding the change in my living quarters. There was no need for her to know. I would have enough time to drop off my things before the planned meeting in the town hall. I had to admit it would be good to see some of my old friends.

  While I had a certain amount of guilt for breaking most of my ties, I couldn’t afford to reminisce about the past. There were too many skeletons.

  During the remainder of the drive, I debated how much I could tell Kathleen. She would continue to dig into a trail that would only lead her closer to the pack. Whether or not she fully became my mate, now wasn’t the time to introduce her to the community, although protecting her from afar could prove to be difficult. She was highly skilled, and capable of defending herself. I would likely learn soon enough whether the rogue had his sights set on her. If he did, I would kill him with my bare hands.

  I’d forgotten how lovely the small city truly was. The pack took pride in building a bustling economy, a city that was often visited by vacationers spending time in the mountains. As I drove through, I wasn’t surprised at the number of people who stopped on the street to stare, their eyes blackened from what they considered my betrayal.

  My grip on the steering wheel tightened the closer I got to the cabin. I’d called Johnny, preparing for my arrival and as with everyone else, my caretaker had already heard about my return. I made the turn onto my long driveway, gritting my teeth. I’d had other reasons for leaving the community, not just because of my budding career or my disdain for the old ways.

  The heartache had been too much to bear.

  I shifted forward in my seat the moment the cabin came into view and I was so shocked a smile actually crossed my face. I realized how much I missed living here, the peace and quiet creating tranquility in my otherwise tumultuous spirit. From what I could tell, everything had been well maintained.

  I barely had time to open the door, tossing my bags inside before turning around, ready to head in the direction of the town hall. The late afternoon sun was already shifting behind the mountains, leaving me with a bad feeling about tonight. I had a terrible premonition there would be another murder.

  Before the morning dawned.

  I grabbed several clips of ammunition as well as my rifle on my way out the door, my instincts on high alert.

  The moment I walked back outside, I could see another truck parked in my driveway. I’d recognize the nearly rusted-out old Ford anywhere. Politics were a necessity it seemed in every community, including the Wolfen pack. My father’s warning about my old friend was coming to pass. Gregor Fenton continued to harbor anger at my departure. Now we were two men determined to rise in the rankings, grabbing full leadership after our fathers had retired.

  Or succumbed to their old age.

  Only Gregor had changed, becoming a brutal and unforgiving man, much like Stone. To think the three amigos had shared everything for years seemed like a dream. Gregor had gained followers over the last few years in my absence, pontificating about his abilities to the point the villagers believed he was more of a god than a wolf.

  I walked slowly toward my truck, giving the man an opportunity to show himself. I could easily sense his anger and frustration at my return. The electricity churning in the fifty yards between us was intense, almost suffocating. Bad blood the pack didn’t need, not when we were facing a crisis.

  I could see his pensive face, the way his eyes bored into mine even as another round of light rain began to fall.

  He revved the engine, as if I’d take the bait he was offering. I wasn’t the kind of man or wolf to fight a duel, vying for top dog, a position I’d never revered. I simply wanted to hunt and capture the killer, squelching the rumors regarding some ancient curse.

  Let alone ending the bloodshed.

  I’d spent my entire life fighting for good versus evil. From what I knew about Gregor, he’d completely shifted his life, terrorizing weaker members of our pack in his effort to become the alpha. Perhaps I had spent far too much time away from my people, which my father had warned me could potentially harm our community.

  Accepting the role would only add to the discourse.

  I lifted the rifle, not in warning but a blatant attempt at some kind of solidarity. Gregor hesitated, idling the massive block engine before shifting the gears into reverse and accelerating. I glared after him as he rolled out, fighting the urge to go after him. A confrontation was also not in my best interest.

  Yet.

  It would come as a necessity soon enough. The simple fact was, given his number of followers, I needed his help in order to develop a tracking party if we hoped for any chance of finding the rogue wolf. I eased inside my truck, waiting until the dust cleared before turning over the engine. How I handled this meeting would determine if I could gain any level of support.

  For some reason, the drive was emotionally painful.

  There were hundreds of vehicles parked near the town hall, every available parking space and the surrounding fields filled. Except Gregor’s truck was nowhere to be seen. By the time I found a space, it was well after the announced start of the meeting. I could hear my father’s voice when I finally managed to enter the building. I studied the faces of the others on the city council, their expressions oddly bland. Seven powerful men had successfully maintained peace as well as sanity for decades. Every one of them would soon vacate their positions.

  How had the time gone by so quickly?

  The group barely noticed my arrival, yet they were already fueled with
anger and fear, tossing out innuendoes and questions in a fast and furious manner.

  “Be quiet!” one of the councilmembers yelled before motioning my father toward the microphone.

  I noticed my father’s slow gait as he approached. Only his eyes registered my arrival, happy that I’d kept my promise.

  “We are here to develop a plan in order to locate the person responsible for heinous acts of violence. There are indications of an animal attack; however, a wolf has been sighted,” my father said in his usual commanding tone.

  The initial hush was following by another round of insinuations. Another one of the councilmembers slammed a gavel on the desk several times.

  “We will have order!” the councilmember snarled.

  I inched closer, feeling the hatred and fear tingling every portion of my skin.

  “What if these murders have nothing to do with the Wolfen? What if we draw unnecessary attention to the situation?” the voice called out from near the back of the audience.

  “You know better, Markel,” my father answered, always using first names, his gaze shifting in my direction. “What we are facing is a situation that must be controlled immediately. You’ve all smelled the blood in the air and while the attacks have yet to be committed within our community, it is only a matter of time. What this wolf is doing could destroy our peace and prosperity. We simply can’t allow that to happen.”

  “And how do you plan on controlling the situation, Blackhawk? From what I’ve heard, there is a curse placed upon our entire community. Even your... son won’t be able to help us.” The man’s deep voice and his utter disdain rocketed throughout the room, creating a wave of dissention, a solid two dozen people supporting his claim vocally.

  My father had always been a stoic man, reserved in every way. He didn’t respond initially, merely giving his fellow councilmembers a quick glance.

  The curse. How the fuck had this gotten out amongst the pack? I bristled, pushing my way through several lines of people. I could tell I’d been seen by a solid dozen or so, their expressions of contempt evident.