Carnal

by Stone, Piper

  “Grab my computer and the notes. No one can get ahold of them.”

  He nodded, waiting until I crouched down before going into the bedroom. I was shaking as I attempted to grab some clothes and makeup, the hair on the back of my neck standing on end. I couldn’t believe I’d been such a fool. Why had I been assigned the case? My guess is someone figured I could be led down a certain path. That was insane. I managed to throw on some clothes, struggling into a pair of hiking boots.

  I grabbed everything I could think of, including every box of ammunition I had, and found Max waiting by the door.

  “We’re leaving the lights on, except for the hallway light,” he said quietly. “My truck is just outside. Stay directly behind me and keep low.”

  I nodded, still shaking. I pulled my weapon into my hand and as he grabbed my bag, I yanked my keys from the hall table.

  We made it to the truck without incident, but I could swear there were eyes watching us. I was still shaking as he climbed inside the driver’s side, immediately revving the engine. He rolled out of the parking spot before turning on his lights and the second he switched them on, my eyes were drawn to something standing near my house. The all-black figure was crouched low. Was I insane seeing a glow coming from a pair of eyes? No. No. Now I was hallucinating.

  “What the fuck is that?”

  He didn’t bother looking, merely accelerating. “As I told you, they might have called in reinforcements and if they have any connection to law enforcement...”

  He allowed the sentence to drop. “Then they’ll be dressed in sniper gear. Jesus.”

  “Just sit tight until we get out of the city limits.”

  I shifted my gaze toward him. “Where are we going?”

  “Somewhere safe for both of us.”

  “Where?”

  He said nothing as he slammed his foot down on the gas, weaving through the streets at over sixty miles per hour. I didn’t press the issue until we were on the interstate, heading out of town and I suddenly knew exactly where we were going.

  “We’re going to Roselake,” I muttered, my hand gripping the door handle as if I was ready to escape.

  Still, Max said nothing.

  “Tell me. Tell me, god damn it!”

  Sighing, his grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Yes, we’re going to Roselake.”

  “Why? Do you really think these people have anything to do with the murders? Please don’t tell me you’re buying into that crap.”

  “I’m not buying into anything, Kathleen. I own a cabin there.” He yanked out his phone, hitting a single button.

  “What?” I was shocked. Then I realized that I hadn’t thought about his obvious American Indian heritage. I was one lousy fucking detective. “They picked you because you were from Roselake.”

  “That’s what I’m guessing. We’ll be safe there. I have friends and my father lives in the community. He serves on the city council. Trust me, we’ll get all the help and protection we need.”

  I swallowed, shrinking into the softness of the leather seat. Still terrified. Still on edge. But I knew what I’d thought earlier was correct. Max was likely the only person I could trust. Was my partner in on this? Was his? There were too many questions and zero answers.

  I huddled in the corner as the miles flew by, processing the information as well as everything that had occurred between us. “I’m scared, Max. For the first time in my life I feel like I have no control.”

  “I know, but everything is going to be all right.” He spoke softly, easing his hand to my leg.

  “How can it? We have a serial killer either finding victims at random or... Shit. There has to be a connection between them.”

  “I agree. We’ll work on that first thing in the morning. Tonight, we’re going to get some rest.”

  Rest. As if I would ever be able to close my eyes again.

  “Do you believe in monsters?” I asked as I noticed the first interstate sign for Roselake. I’d anticipated his hesitation.

  “I believe monsters come in all forms, Kathleen. Whether they are primal animals hunting for food or humans who refuse to accept humanity, they will always live in close proximity.”

  “That’s very sad.”

  “But a part of our lives.”

  I nodded, as if in the darkness he could see my acknowledgement. I hated the fact I was shaking all over, my fear resonating from the basic realization that the horrors would continue. And there was nothing we could do about it. I closed my eyes, yanking the thin coat around me and falling into the hum of the massive engine.

  “You belong to me, Kathleen. Never forget that.”

  “Why?” I demanded, confronting him as I’d done several times.

  “Because fate brought us together.”

  I shifted, almost laughing at the thought. Fate. The warm hum that had surrounded me earlier seemed different, forcing me to open my eyes. I realized almost instantly that I’d been dreaming. “Where are we?”

  “Almost there,” Max said in the kind of hushed voice that indicated remorse or perhaps guilt.

  I sat up, fighting to push away the exhaustion. The darkness surrounding the truck was palpable, creating another wave of doubt as well as apprehension. When a few lights appeared in the distance, I was relieved. “Why did you move away from where you grew up?”

  He chuckled and I heard the twist of his hand around the steering wheel. The man was as tense as I was. “My job. I wanted to be closer.”

  “What did your family think?”

  “There’s just my dad and he understood my decision.”

  “What happened to your mom?” I wasn’t even certain why I asked.

  Max took a deep breath before answering, scanning the rearview mirror as he talked. “My mother died almost twenty years ago. Her heart gave out. Nearly destroyed my father.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  The silence was horrible, the tension almost as wretched as the rapid beating of my heart. “Did you ever have a family of your own?”

  He turned his head slowly, the shimmer in his eyes stealing my breath. “I cared about someone a long time ago. She wasn’t the one. She needed to be safe.”

  Safe. The single word was very odd, much like the man himself.

  “I understand. No man could tolerate the fact I was a cop,” I laughed bitterly.

  I could tell I wasn’t getting anything additional. As he drove through what appeared to be the main street through town, I couldn’t help but smile. Even at an ungodly hour in the middle of the night, the small shops and restaurants were brightly decorated, every location inviting.

  Then he drove into another realm of darkness, the headlights highlighting a narrowing road. Even the terrain was bumpier, jostling the truck as he drove toward the mountains. I had difficulty keeping my eyes open.

  I was only somewhat aware the rumble of the engine had ceased. Then I was in his arms. I was able to lift my head as he took long strides into some structure. He didn’t bother turning on a light before easing me down onto a soft surface. I was able to hear his boots as he moved around the room, wincing when the warm glow of a lamp filtered into the space.

  He didn’t bother addressing me as he moved back outside, bringing in my two bags. When he closed the door, the hard thud of the lock being positioned into place was a reminder that this was no vacation. He remained quiet as he moved out of sight, carrying my things, walking up an ornate set of stairs. After watching him for a few seconds, I took the opportunity to survey my surroundings.

  He’d called where we were going a cabin. From where I sat, the house was incredible; a massive stone fireplace leading up toward a cathedral ceiling, wooden floors that glowed even in the dim lighting, and beautiful yet very masculine leather furniture that reeked of the man himself. The expansive room was adorned with stunning area rugs and woodworking that must have cost a fortune. I had no idea why he wouldn’t want to live here.

  When he returned, he didn’t waste any time, moving
toward the fireplace and grabbing several pieces of wood positioned on the massive hearth.

  “This is beautiful,” I said quietly, as if my voice would disturb his reverie.

  He didn’t bother looking in my direction, merely continued building a fire. “My dad helped me build this place a few years ago. I always knew I’d come back one day.”

  “I don’t blame you.”

  The big, brooding man remained silent and when he was seemingly satisfied with the flames, he moved toward a cabinet on the other end of the room. He bent down, opening one of the doors, chuckling before pulling out a bottle. “Wasn’t certain you’d still be here. Damn good whiskey.” He seemed to notice my hard stare. “I’ve had a caretaker looking after the place in my absence. This was a special bottle of whiskey my father bought me. I wasn’t certain if Johnny had found it.”

  When he walked into another room, I crossed my legs on the couch, chilled to the bone. Nothing was going to keep me warm at this point. The fire was mesmerizing, the bright orange flames licking at the thick pieces of wood. I was surprised just how comfortable I felt, even though there were far too many questions racing in the back of my mind.

  Max returned, handing me a glass and sitting down in the oversized chair across from me. He remained on the edge of his seat and for some crazy reason, I couldn’t stop staring at his chest, the open and torn shirt a reminder of our passion. I forced myself to look away, fearful that the desire would return.

  “You saw something outside of my house. Didn’t you?” I asked, my tone more accusatory than I’d wanted.

  “Nothing that matters.”

  “Why do you keep doing that? Why? You want me to trust you so damn desperately, yet you treat me as if whatever detail you’re going to tell me about yourself will turn me away or worse.”

  “Maybe it will.”

  Huffing, I snapped my head in his direction. “Are you so dead set against keeping everyone at arm’s length?”

  He swirled the drink before taking a gulp. I wasn’t a damn patient woman and watching the almost contrite expression crossing his face pissed me off once again.

  “What the hell are you hiding? And I know you are,” I hissed between clenched teeth.

  “You know very little, Kathleen.”

  I shifted forward, leaning over and attempting to grab his full attention. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m a damn good observer of people. I know that whatever reason you didn’t want me to know that this little town is where you’re from is bothering the hell out of you. I also know that you didn’t just happen on that park where I was. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say you were there to find me. Why? That I don’t know, but I will figure it out. I also gather that you have a rather interesting past that prevents you from getting close to people.”

  He took another sip of his drink, holding the liquid in his mouth. The fucker was hiding behind a glass of whiskey in an effort to avoid talking to me. I couldn’t understand what was so important that he had to hide from everyone, including himself.

  I studied the amber liquid in the glass, my stomach churning. “Fine. I realize that you’re not going to talk to me and while that pisses me off, what does it really matter? You are dead set on protecting me, so that’s fine. You got me here.” I was ready to slam the thick tumbler down onto the table. Instead, I gently placed it on the beautifully carved wooden design, admiring the inlay before yanking back my hand. “I actually do like you very much, Max, and for some crazy reason, I know we’re connected. I can’t explain it, but I know you feel that way too.”

  I hesitated, hoping he’d say anything, but as usual, he remained his sullen self, simply staring at the fire.

  I jerked to my feet, rolling my eyes. “As I expected. A whole lot of nothing. What bedroom am I staying in?”

  He took yet another sip before bothering to answer me. “Second door on the right. There are fresh towels in the guest bathroom. Help yourself.”

  I was absolutely floored at the macho arrogance of the man. I skirted around the coffee table, my legs just as heavy as they’d been before. The moment I was on the landing to the stairs, I swayed back and forth, just as nauseous as I’d been a couple of nights before. “I told you before that trust goes both ways, but it’s earned, not forced. We all have demons, Max. God knows I do, but I’m not foolish enough to keep them all inside. They will eat you alive. From what I can tell, you’re a good man and one I’d like to get to know. But you have secrets you refuse to tell me. Don’t you?”

  Tick. Tock.

  The silence was deafening.

  “Let me in, Max. Whatever you have to tell me won’t frighten me. I’m tougher than I look. I want...” For a brief second I could see the same gorgeous eyes that had drawn me in, pulling me into the most incredible moments of passion. Then they changed. I blinked several times, a slight moan slipping from my mouth.

  Max quickly looked away, snarling under his breath. He could never trust me with whatever he’d been harboring inside for so long. Whatever it was had pushed almost everyone out of his life.

  “And I know in my heart that you’re never going to let me in,” I half whispered. “What a shame. What a real... shame.” As I walked up the stairs, my heart was heavier than it had been in a long time.

  And I honestly had no idea why.

  Chapter Eleven

  Max

  Trust.

  Respect.

  Honesty.

  Fuck. All the requirements of a good relationship. I huffed at the thought, taking another swig of my drink. The bourbon had aged, much like I had, although my age wasn’t relevant to anything or anyone, my lifespan almost twice that of a human. I’d lived long enough that at some point questions would begin to be asked why I wasn’t aging.

  I’d seen the way she’d looked at me, the longing to just let go, but only if I shared with her something that she wasn’t ready to hear. How do you tell someone that you are the beast meant for horror stories and nightmares?

  I’d already lost someone special in my life and I couldn’t allow that to happen again. The woman I’d allowed myself to care about had found out who and what I was. Her departure in the middle of the night had been devastating but a clear indication I couldn’t let my guard down. I’d been lucky she hadn’t raced to the cops. While Kathleen was my mate, my true destiny, I couldn’t force her to stay. I wouldn’t force her. I wasn’t that kind of man. Huffing, I realized in truth I had no idea who the hell I was any longer. I’d once thought I was a good man, one with honor.

  And now?

  “Fuck.”

  I fisted my hand as I leaned against the mantel, staring into the brightness of the fire. The warmth of the flame did little to stop the chills skating down my spine.

  We were in serious danger.

  While the information Kathleen had provided was disturbing, I couldn’t shake the fact that there was a wolf behind the murders. There wasn’t any doubt and I needed to find out the council’s decision. The hunt should still go on. If there was any truth behind the idea that a group of humans had garnered an alliance with a member of either pack, utilizing their ‘special’ skills to line their pocketbooks, I wasn’t certain I could hold back a number of beasts.

  In my eyes, the bastards would deserve to have their throats ripped out. Still, we needed to proceed with caution, developing a foolproof plan. Had bringing her here been a mistake? Hell, I wasn’t entirely certain of anything at this point but the fact there were clear indications that she was being watched couldn’t be ignored. She’d been right that I’d sensed something outside of her house, although if I had to venture a guess, the intruder was entirely human. She was also getting too damn close to uncovering details about my past that would eventually lead her to a conclusion of her own.

  What I had been able to gather was that there had been at least two separate visits from the same entity to her house. And there’d been the same almost metallic stench as the forest, but I would swear it as from a different wo
lf. Nothing made any damn sense. There were no overt signs of destruction or a camera of any kind, but whoever it had been had cased the entire exterior. The fact she’d seen a figure in the darkness while we were leaving would only add fuel to her ignited fire. She’d never stop until she found the truth.

  Hissing, I concentrated on the flames, my heart racing. I wanted to share with her every aspect of my life, including information about the pack. Hell, I craved everything about sharing some kind of a life with her, but the timing wasn’t right. My father was correct. Unfortunately, she would continue to dig into my past until she found some kind of answers.

  There were far too many unanswered questions regarding the murders. Who would go to such intense lengths to point the finger at Roselake and why? Perhaps the real question was why did I believe my father had more knowledge of the possible reason than I knew he’d admit to? Another volley of anger rushed into every muscle and cell. I was no different from Kathleen. I needed to know the truth.

  I was a fucking hypocrite. I refused to let her in on any aspect of my life even while I was fucking her.

  Mating with her.

  Grimacing, I couldn’t believe I’d shifted enough to allow the knot to form. I closed my eyes, savoring the way she’d felt in my arms, the longer coupling more intense than ever. My cock ached once again, the hunger almost maddening. I was angry with myself. Shit, I was furious with the world.

  I held the glass into the limited light, studying the crystal facets as they shimmered. Seeing the blood on her hand had almost put me over the edge. Knowing some asshole was out to get her had brought out the predator in me.

  And nothing and no one was going to change that.

  Visions of racing through the woods in my bestial form filtered into my mind swirling with the humanity that I’d clung to my entire life. My instinct was on high alert. The Wolfen had a powerful enemy and it had nothing to do with the Nightwalkers. I’d bet my life on it. As the images continued of the wretched slaughtered deer, I heard the cracking sound as the glass succumbed to my strength.