Yet, she swore his scent filled her nose. Raising a sleeve, she took a deep inhalation and was bombarded with a faint male scent of man and forest she was slowly becoming addicted to: Aidan’s.
The door opened and Claire frowned at Dani’s face. The redhead grabbed her arm and tugged her toward the living room. “I heard you were done. You look perfect.”
“Why did you give me Aidan’s clothes?”
She shrugged. “I have a key to his place and it was the closest.”
Claire could waste what precious minutes she had left asking more about the clothes, but she wanted to know about the clan. Once Dani sat down on the couch, Claire remained standing and crossed her arms. “Who are you, exactly? And don’t tell me your name. You seem on equal footing with Aidan, and I’m curious why.”
“That’s because I am. After Kian’s brother mated Kaya and moved to GreyFire’s land, Aidan and I were put in charge of security. Of course, I like to think I slightly outrank him.”
Claire sat down on the opposite end of the couch. “Then if Aidan’s so high up in the ranks, why is he my shadow? I’m in charge of an organization and I would never ask my second-in-command to do a job someone lower on the totem pole could do. It seems like a waste of skills.”
Dani assessed her a second before nodding. “I was right about you. You’re intelligent. That will help both you and the clan a great deal.”
“That still doesn’t answer my question about why Aidan is assigned as my shadow.”
Shrugging, Dani crossed one leg over the other. “He’s devoted the last five years of his life to his work and he’s close to snapping. Kian knows it, and decided you might be the answer.”
Claire forced her expression to remain neutral. “You’d better explain that better, because as it stands, you make me sound like a mare about to be sent out to stud.”
Dani grinned. “I wish I could simply give Aidan a female and calm him down, but it’s not that easy. You see, his mate was killed by poachers five years ago.”
“What?”
“It’s true. Despite the myths, shifters can take a new mate if they wish, once they pass the grieving stage, but Aidan hasn’t done so. He’s been pretty damn reserved. At least, until he met you.”
Claire blinked. “I don’t understand. Why are you telling me this?”
“I just figured it was something you should know.”
No doubt, Dani had an ulterior motive, but Claire would set her straight. “Listen, if you’re trying to clear the path for me to jump into bed with him, it’s not going to happen. My work is too important.”
Raising an eyebrow, Dani gave her a piercing stare. “I admire your work, but there’s no one here who would tell your secrets. I can spot a female who devotes her life to her work at the expense of everything else.”
She clenched her jaw. “And how, exactly, can you do that? Some shifter magic I don’t know about?”
Dani’s smile faded. “No, because I’m the same way. The only difference is I don’t have anyone I can turn to because of how far up the hierarchy I am. You, on the other hand, have the chance to help both Aidan and yourself.”
Heart beating double-time, Claire struggled to keep her face neutral. “While I’m sorry for your predicament, you won’t be able to live your life through mine. I spent the last five years, and more, trying to gain shifter-human equality. I’m not about to allow a hottie to distract me.”
“So you do find him attractive.”
Claire ignored Dani’s statement. “Now, you promised me some answers and I want them. How does everyone know so much about me?”
Dani studied her a second before replying, “I won’t give out names, but through our DS Engineering business in Seattle, we have access to a lot of talented humans. Not everyone believes the same as Human Purity or other extremist groups, and they help us out every once in a while.”
Human Purity wanted all shifters eradicated, or just about. “If you have all of these talented people, then why didn’t you reach out to SEA earlier?”
“The SEA was doing well enough on their own. No matter how much it may grate against my nerves, humans fighting for us does more good than shifters standing up for ourselves.”
Some of Claire’s earlier anger eased. “I know, but you see, that’s why my work is so important. I want shifters to be on equal footing and not second-class citizens.”
Dani patted the couch beside her. “Sit down, Claire. I’ll answer a few more questions, but first, I want to know what kind of shifter your aunt is mated to.”
Claire hadn’t been able to talk about her aunt in over a decade. The urge to remain quiet was strong, but given how much DarkStalker needed her help, she could probably share general details without getting into trouble. Besides, thinking of her Aunt Gwen, sadness squeezed her heart. Claire missed her.
Sitting down, Claire met Dani’s eyes again. “He’s a bear, although I’ve never met him.”
“Interesting. The bears around here are mostly lawyers and keep to themselves. I’ve wondered what they’re like.”
Claire tucked that piece of information away for later. Maybe she could convince Kian to invite the bears to a meeting. “I don’t know, really. I haven’t met any of them, either.” Claire settled into a more comfortable position. “Now, tell me what you can of the DarkStalker and GreyFire alliance. The more information I have, the more I can implement the alliance into my campaign.”
Dani didn’t so much as blink at the change of topic. “How much do you know?”
“Not much, just that you worked together to stop an epidemic last year.” Dani opened her mouth, but Claire beat her to it. “No, it’s not common knowledge. If it were, every anti-shifter group in the world would be developing their own shifter-specific viruses. I, on the other hand, have a number of shifter contacts in the city. I heard it from one of them.”
The shifter female looked like she wanted to ask more, but merely nodded. “Rather than press for details, I’ll hold up my end of the bargain.”
Claire had a feeling Dani would know the names of all Claire’s contacts in the city within a matter of days.
The shifter kept her word, though, and went into the details and history of the alliance. As Dani spoke, Claire was able to forget the shifter’s earlier comments about Aidan. She may be stuck on DarkStalker’s land for the next month, but she had plenty of work to keep her busy. She wouldn’t think of Aidan, let alone how he must be hurting from the loss of his mate. From what little she knew about the cougar anyway, he wouldn’t want pity or sympathy. Claire had no intention of treating him any differently the next time she saw him.
Well, except for avoiding his touch or kisses. Those she would force herself to do without.
Chapter Six
As Aidan headed back toward Claire’s quarters, it took everything he had to keep his expression neutral. The meeting with Kian hadn’t gone as he’d liked.
Kian was determined to have Aidan as the human’s guard. What bothered Aidan was his clan leader not telling him the specifics of why. His only answer had been, “You need a change.”
I don’t need a fucking change. He was good at his job. Apparently, he was being punished for working hard.
Questioning his leader’s orders was unusual for him, but none of his other assignments had involved being in the same room as Claire Davis. One whiff of her scent would turn his cock hard.
He needed to think of some way to keep distance between them.
Then it hit him. If he brought Chloe with him, then he could focus on his daughter’s safety and happiness. Kian hadn’t told him he couldn’t. Aidan would pounce on the opening.
He made a quick turn and soon arrived at his brother’s quarters. After a quick knock, Aidan’s younger brother, Jeremy, opened the door with a quizzical look and asked, “Can you tell me why Chloe needed to stay here? I never mind, of course, since my mate loves to look after her. But is there a threat I should know about, brother?”
Aida
n shook his head. “No, just a new assignment. I wish I could tell you more, but Kian should make an announcement in the next few days.”
Used to Aidan’s secrecy, Jeremy nodded. “Can you stay for dinner?”
“No, I need to collect Chloe and get back to work.”
Jeremy gave him a curious look, but didn’t press the matter.
His daughter rushed out of one of the side rooms. Aidan crouched down and engulfed her in a hug. Chloe’s voice was muffled against his chest. “Daddy, you’re here.”
Breathing in his daughter’s light scent of wild flowers, some of Aidan’s stress dissipated. “Yes, my little cub, I’m here.” He leaned back to smooth Chloe’s curly hair from her face. “But I have a special assignment.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “This time, you’re going to be my secret partner. Would you like that?”
She squealed before putting on a serious face and whispered, “What’s our secret partner assignment?”
“Well, we need to protect a human and make sure she stays out of trouble.”
“A human? Like Lauren?”
He nodded. “Yes, baby, like Lauren. Are you up for the challenge?”
Chloe bobbed her head and then wiggled out of his hug. “Let me get my backpack. We can fill it with special soldier tools.”
Aidan chuckled as his daughter raced into the next room. Standing up, he looked to Jeremy. “I know you heard me, but don’t repeat what I just told Chloe. Your mate is fine, but no one else.”
Jeremy nodded. “Of course, but I never thought you would be the one guarding a human.”
“It wasn’t my decision.”
Chloe raced back out, with Aidan’s sister-in-law right behind her. Aidan walked over and gave his sister-in-law a hug. “Thanks for helping out with Chloe, Naomi.”
Naomi released him. “No problem, Aidan. Whatever this ‘secret assignment’ is, she’s pretty excited about it.”
An unanswered question lingered in the air and Aidan decided to answer it. “She won’t be in any harm. Believe me, it should be somewhat educational for her.”
Naomi studied him a second. “If you say so.”
Chloe grabbed his hand and pulled. “Come, Daddy, we should hurry. I want to start our assignment.”
Aidan bit back a smile and looked to his brother. “Thanks, Jeremy. I’ll stop by in a few days. Hopefully by then, I can fill you in on what’s going on.”
Chloe tugged his arm again and Aidan gave in to his daughter. She was so determined that she didn’t say a word as she practically ran down the hallway. Only when they reached where the corridor split off into different sections did she stop and look at him. “Which way, Daddy?”
“Head toward our home.”
She frowned. “Why? I want to get started.”
The way Chloe stood there, with a frown and stubborn jaw, reminded Aidan of her mother. At least, he would always have a small part of Emily in their daughter. “Our person to protect is staying across the hallway from us.”
Chloe’s amber eyes lit up. “Then we can bring her into our apartment sometimes, too. Maybe she wants to play dragons with me.”
The image of Claire with her arms out to mimic flying and roaring through the living room made him smile. “You can ask her tomorrow.” He covered the few steps between them and leaned down to Chloe’s ear. “First, we need to make sure she is safe. Then you can ask her anything you like, okay?”
Chloe nodded enthusiastically. “Good, because I have a lot of questions about humans.”
He took his daughter’s hand. “Then let’s hurry.”
As they made their way toward Claire’s apartment, Chloe rattled off a list of everything she wanted to ask the human. He smiled. His daughter had always been a gregarious chatterbox. With her in the same room as Claire, Aidan would never have the chance to think of kissing the human, let alone anything else.
Yes, bringing his daughter along was the best idea he’d ever had.
~~~
Claire had committed to memory the important facts of the DarkStalker and GreyFire alliance. Just as she opened her mouth to grill Dani about DarkStalker’s troubles with the anti-shifter groups, there was a knock on the door. Dani stood up. “I’ll get it.”
When the door opened to reveal Aidan, Claire wanted to tell him to go away. Then a little girl no more than six or seven, with a mass of dark curls, raced inside and stopped in front of her.
Before Claire could do more than blink, the little girl leaned in and whispered, “I’m your second bodyguard. I’m going to make sure there aren’t any bad people in your place.”
Then the girl raced into Claire’s bedroom. A deep, male laugh from the doorway drew her attention. Frowning at Aidan, she demanded, “What the hell just happened?”
Dani shook her head. “That’s Chloe, Aidan’s daughter.” Dani shot an inquiring look at Aidan. “I’m wondering why she’s here.”
Aidan shrugged. “I can’t just turn over my daughter for a month. As long as we’re inside DarkStalker’s cave system, Chloe is safe enough to stay with me during this assignment.” His eyes flashed with amusement as he looked to Claire. “Oh, by the way, I told her she’s my partner for this secret assignment. Expect her to play the part.”
Claire opened her mouth, but Chloe raced back out and stood in front of her dad. “I didn’t find any bad guys. It should be safe here.”
Aidan squeezed the little girl’s shoulder. “Good.” He turned his daughter to face Claire. “Claire, this is my daughter, Chloe. Chloe, Claire Davis is the human we’re going to protect for the next month.”
Claire wanted to ask Aidan for more specifics, but was mindful of the little girl staring at her with amber eyes. The eyes reminded her of Aidan in his cougar form.
While Claire didn’t have any children of her own, she had done her fair share of outreach programs to schools in the area. The first few minutes of meeting a child often dictated how they would treat you forever. If Aidan thought to unsettle her with his daughter, he was in for a surprise.
Standing up, Claire walked over to Chloe and put out a hand. “Nice to meet you, Chloe.”
The little girl stared up at her for a second in awe before blinking and taking her hand. After a few enthusiastic pumps, she replied. “What is the weird thing on your face?”
Claire smiled as she touched her glasses. “You mean these?” Chloe nodded. “Well, unlike shifters, some humans can’t see very well. If I don’t have these special glasses, everything beyond my arm’s length is blurry.”
“Can I try them?” Chloe asked.
Crouching down, Claire removed her glasses and put them on Chloe’s face. “What do you think?”
The little girl blinked a few times. “Everything is fuzzy. How can you see?”
Removing the glasses, Claire put them back on. “That’s how I see normally, Chloe, without the glasses. They are very important to me, so one of your missions is to make sure I don’t lose them, okay?”
“Okay.” Chloe looked up at her dad. “What’s next? I want to help.”
Claire moved her gaze to Aidan. The smile and warmth in his eyes revealed a loving father beneath his grumpy exterior.
Aidan motioned his head toward the kitchen. “How about you sit at the kitchen table with Dani for a few minutes while I talk with Claire in private?”
Bobbing her head, Chloe rushed to Dani and took her hand. “Come on, Dani. You can give me some tips on how to protect Claire better.”
Dani smiled. “I have some really good ideas, Chloe. I’ll even tell you some secrets.”
Chloe cheered. “Yay, then let’s get started.” She looked over her shoulder to her father. “You can take a while, Daddy. I want to hear all of Dani’s secrets.”
Claire only just stopped herself from laughing at Aidan’s frown. His deep voice was suspicious. “Just don’t give her any dangerous ideas, Danika Fisher.”
Dani gave a mock salute and guided Chloe to the table. Claire met Aidan’s eyes. “Well? What
do you need to tell me?”
He placed a hand on her elbow. “Not here. Come with me.”
Opening the door, he brought her out into the hallway. Claire was about to ask again when Aidan unlocked his own door and opened it.
She frowned. “Why are we going in there?”
“Because it’s private.”
~~~
After Aidan guided Claire inside his apartment and shut the door, he turned toward her. “Why are you wearing my clothes?”
She shrugged. “Dani gave them to me. As soon as I get my own, you can have them back. I’m sure these aren’t the only things you own.”
No, they weren’t. But Aidan’s cougar was purring at the sight of the human wearing their clothes. Not only that, she was currently covered in their scent.
His cougar’s possessiveness pulsed throughout his body. The cat didn’t care about what the human wanted; he just wanted to kiss Claire.
His eyes must have flashed, because Claire’s own widened. “Why do your eyes keep flashing? I know sometimes shifters do that with strong emotions, but I would surely hope you don’t hate me that much.”
Desire pounded harder. Aidan was close to losing control of his inner cougar. Through gritted teeth, Aidan managed to say, “Yes, my cougar is having some strong emotions, but it sure as hell isn’t hate.”
Claire took a step back and placed a hand on her chest, drawing his eyes to her plump breasts. “I know what nearly happened before, Aidan, but it’s not going to happen again.”
With his cat demanding at least Claire’s scent, Aidan crossed the distance. Lowering his head to her neck, he took a deep inhalation. The scent of female and lavender calmed his cat a fraction.
Claire’s voice was strained. “Aidan? What are you doing?”
His plan to use his daughter as a barrier was failing. Even if they marched back over straight away, Chloe would go to school tomorrow and what then?
He’d be fucked.
Pushing at his control, his cougar urged him to hurry up and kiss the female. That was all he wanted.
Resisting the Cougar (Cascade Shifters #2) Page 5
