by Crissy Smith
“Nothing yet,” Mac answered. “It makes me wonder if this was a hired hit.”
Melissa sucked in a breath.
“They weren’t very professional,” Trent pointed out.
“They were humans going after a human,” Magnus put in. “If you hadn’t been here, they might have walked right into the bedroom, killed Melissa and we wouldn’t have known until they were long gone.”
Trent growled as Melissa trembled.
“Magnus,” Logan warned.
“She’s not a civilian. She knows this,” Magnus pointed out.
It didn’t matter to Trent whether Melissa was a civilian or cop. She didn’t need to hear about what could have happened.
“Sorry.” Magnus lowered his head. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s okay,” Melissa told him. “I’m not a civilian.”
Trent opened his mouth to argue, but she turned her head to look at him. “Finish your statement. I want to get this over with. I’m tired.”
And she was still injured. Scared. The adrenaline was, no doubt, wearing off as well.
“Melissa retreated into the bedroom while I was on the floor in the hallway. I was getting feeling back in my body and managed to keep the first intruder down. Melissa took Mark out with a shotgun. She rushed over to where I was struggling with the first guy, but I managed to knock him out. We could hear sirens by then and Mac got here right after.”
“Okay,” Magnus said. “A few follow-up questions before we get Melissa’s statement down.”
“Do we have to do this now?” Trent asked. “I’d like to take Melissa back to my room.”
“It’s better if we do,” Magnus said. “You know that.”
He did. As an ex-cop, he understood that the sooner after an incident they got the victim’s statement down, the better chance of getting a real clue. But they had one of the suspects still alive.
“Let’s do this,” Melissa told him.
Fuck, she looked exhausted. “Okay.” He had no choice but to agree. She was a deputy, and this was her boss. She wasn’t going to shut him down. But as soon as he could get her away he was going to take her back to his room and make her sleep and relax. She’d already been through way too much in one day.
* * * *
Melissa held onto Trent’s arm as she followed him through the back door of The Den. She was glad Magnus had offered them a ride. There’d been no way she could have made the short walk. Her legs felt like they weighed a ton. She was so tired.
“Almost there,” Trent whispered.
He’d been so great. Since she’d answered the door and let him in, he’d taken control and made her feel safe. Even after the break-in and the attempt on her life, she wasn’t afraid. Just exhausted. Melissa knew she could let go of the stress and Trent would be by her side. Sure, after she got some sleep, she had a lot of work ahead of her. Hell, she didn’t even know if Magnus was going to keep her on the case. She’d been targeted twice in a twenty-four-hour period. But there had to be a reason for that. Why her? She needed to go back through all the research she’d collected.
“Turn off your brain,” Trent told her. They were standing in front of an interior door. She didn’t even remember walking down the hall to get there.
“Sorry.”
“No.” He turned and cupped her face. “You should be passed out by now. It’s after five in the morning. You need sleep.”
She needed him. Melissa nodded instead of correcting him, though.
“Let’s get you settled.” He unlocked the door then held it open for her.
His bedroom. Melissa didn’t know what she expected, but she was disappointed to see it sparsely furnished. There was no personality in the small space. No pictures or decorations, or anything showing who Trent was now.
“It’s kind of…”
Melissa turned. Trent was standing in the doorway with his hands in his pockets.
“It’s not much,” Trent said.
“It has a bed and you. That’s all I need,” she assured him. It was the truth. They could be in a cheap hotel in the middle of nowhere as long as she could lie down and be wrapped up in his arms.
“Good.” He closed and locked the door before dropping her bag on a chair. “Do you want anything to eat or drink?”
“Bed. You.”
Trent smiled. “Let’s get you undressed.”
He was gentle, but she still hissed when they tried to remove the hoodie she’d been wearing. Her arm was stinging.
“Okay,” he murmured. “It’s okay. Let me do the work.”
Melissa allowed Trent to remove her clothes. He moved her with great care until she was naked. He kissed her quickly before pulling the comforter back on the bed.
“Climb in,” he ordered.
She slid between the mattress and cover. He tucked the comforter over her shoulders.
“How about a pain pill?” he asked.
Melissa shook her head. “They make me stupid.”
“It’s going to be a hard couple of days. The Coalition is going to be here, and the investigation is merely getting started. Some good sleep would really be best.”
“I don’t want to be drowsy if something else happens,” she told him. What if she’d slept through the attack? Trent might have been killed. She began to shake.
“Shh.” He brushed the hair from her face. “This place has security cameras, a top-of-the-line alarm system and a bunch of shifters. You’re not safer anywhere else.”
Melissa sighed. She didn’t like the pills. “I’d rather have you.”
“What do you mean?”
Melissa sat up so she could lean closer to him. “Make love to me.”
Trent closed his eyes. “I want to. I need to feel you’re okay, but you’re hurt.”
“I need you,” she said. “Please.”
He stood. “Lie back. I’ll take care of you.”
Melissa returned to her back. Trent tugged his T-shirt over his head then kicked off his boots. He didn’t waste any time removing his clothes. Just watching him reveal his body had Melissa hungry for his flesh, all of him, from his strong hands to his hard cock. Trent was unbelievably hot and for the time being, he was hers.
She didn’t want to think about what would happen once things were over. If it was the danger keeping Trent by her side, she couldn’t get used to having him around. Melissa might be tempted to drag out the investigation, but she wouldn’t ever do that. Too many other people were in danger. Annabelle was still a target.
One of the reasons she’d agreed to return to the bar with Trent was because Logan was bringing Annabelle back, as well.
“Your attention isn’t where it should be.”
Melissa blinked up at Trent. He stood next to the bed stroking his erection. “Maybe if you came closer, I could show you what I’d rather be thinking about.”
He grinned. “And what might that be?”
“If you taste the same.” She licked her lips.
Trent shuffled his feet until he was leaning against the mattress next to her. Melissa leaned over to blow her breath across the head of his cock.
He groaned.
Melissa knocked Trent’s hand away and replaced his fingers with her own. She stroked him before rubbing her thumb across the tip and collecting the pre-cum from his shaft. “Mmm,” she said after tasting him.
“Please.” He pumped his hips forward.
“You want me to take you in my mouth?” she teased. “Suck you down to the back of my throat?” Trent had always enjoyed her talking dirty to him.
He balled his fists. “You’re playing with fire.”
“Am I?” Melissa closed the distance to flick her tongue over the mushroom head of his erection.
Trent gasped as he pushed forward. Melissa closed her lips over his hard cock. She’d once known every ridge and vein of his shaft. She needed to take the time to re-familiarize herself with his cock.
She hollowed her cheeks as she pulled off before diving b
ack to take him deep. With her hand wrapped around the base, she could control how deep she took him, even with him thrusting hard.
He’d begun to mumble as he gripped the back of her head. “Stop!” Trent pulled away.
“No,” Melissa whined.
Trent pushed her back onto the mattress then flung the comforter off. He climbed between her legs while sitting on his knees. “I never forgot how beautiful you were.” He ran his hand up her leg and around her hip then yanked her forward.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, Trent’s cock at her pussy.
“Take me,” she said. “Show me I’m still alive.”
Trent growled. “Alive and mine.”
She loved hearing those words. Even if they weren’t true.
“Show me.” Melissa needed him inside her.
“What if I want to play with you?” Trent trailed his fingers through her slick folds. He pressed down on her clit, making her arch and moan.
“Play later,” she panted out. “Do whatever you want later. I need you now.”
His grin was wicked, but at least he moved. Trent gripped her hips and lifted then moved until his knees were pressed against her lower back. He circled his hips, which brushed the head of his shaft against her.
Melissa whimpered. God, if she had the strength, she’d push him onto his back and climb on top to ride him until she was sated. She opened her eyes to plead with him.
“Better,” he praised. “I want you to watch as I claim you. Everyone is going to smell my scent. I’ll mark you from the inside out. Every inch will belong to me.”
Melissa trembled, her desire strong. “Yes!”
He pushed in smoothly. She was so wet and ready.
“Put your hands over your head. Press against the wall and hold on,” he ordered.
Melissa stretched out her arms until she could place her palms against the cool sheetrock. Trent held tight as he withdrew, then slammed back in. She cried out, pleasure swamping her. He repeated the move, rocking his hips and taking her as quickly as she’d urged with her demands.
Her hands began to sweat, the slickness making it hard to keep them flat on the wall. But with the way the bed was moving, she had to protect her head or be in danger of going through the sheetrock.
She cried out when her first orgasm was ripped out of her before she was ready. Trent never slowed down. He continued thrusting, only pausing when he needed to readjust his grip.
Melissa couldn’t think, could only feel, as she climbed higher and higher in ecstasy.
He grunted, beyond words, using his body to communicate with her. She tingled from head to toe. She climaxed for a second time. As she dug her nails into his back, he howled out his release.
His cum filled her, warming her, claiming her.
Melissa wrapped her arms around his neck as he collapsed. She was too tired to move. There was no way she was going to have any trouble sleeping. He’d taken care of all the stress from earlier. She didn’t need to think or remember. She could close her eyes and let Trent hold her.
Chapter Eight
Trent woke up with Melissa in his arms for the second time in twenty-four hours. He remained still, enjoying the weight of her body against his. Melissa rested her cheek on his shoulder with one leg thrown between his. For the first time in years, he settled.
He felt as though a boulder had been removed from on top of his chest. Trent could breathe. He was awake. Since the night he’d walked away from Melissa and his life back in LA, he’d been lost in a fog. It was hard to admit he’d been wrong and made some terrible mistakes. Trent had trained himself to stop caring about anything other than the people he considered family. Melissa showing up proved to Trent that he wasn’t the man he’d thought he was. He was an even bigger asshole. He had a second chance, though. If Melissa could forgive him, they might be able to salvage what they’d once felt for each other.
Hell, Trent just hoped for a chance. He could be the man Melissa needed. He knew he could. Or at least he hoped. In the last five years, he’d changed. But so had she. Melissa was more open, and if she meant what she’d said, she was willing to work things out. Waking with her was the first step in getting her to agree to give him another chance. At least he was in his own bed and didn’t have to worry about any more unexpected visitors. Here at the bar he’d ensure her safety. Even his hyena was settled, having her in his territory. She belonged with him. The animal inside knew it.
He peered down at the sleeping human. After he’d sated them both, he’d gotten Melissa comfortable on the bed to sleep in his embrace. He never wanted to move, unless it was a repeat of the activity they’d shared earlier that morning.
Damn, he’d never felt as good as when he was buried inside her.
He hadn’t been lying. He’d claimed her.
Although there was a tingle of regret he tried to push aside. She’d been shot, almost killed for a second time, then he’d lost control and taken her too roughly. Oh, she hadn’t complained, but a real mate would have put her needs before his own.
She moaned in her sleep before rubbing her cheek against his chest. Trent hummed with approval. That was a very shifter thing to do. She was human and didn’t understand she was marking him with her scent, but Trent knew and that was enough. He ran his hand down her bare back, trying to comfort her. The clock on the bed side table showed it was after twelve. They’d have to get up soon, but he wanted to let her sleep for as long as possible. Melissa at least deserved that.
They’d agreed to call the sheriff as soon as they were up and moving around. The town was on high alert. All the shifters knew there was a threat to their kind and any humans were suspicious. Except for Melissa. Not that he was going to let Melissa out of his sight any time soon. She’d probably want to work on the investigation, but they had all the resources needed right there. Guess it’s time to let her in on the town secret. To show her what I do now.
“You are thinking awfully hard for it being so early,” she whispered against his chest.
He chuckled. “Depends on how you want to look at things. It’s after twelve, so it’s not too early.”
She groaned. “It feels like we just went to sleep.”
“You can rest some more.” Trent didn’t want her to leave his arms quite yet. “How are you feeling?”
She didn’t answer for several long minutes. Not until she’d flexed, stretched and yawned. “Okay, arm’s still sore. My body is pleasantly worn out, as well.” Melissa grinned up at him. “Thank you for that.”
He chuckled. “Welcome?”
Melissa rolled until she was on her stomach, gazing up at him. “I’m sorry you got drawn into my mess. I know you wanted to be left alone. Now, you’ve gotten involved in an investigation.”
“It’s okay,” he told her. Trent meant it, too. When she’d first arrived, he’d been afraid he’d get his heart broken again. Now, the only thing he feared was not being able to protect her.
“No, it’s not,” she said. “I wanted to keep my promise. To not make you regret me being here. But how could you not? I killed someone last night.”
“You saved both of us, remember?”
“Still.” She shrugged. “You don’t want to be a cop and I—”
Trent laughed. “Stop,” he said. “I think I know where you’re going with this and there is something you should know.”
“What’s that?”
“This isn’t your normal kind of bar,” he told her.
“I kind of figured that out.” Melissa grinned at him. “Are you going to tell me what’s really going on around here?”
He nodded. Trent needed Mac’s permission, but he didn’t think Mac was going to have a problem with Melissa joining the group. Hell, every other member of the sheriff’s department helped out on occasion. “But first I need to tell you something that’s more important.” Trent was not going to chicken out. He would put himself on the line and pray Melissa felt the same way.
“Is it bad?” she a
sked. “Because I don’t think I can handle much more bad news right now. I mean, if you think this is a mistake—” She waved her hand between them. “I guess I can understand that, but I don’t think it is. I know I screwed up before, but I’m not the same person I once was. I’ve changed. I’ll support you. I want to see you in your animal form. I won’t—”
“Shh.” He covered her lips with his fingers. “You’re stealing my thunder here.”
“What?” Her words were muffled behind his fingers.
“I know we can’t forget the past. I don’t actually want to because that would mean forgetting Adam, and that’s wrong. But I’m the one who failed you. Not the other way around.”
“I…”
“No,” he said firmly. “I found the threats. You’d been dealing with more than I ever knew.” Trent removed his hand. “I didn’t think about what my coming out as a shifter would do to you.”
“I should have told you,” she said. “I thought I could handle it. Until Adam was killed, then I knew he wasn’t the only one who was going to get hurt.”
“I understand now. I shouldn’t have put that on you,” he said. “I’m in awe of everything you tried to do after I left.”
“I wish I could have done more,” she told him. Melissa pushed up onto her elbows. “I tried, I really did. The LAPD is a big organization.”
“You made changes happen,” he pointed out. “You mattered.”
“So you forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive. Do you forgive me? For leaving you behind? Letting you deal with what should have been my mess?”
“I never blamed you for leaving,” she said. “I would have probably have done the same thing. I didn’t have as much to lose as you did.”
He shook his head. Trent didn’t think Melissa would have run, but it was too late to go back and change things. He could only hope that meant they had a future. “I’m glad you ended up here. I know now I would have spent the rest of my life being alone because you weren’t by my side.”
She stiffened. Trent couldn’t look at her, though. It had to be easier to say the words if he didn’t have to see her eyes.
