“Thanks for dumping this mess in my lap.” Standing, she scooped up the box with the last remaining donut before he could eat it as well. “I have things to do today, Cyrus. It’s time for you to leave.”
“One more cup of coffee?” He looked up at her with puppy dog eyes, his cup extended.
“No.” From experience, she knew he loved nothing better than visiting for endless hours, and subtle hints had no effect.
Slowly, he rose to his feet. “You are the epitome of generosity and kindness, Gwyneth. The very epitome.”
“Only when my back hurts because I was forced to sleep on the sofa, while a drunkard occupied my bed.”
“See? Charity is your middle name.” He kissed her hand in mock gallantry. “Never mind seeing me out. Thank you again for breakfast. So kind of you to invite me.”
She ushered him out not sure if she wanted to laugh or strangle him.
Reno sat in a corner in the Lycan Link cafeteria, idly watching the other employees. He nodded at those who walked by, being friendly but not encouraging any to join by making extended eye-contact. The room was only partially full, the spring weather having lured many out doors. He couldn’t blame them; the cafeteria décor was unremarkable. Plastic chairs with metal legs, beige walls decorated with a menu and various announcements from the upper-echelon about health and safety, joining the company volleyball league, or the need to update their security badge photos. If he hadn’t been waiting for Brandi he would have taken his meal outside as well.
The general hum of voices washed over him, punctuated by the occasional scrape of chair legs on tile floors and the clatter of dishes and trays being stacked as people finished eating. His own coffee cup made a soft thump as he set it down. He was on his third or maybe his fourth cup of the day and this wouldn’t be his last. Brandi would give him one of her looks if she knew.
She was on a healthy-eating kick right now, not over the top but pushing for less caffeine and more veggies. He stared down at the food he’d purchased for them to share; a basket of chicken fingers and fries, a salad and veggie sticks. Well, she’d be happy with half of it at least and he had gone with chicken instead of a burger. That should count for something, right? His logic was that as a wolf, he was more inclined to eat the creatures who ate the veggies, sort of streamlining the whole process; the theory hadn’t impressed her though.
On cue, Brandi slid into the chair opposite his. “Hi! Sorry I’m late.”
“I was about to give up on you.”
“Sorry. I was caught up in a meeting.” She flashed him an apologetic smile. “When I took that leave of absence from my DC position back east to work for the Affiliation Office, it was supposed to give me more time to spend in Kolding’s Pass. A few trips to Lycan Link. Most meetings will be cyber. Yeah. Right.”
“Look at it this way. I’m here. You’re here. Think of the possibilities.” He winked and she laughed.
“I suppose it is a good thing. If we hope to make a pup, it helps if we’re in the same time zone.” She grabbed a chicken finger from his plate. He eyed her action; she must be upset if she was forgoing the salad.
“It does generally work better that way. More fun, too.” He pushed the plate closer to her so they could share the food. They’d both been so busy with their individual jobs and trying to keep tabs on what was going on in Kolding’s Pass that their efforts to start a family had been thwarted more than once.
“With any luck, I’ll be finished early tonight, provided everyone can stop being so stubborn and over-sensitive.”
“What’s the problem? Is it the panthers again? Those damned cats—”
“No. It’s not them. You know, you really need to get over your animosity towards the species.”
“Only if they go first,” he muttered.
Brandi rolled her eyes. “Well, I find them to be quite cooperative. It’s the other groups that have my patience wearing thin. We’re trying to get all the groups to agree on a name for the alliance but everyone keeps coming up with objections.”
“A name? How hard can that be?”
“Very.”
“What are some of the suggestions?” He grabbed a fry from the plate and dunked it in ketchup.
“Well, I liked the Affiliation of Shifters and Others.”
“The A.S.O. Sounds good to me.”
“Yes, but the Witches and Fae don’t like being grouped as ‘others’. They feel it negates their importance in the alliance.”
“I can see that. And to each species, the rest are ‘Others’. What else did you come up with?”
“The United Non-Human League.”
“Hmm.” He thought for a moment and then shook his head.
“Or the Confederation of Magical Beings.”
“C.O.M.B.? That spells ‘comb’. Might make us sound like a bunch of hairdressers.”
“And it was felt the word ‘magic’ gave too much emphasis to the witching community.”
“I agree.” He popped another fry in his mouth and then pushed the plate away before there were none left for his mate; he’d already eaten his share while waiting for her. “The idea that we use magic to shift has been disproven. It’s a matter of using our energy and manipulating our molecular structure.”
“Err…not everyone agrees with that, you know.”
“Like those damned cats. Always talking about magic and goddesses.”
“Reno.” She gave him a warning look.
“Sorry.” He muttered the apology. Brandi had been soft on were-panthers ever since she’d met Malik, their current king. The smarmy scoundrel had used all sorts of slick compliments to win her over. His wolf growled at the very memory.
“Reno, let it go.”
He blinked, having been lost in thought. “What?”
“Your jealousy of Malik is cute, but let it go. He might be a handsome, well-mannered gentleman but I prefer my rough-around-the-edges Lycan.” She reached out to squeeze his hand and he gave a crooked smile. “Now back to names for the alliance. Do you have any ideas?”
He leaned back in his chair, his coffee cup cradled in his hands. “What about the League of Unspecified Magical Species.”
L.U.M.S.?” She shook her head. “Makes me think of lumpy.”
“Er…the Federation of Unspecified Magical Beings?”
“F.U.M.B.? That’s not any better.”
“I’ve got it! The Globally Unified Membership.”
She laughed. “Reno! That spells ‘gum’. Will you be serious?”
“Sorry.” He grinned. “But at least it erased your frown.”
She shook her head at him and he leaned across the table to give her a kiss.
As he sat back down, he changed the topic. “I was talking to Damien today.”
“Really? How is he doing? Is he over the shock of Sam being pregnant?”
“I think so.”
“Did you even ask?” She gave him a knowing look.
“Well, not in so many words.”
“Men!” She gave him an exasperated look. “Never mind, I have to fly to Chicago in a few days, I’ll talk to Sam and get the real scoop.”
“You’re going to Chicago?”
“Uh-huh. I have to interview some of the members of the Universal Coven.”
“Hmm… I wonder if I can work my schedule around so I can go as well.”
“That would be nice. You could visit with Damien.” She grabbed a carrot stick. “Why were you talking to him today?”
“We had business to discuss.”
“And what business was that?”
“Damien was wondering if there were any rumours about problems in the witching realm. Have you heard anything at the alliance meetings?”
“No, not really. Camille, their leader, hasn’t attended many of the sessions. When she has been there, she’s seemed bored, not the approachable type at all.”
“Not surprising. A lot of witches feel they’re better than the rest of us because their abilities are more varie
d.”
“And that’s why this alliance is so important. We need to get rid of the old prejudices and misconceptions and start working together.”
“Speaking of working together, do the witches have an envoy at these meetings or just this Camille person?”
“There’s a delegate named Bianca. She seems nice, quite eager to enter into dialogue and share what she knows.”
“Can you do me a favour? Start up a conversation with her and see if you hear anything that might be of interest.”
“Sure. What am I listening for?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know. Do you remember me speaking of Dante?”
She nodded. “An infamous rogue type, isn’t he?”
“That’s one way of describing him. Anyway, he’s in Chicago again and sniffing around Gwyneth.”
“The owner of Club Mystique? She’s one of the members of the Universal Coven I have to interview. I wonder why Dante would be interested in her?”
“That’s what Damien and I want to know.” He glanced at his watch. “I have to run. I’m supposed to be meeting Brad Owen in a few minutes.”
When he would have stood up, she put her hand on his arm and pulled him close. “One kiss for the road.”
“Anything my mate wants.” He gave her a slow, tender kiss, brushing his thumb across her cheek.
“Mmm, I can’t wait for tonight.” She whispered the words against his lips. “My heat cycle is about to start.
He growled in approval. “I think it’s going to seem like a very long afternoon.”
Chapter 13
“Our meeting didn’t go exactly as planned.” Dante spoke the words into his phone and then distanced the device from his ear as Higgins began to vent his spleen. As he waited out the verbal barrage, he watched the pedestrians pass by. It was noon and the foot traffic was starting to build as people stopped by the cafés to eat. The bout of warm weather had many of the eateries opening their outdoor seating and the colourful umbrellas dotting the area mimicked the spring flowers blooming in the planters.
The shouting in his ear ended and he resumed his conversation. “As I said, the meeting didn’t go as planned, however, progress was made.”
“Progress? If you’ve not gained access to the Coven, then we’re no better off than we were before.”
“Infiltrating an organization is like building a house. I’m laying the foundation and once it is set then we can work on the walls and a staircase which will eventually lead us upwards to our goal.”
“Don’t patronize.”
“I thought my analogy was rather inspired.”
“Spend less time being clever and more on getting the job done. High Council has somehow heard of the situation and is starting to ask questions.”
Dante clenched his jaw as he struggled to keep his temper at bay. Thankfully the phone went dead before he lost control. He placed the device on the table and slowly exhaled. Higgins could spout off as much as he wanted. The fact was being clever was what kept you alive. Barging in with figurative guns blazing would only set them back weeks, if not months, and they didn’t have that much time.
He’d planned things carefully, had factored in time for minor setbacks but the murder last night changed all of that. Having Higgins pointing out the obvious didn’t help. The situation was already eating away at him. With each death, he felt he’d failed. That if he had only been smarter or acted faster, maybe it could have been avoided. It was a self-defeating mindset. He was good. Damned good, and he didn’t know of anyone else who could do the job better. Lycan Link had brought him in because of his track record. Now they needed to be patient.
They should trust us, his wolf grumbled.
“They should,” he murmured then gave a self-deprecating smile. “Of course, we’ve spent most of our life creating the impression that we can’t be trusted. Our reputation works against us at times.”
We are skilled at deception, the animal agreed.
“When you live and breathe a character like we do, the lies come so easily they seem like truths.”
The arrival of the server ended his mental conversation and he nodded his thanks as a seafood pasta was placed in front of him.
He enjoyed the delicate blend of flavours while getting his mind- set back to where it should be. Club Mystique was across the road and he needed to be ready when Gwyneth appeared.
His meal was finished and he was lingering over dessert before she appeared. He immediately hailed her.
“Ms. O’Donohue, I’ve been waiting for you.”
She hesitated and then made her away across the street. “You’re like gum stuck to the bottom of a shoe, aren’t you?”
“Inelegant but essentially true.” He gestured to the empty seat across from him. “Please, have a seat.” At first, he wasn’t sure she’d comply. When she pulled out the chair and sat down, he smiled.
The waitress appeared, setting a cup of tea in front of her and removing his dessert plate.
“I took the liberty of ordering for you.”
She took a sip and widened her eyes in surprise. “How did you—?”
“The other day I couldn’t help but overhear your order. A fruit plate and a cup of Chai tea.”
“Couldn’t help overhear or eavesdropped?”
“Semantics.” He took a sip of his wine. “The end result is the same; you have the drink you like and I have the privilege of your company.”
“Not for long. I’ve no intention of wasting my time with you.”
“Time spent with me is never a waste.”
“You are an arrogant bastard, aren’t you?”
“It’s part of my charm.” He noticed the corner of her mouth twitch and satisfaction filled him. As he’d hoped, he was wearing her down. “Would you like something to eat?”
“No.”
“They do a lovely pasta primavera here.”
“I’ve already eaten.”
“Really? Next time I’ll have to give you more notice.”
She snorted. “Next time? You’re going to continue to try to insinuate yourself into my life?”
“I really have no choice. I have a job to do and if I don’t complete it, I won’t get paid.”
“And what is that job? And how does it involve me?”
He sighed. “We’re back to that, are we?” She moved as if to stand and he put a hand to stop her. “Fine. I want to find out about the Universal Coven.”
She stiffened. “Why?”
“Sorry. I’m not at liberty to say.”
“Is it about the alliance that Lycan Link is trying to forge with us?”
“It could be.”
“But if so, why all the secrecy?”
He shrugged. “I’m a simple employee. I do as I’m told. I’ve never been part of the inner circle of Lycan Link.”
“So, you admit that’s why you’re here.”
He leaned forward, hands lightly clasped on the table. “It’s your conclusion.”
“Wait a minute.” She narrowed her eyes. “The other day you said you’d been involved in extortion and theft.”
“Actually, you were the one who used those words. And you assumed it was from the wrong side of the law.”
“Was it?”
“Wrong side, right side, it’s really a matter of perspective, don’t you think?”
“Can’t you give even one fucking straight honest answer?”
“It is difficult for me but I’ll try. I adore the hint of a flush on your cheeks.”
“What?”
“You asked for honesty, so that’s what I’m giving you. Not only are your cheeks a becoming pink, but your eyes sparkle delightfully when you’re angry. And your lips…” he fixed his gaze on her mouth, “ask to be kissed.” Abruptly he leaned forward and brushed his mouth over hers. The shock on her face was equal to his own internal dismay. He hadn’t planned the move and the action had sent a jolt straight to his cock. Only experience in controlling his every response had him cont
inuing without a pause. It was time for a strategic retreat. Folding his napkin, he stood up. “It’s been a pleasure talking to you as always, Gwyneth. I’ll stop by the club tomorrow to discuss the workings of the Universal Coven. And, before you ask, Camille is aware that an Affiliation member was scheduled to come to Chicago. However, feel free to verify the fact with her.”
He walked away without looking back, pausing only to make a quick comment to the server; she remembered him due to his generous tip the other day and was only too pleased to assist him.
Much to his delight, he was still within hearing distance when Gwyneth began to curse. He’d left her with the bill; it was, after all, her turn to pay. Too bad he’d ordered the most expensive items on their menu.
Gwyn crumpled her napkin in her hand as she stared at Dante’s retreating form. The vexatious nut-hook had left her to pay his bill! And he’d kissed her! It had only been a brief brushing of lips but it had caught her completely off guard. Her mouth had tingled from the contact and her breath had caught in her chest.
Experimentally, she slid her tongue over her lips. A faint taste of him lingered, enough to send her heart racing, and not with outrage. Dammit, there was no way she was attracted to a Lycan! She’d been down that road once before and vowed to never make the mistake again. Tomas had broken her heart and… Well, in retrospect, it hadn’t really been broken but at the time it had felt that way. She’d been young, infatuated. Stupid. Not that it mattered, the end result was the same. She’d never love again and she certainly wouldn’t fall into bed with a Lycan.
He was stopping by the club tomorrow. Something to do with the proposed alliance. Or at least she’d assumed that was the reason. She frowned, then swore. As much as she disliked the woman, she’d better check with the Magissa. Assuming the identity of an official delegate seemed like something Dante would do.
She finished her tea, paid the bill—mumbling more curses at Dante’s expensive tastes—and then resumed the errand she’d started on when she’d initially left the club. It was her birthday in a few days. Exactly which one she wasn’t sure anymore; when time slowed, calculations like that were complicated. Whatever the case, she’d decided to treat herself to the opal she’d seen a few days ago at the vintage store.