Page 36 of Haze

Again it almost sounds like shuffling, but she doesn’t answer. I don’t smell anything suspicious. Nothing points toward foul play, but even if it’s to tell me to fuck off, why hasn’t she answered?

“Kathleen, if you don’t open up, I’m letting myself in,” I explain louder.

I don’t need the neighbors thinking I’m a prowler, getting myself into trouble.

This time no sound comes from the other side of the door. I reach into my inside coat pocket and pull my lock-pick set out. Old habits die hard. I work the rake and torque wrench into the keyhole, and the lock glides open like butter. Her lock has to be replaced, that was far too easy. I slide the kit back into my pocket.

Unlatching the closure on my gun holster, I keep it concealed as I enter her apartment.

After closing and locking the door behind me, I take note of the apartment. It has a nice layout, with the living room, dinette, and kitchen as one large open space. I can see everything without having to take trips into various rooms.

Depositing the flowers on the countertop, as quietly as the paper sleeve will allow, I follow the hallway to the left of the kitchen toward the back, which I’m guessing holds the bedroom and bathroom.

Sound comes from down the hall.

I call out again. “Kathleen?”

No answer. My wolf is on edge and pushes me forward.

I don’t smell anyone besides Lena. But I’m not willing to risk it. Drawing my gun, I move with light footsteps on the floor. Another murmur comes from down the hall.

The bathroom door is ajar, so I nudge it with my shoe, keeping the gun pointed toward the floor. Empty. I creep closer down to the only other door.

Her sweet scent hits me, and I’m salivating at it.

God damn it, Kathleen. She’s in heat. I push to turn around and leave, but it’s no use.

My wolf’s attention is focused on her. We feel her in our soul. She’s the missing piece God designed for us. I can’t deny the pull. I draw a deep breath and put my gun back in its holster against my chest.

Her bedroom door is ajar, and the blinds are only partly drawn. Leaning against the wall, I have the perfect view of her panting and writhing on the bed. She’s soaked in sweat. Naked skin glistens in the diffused light. Lena rolls around, lost to her lust, working a dildo in and out of herself. The sweetest moan comes from her as she chases release.

Wanting to catch more of her glorious form, I push the door open. My cock is stiff in my jeans, throbbing with each twist of her naked body. I clench my jaw and shoulders, restraining myself.

The movement of the door grabs her attention. Lena turns her head, eyes snapping to look in my direction.

“Damn it, Finn,” she snarls at me.

Her hair falling out of its bun adds to her feral beauty.

Logically, I should leave, text Cade, and have him post between us. Lena’s made her feelings clear about me. The risk of the two of us together during this is too great.

I don’t want to take a choice away from her, but heat... is a cruel mistress. She’ll play with your brain and emotions, turn your body against you, and make man and woman alike lose themselves to it. Even now, seeing Lena in the throes of it, with her scent filling the air, I know I need to leave before I can’t.

Lena cries out as another wave of pain hits her. The sound of her anguish hits me like a punch in the gut.

Our mate needs us. We can help her. Quit stalling the inevitable. My wolf pushes hard for me to go to her. Anything to lessen Lena’s pain.

I take a step forward. My pants are tight, and it’s painful watching her fuck herself with a fake cock that’ll never fully satisfy her. It should be me buried in her. That’s my cunt, and I dislike her fucking it without me being involved.

Her hand falls away from it as she growls, warning me away.

“I’ll call Cade to protect you from me.” Offering kills me.

I take that same step back. My wolf smashes against me, fire burning within. He demands I stay.

“No, Finn. No. Need you,” she pants. Her body contorts again. “Please.”

“Oh, sweet Kathleen, you’ve damned us both,” I groan. I’m getting hot under the collar.

---