Page 23 of His to Possess

“Imagine my surprise when Captain Drake Walters of the DPD called me directly, letting me know that one of our agents might have information in a murder case and could prove to be very helpful given his level of… expertise.” Sheila’s words were laced with criticism. She slanted her hardened gaze in my direction. “Care to explain?”

“I was in the right place at the right time, Director Finley. Just searching for Mr. Miller. Nothing more,” I said with no inflection.

“Without your partner,” she said, half laughing. “Well, funny how Captain Walters credits you with saving one of his detectives’ life. I would think that was worth mentioning this morning at our usual meeting. Wouldn’t you?” She rose to a standing position, disgust crossing her face. “Is there more you need to tell me about this case? Some animal mauling people?”

I felt Logan’s heated gaze. “There’s nothing to tell. Three horrific murders. I don’t know anything else. I’m not certain how I can help them.”

“That murder in the park last night? Why the hell didn’t you call me?” Logan insisted.

“You were checking out another lead,” I answered, even though I’d lied to him about where I was going, and I was miles away from where I was supposed to be.

She shook her head. “Well, it would appear that Captain Walters has friends in high places. Even the mayor called me this morning. As it was explained to me, this case isn’t something they want the press to get ahold of in an election year. It also wouldn’t be good for my personal aspirations. So, here we are.” She tapped her fingers on the desk. “What else reeks of interesting coincidence? Oh, yes. The lead detective’s partner is going out on medical leave for an extended period of time. Funny how that works so neatly together,” she huffed as she walked around her desk, sitting on the edge and handing me a signed piece of paper. “I’m releasing you to work with them, Cordero. For now. Keep in mind, I don’t like being pressured. By anyone. If I find out you engineered this, I’ll have your badge.”

“I had nothing to do with getting assigned to this case, but I’ll do what I can,” I answered, uncertain how the hell Kathleen would react. However, working closely with her was optimal. Adrenaline rushed through my entire system, creating a wave of energy. Suddenly, all I could do was think about her.

“You’ll damn well do more than that. Keep your nose clean and find this bestial killer. I don’t want a single blowback on our department. You got it?” Sheila looked from one of us to the other. “Now, get the hell out of here.”

Logan backed away, offering a respectful nod as he reached for the door. When we were outside, he shot me a look. “This wouldn’t happen to be the same girl you might or might not have a hot date with, would it?”

“Just a detective in need of a helping hand,” I snarked. “Nothing more. Nothing less.”

“Uh-huh. You’re hiding something. I can smell it on you, partner. We’re going to need to work on our communication. Have fun with the boys in blue. Who knows. Maybe I’ll run into you in my undercover assignment.” Logan shook his head as he walked away. Hell, who hadn’t I alienated over the last few months?

But this time, maybe karma was working in my favor.

* * *

As I headed down the road toward Roselake, the snowcapped mountains looming in the background, I realized my hands were shaking. When I’d left the community a few years before, it was under the understanding that I’d return, using my training as a specialized police officer to protect our two thousand inhabitants. After I’d left, I’d refused to take my place at my father’s side, angering the entire city council. To be stuck in a life with no real connection to outsiders held no appeal, no matter the circumstances.

I’d remained close out of respect to my father and the way of life, at least by way of telephone and email. I’d offered advice, even breaking up a few skirmishes in town here and there, but I’d refused to live on site. I would protect my pack, if only from afar, something a huge majority of our people had never given me credit for. To many of the elders, I was an outcast, incapable of leading the pack.

Lead.

“One day you will be king.”

How many times had my father issued those words when kissing me goodnight as a child? After my mother’s death, he’d done everything he could to provide a normal life, just as my human mother had begged as her dying wish. I shuddered merely thinking about her. She’d been such a rare exception to our world, my father breaking rules he’d rallied behind his entire life.

Everyone in the pack had looked the other way at his disobedience.

Not with me. I was the black sheep of our world.

I’d balked at the lineage for years and while there would always be an alpha male leading, there hadn’t been a king in centuries. We weren’t some warring organization, preparing to take over humans. We were another species coexisting in peace.

“But the time is near, the ancient prophecies indicating a new coming.”

How many times had I heard that line before as well?

I had to give our ancestors credit. They had been wise in their actions, buying up parcels of land long before Denver was built. Even the design of Roselake had been strategically done, providing for maximum protection from all sides.

Especially since the well-established city backed up to the mountains.

As I drove into the far edge of town, the scent was strong, much more so than I remembered. Dozens of children had been born recently. New blood. New life. From what I’d heard, there was significant happiness amongst the ranks. Maybe a part of me was longing to settle down. Sadly, if the murders were connected to the Wolfen, the lingering pall would alter their lives.

My grip on the steering wheel became tighter as I headed toward my father’s expansive ranch. He owned a huge parcel, a beautiful house with several barns and an exquisite view. It had been an incredible place to grow up.

I even owned a smaller piece of property at the bank of the mountains, a quiet place that I used to love. I’d even spent countless hours renovating the log cabin to be exactly the way I envisioned.

Then I’d left, hiring a caretaker to look after the place from time to time.

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