Page 31 of His to Possess

She seemed to be weighing my words against any concept of sincerity. “Thank you. I work hard and take pride in my job.”

“As you should. What do you really think is happening with these murders? Have you found any connections?” At least we were far enough from anyone else not to be overheard.

“I don’t have a theory yet and no, there are no connections.”

“Tell me what you do know.” When she hesitated again, I offered a genuine smile. “You might be surprised how much I can be of help.”

She sat back, toying with her drink. “The three victims are of various ages, different nationalities and work in three entirely diverse fields, although all three were highly successful. On the surface, I see nothing in common.”

“And the conditions of the bodies?” I tried to keep the question casual as to not raise yet another red flag.

Her jaw tightened before she answered. “They were all similar in nature. They were attacked from behind, dragged at least a hundred yards to a more secluded location before being mauled.”

“Which follows the animal attack theory.”

“But that’s not right,” she insisted, leaning so close I was able to catch a glimpse of her rounded breasts. I swallowed hard even as my cock twitched. “I understand why some of the early police officers would think it was an animal attack, but their faces were clawed, their necks ripped out.”

“Like an animal.”

“Listen to me, Max. The claw marks were… unusual.”

I watched as she opened her hand as wide as possible, flexing her fingers as if mimicking the killer’s hand. “How do you mean?”

“Like a man’s hand with claws on them, as if they were fake.”

I could tell she firmly believed what she was saying. “And how did this killer rip out the victims’ throats?”

“The first two lab reports indicated there was saliva in the wounds. It would appear they were bitten. I’ve asked the medical examiner assigned to dig deep on this and find out everything he can.”

I took a deep breath. That last thing I needed was for the medical examiner to cite an anomaly. “Animal?”

“Inconclusive. Additional tests are being run and compared, but the report did mention the saliva didn’t come from any known animal he was aware of.”

“Human saliva?”

“That’s just it. No. Maybe I am crazy to think this way but there’s intelligence in how the victims are being stalked. You’ll understand better when you see the pictures.”

She was actually extremely good at her job and nervous about the findings. Very few other officers of the law would pick up on the mannerisms of a Wolfen. “There are several predatory animals with keen abilities to stalk their victims, some even for days.”

I expected an outburst of anger, but she simply nodded. “I’m aware of that but why couldn’t the M.E. make a connection? If it was a bear or even a wolf, they are well-known species. I’ve spent some time doing research. I have a nagging idea and one I am going to follow through with.”

“Then you need to run those ideas past me.” I hadn’t been prepared to tell her about my follow-up phone call with Captain Walters. I could tell the man was under significant pressure from the mayor and other prominent members of the Denver city council. These kinds of murders were bad for tourism. And for the upcoming elections. The captain was well aware of my background and training, knew what I was capable of. He wanted me to make a connection to an animal, hunt one down and kill it.

And so, he’d made a calculated decision and placed me in charge.

His parting words were with regard to yanking Kathleen down from the rafters, helping her understand that the case should be in animal control’s hands. While I didn’t want any part of this case, I was well aware I might be the only one capable of hunting down the true killer. Whether the rogue wolf was Wolfen or from another pack, his hunger would continue to grow.

“What? We might be working together, but I’m the lead on this case. I don’t care what anyone attempts to tell me, including you. I am doing my damn job the way I see fit.” She shook her head as her mouth pinched out of frustration.

Her fury added another layer of one intense aphrodisiac. “I can see I was correct in my earlier assumptions. You have difficulty with authority. That could end up getting you killed, Detective. You’re right, we will work on this casetogether.Do you understand?”

I could feel the heat of her blush creeping up along her jaw, moving to her cheeks from where I sat. I was ready to take her into the bathroom and defile her in every manner.

“And I think our conversations are better suited to the office. I’m finished here.” She moved to grab her coat, preparing to leave.

“Is that why you came here dressed in such a gorgeous dress, to merely entice me or throw it in my face that you are no longer interested?” I immediately regretted saying the words, but the woman could rile me like no other.

This time, her anger was full blown, her lovely mouth twisting. I’d pushed too far, but she riled every emotion in me to the point I was losing control. There was too much at stake to allow that to happen.

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