I am.
You said Maxim Securities was the name of your firm?
Yes. And aside from the main operations, I sometimes contract out my services to the police as a sketch artist. But mostly, I just run the business and provide services in the event were low on personnel. That hardly ever happens. I have plenty of experienced men on the payroll and many of my clients pay very well.
Have you ever been shot at before last night?
He nodded. Of course, its part of the job. Ive taken dozens of hits.
And then you heal quickly because of yourcondition?
Something like that.
Does it hurt when your body goes through the wolf change thing? she asked him.
The first dozen or so changes are hard. Then you have a period of time where its just irritating as h.e.l.l when the wolf takes control. And then it becomes second nature to change. You begin to realize that you and the wolf are one and that you share the same soul. Its best when both sides are happy.
Have you ever told someone what you are? Outside of your friends.
Sometimes we do by accident, but two concrete motivators for intentionally revealing my wolf to someone are either that Im about to kill them or Im about to befriend them. Theres hardly a time where I ever have to reveal myself. In any case, there are only three humans alive that Ive revealed my true nature to. Youre one of them, of course, he replied. My father was the first, but he hardly counts since being born with one shifter gene gives you the ability to shift. The second person was Rodneys mate and wife. Rodneys my best friend. Hes also Caedmon by blood.
So few. Thats interesting.
Its forbidden to reveal our true selves to humans. Were not out to the public, and we dont wish to be. Weve been surviving like this for centuries. The new leaders uphold the old saying: If it aint broke, dont fix it. We take care of our own affairs. Im not on friendly terms with the local cops.
Well, me neither. She grinned. "How many others are there like you?"
"Tens of thousands. A small percentage have blended with the general population and no longer identify with their wolf side."
So, how will they punish you for revealing yourself to me?
Punishment is decided by an Alpha. I shifted for a couple reasons that night and it wasnt just by accident. One, I was going to save you, no matter what it took. It was my animal against theirs. Two, my wolf insists that somehow youre my mate.
Mate?
Yes. My intended. My other half. My soulmate, he replied.
I know what mate means. I watch sci-fi movies, you know. Im just not sure you would want me. When you shifted, the moon was out. I dont remember it being full. Do you need a full moon to shift?
No, I dont, and forget what youve seen in the movies. Most of the misrepresentations about us are offensive, he told her.
She narrowed her gaze on him. How do you know I"m your mate? Im a complete stranger.
At first glance maybe, but a second and third look and I pretty much knew there was a connection, Connor said. And yes, I do want you.
Is that why you saved me at the bar?
I would have saved you anyway. You were in distress and clearly being manhandled by that idiot. I dont condone violence against women, no matter who she is.
Then youre a good man.
You think so?
Yes, and you shouldnt be fooling around with a woman like me. Im not a good woman, Connor Maxim.
Antonia broke the gaze she held with him, re-opened the sketchbook on her lap, and began to flip through the pages again.
Hmmm. He picked up a large leather book and a pen and began to write. Well see about that.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
Two hours had pa.s.sed and Antonia figured that Connor or someone should have heard word about her brother by now. Was Connor keeping something from her, or had he been sincere when hed told her that the news reporters told lies? There was a chance her brother could have been in hiding at this very moment, worried about her and looking for her.
Antonia laid the sketchbook down on the table, uncrossed her legs, and sat upright in the chair. She glanced at the closed door and then toward the bedroom where Connor had excused himself to go take a shower.
Was she better off on her own? Did she have a chance to get back to the city and find her brother? If she steered clear of her apartment, school, and the usual places she visited, she wouldnt have to worry about the police picking her up.
With her mind made up, she rose from the chair and moved quietly into the bedroom. The shower was still going inside the bathroom, and hot steam billowed outward through the cracked door.
She found her clothes from last night where she had left them and scooped them up, taking them back into the main area where she quickly peeled out of Connors shorts and then tugged on her jeans.
Antonia grabbed up a loose sc.r.a.p of paper and pen and scribbled the words: Thank you for everything.
Just as she was about to put the paper down next to the large sketchbook Connord had earlier, she caught sight of a drawing sticking out. From its position tucked into the book, she could only see half of a face. A womans face.
The sketchbook sitting on the sofa was much like the others, only this one looked a little newer. She pulled the drawing out to get a better look and stared down at an excellent representation and sketch of herself.
Hed drawn her while shed been talking, and shed had no idea. It was perfect and represented her in every way possible.
Her heart sank as a feeling of guilt consumed her. But she had to leave all of this behind. This life could never be hers.
The only other man who had ever come to her rescue when she was in trouble was her brother, and she couldnt lose him now. It was time for her to return the favor and rescue him if he needed it.
This stranger, Connor Maxim"the wolf shifter who believed that she was his mate, was better off if she exited his life now. There was a good chance that she and Andrew would have to move again.
Next time, shed trust her gut instincts. Hopefully, there wouldnt be a next time. Hopefully, Andrew had learned his lesson the hard way. She sure had.
It had been a long time since Antoniad last been near open water before last night, and she had no problems walking the short distance back to the lake by following the smell of fresh water.
There were many people loitering around the lake. More than there were at one A.M in the morning that was for sure. Today was a Sat.u.r.day, which was a leisure day for most, and she could tell. In addition to a handful of men lining an overpa.s.s, she spotted at least two families out on the lake in their expensive boats. She even saw a yacht or two docked near the edge.
Her objective was to get to the other side of the lake and back to the city. According to Connor, she was already aware shed have to catch a ride either by boat or by car.
After walking for what seemed like at least a mile, she was utterly exhausted. Too bad it had taken an event like this to warn her that she was out of shape and that it was time to get back to the gym. But when faced with the decision of whether shed clock out of work and go to the gym, or clock out and head home to study, shed always chosen the latter.
If she didnt get back to the city soon, she could already bet that her job would be gone and shed miss her upcoming exams. The same exams shed planned to study for using her vacation days. Now that the cops had busted in on Cobras operation, Antonia was willing to bet that Andrew hadnt collected any cash that night. And if he had collected it, did he get away with it?
Something else loomed over The fear of losing another apartment again.
Well, it was time she found out one way or the other what she was up against. Chances were, theyd have to get the h.e.l.l out of dodge once again.
Antonia spotted on older couple in the process of hitching up a boat to the back of an SUV. She approached them slowly, mulling over what she might tell them.
Can I help you? the lady asked.
Her eyes were wide with conviction as she stared Antonia up and down. She looked to be in her early sixties.
Antonia cleared her throat. I somehow got lost out here, and I dont know my way around. I was wondering if you might give me a ride back to the cityif youre going that way.
By that time, the man, who was probably the spouse, fell in step beside the lady. Whats the matter?
Where in the city? the woman asked.
As close as you can get me. I can find my way to a bus station once I get there.
The woman turned with the man and they whispered quietly amongst each other.
The man turned back around. Where are your bags?
I dont have any. Antonia shook her head. Im out here with just the clothes on my back.
The woman frowned. Are you with someone?
No, maam.
Carol, the man said in a warning tone.
Harry, shes a young woman all by herself. It will be dark soon, and you know there are wolves out in these woods.
Antonia swallowed. I would really appreciate it.
Carol must have convinced Harry because a few seconds later, she motioned to the back pa.s.senger side door of the SUV. We can get you to the nearest bus stop that runs into the city.
Thank you. I re"
Heavy feet shuffled behind them and then a man cleared his throat deeply. Without turning around, Antonia paused in her tracks.
Mr. And Mrs. Rutherford, its nice to see you two out here on a Sat.u.r.day afternoon.
It was Connor. There was no mistaking his voice, and there was no denying the sandalwood scent flowing toward her that belonged to him.
Max, the woman spoke joyfully. Dear, we havent seen you in months. We thought youd stopped coming out here.
Antonia turned around just in time to see Connor finish up his handshake with Harry Rutherford and then give Carol Rutherford a motherly hug.
The man was just unruly and gorgeous. He had on a pair or relaxed fit jeans, but he wore no shirt. Sweat glistened on his skin, and beads of it slid down his muscles. His dirty blond hair looked wind-tousled, as though he were running like a fiend. His chest rose and fell quickly, but he held his composure quite well.
What have you been up to? Harry asked Connor.
I got caught up in lots of small contract jobs, literally one after the other. I barely have enough time to catch my breath these days.
Harry patted Connor on the back hard. It sure does look like it. Take a break once in a while. Before you know it, youll be old and hairy just like me.
Before she could divert her gaze, Connor caught her looking. For what seemed like the longest five seconds of her life, he stared her down.
Well, we were just heading out, Harry told Connor. Were going to give this pretty lady here a ride to the city and circle back around town.
She needs a ride? Connor exclaimed, the tone of his voice a mixture of amus.e.m.e.nt and confusion.
Yeah, we"
"can I have a word with you? Connor asked Antonia directly.
Wait! Carol said. You know her?
Connor nodded. Yep, I know her.
Carol glanced at Antonia questioningly.
Antonia sighed. Yes, I know Connor.
I can give her a ride back to the city. I need a word with her anyway.
Well, see? That was easy. Connor can probably find his way better round the city than we can. Harry directed his wife to the SUV. h.e.l.l drive a lot faster, too.
Dont worry, dear. Connor will take care of you, Carol called out from the car window. Weve known him for years. We know his mama. Hes a good boy.
The old couple pulled off, leaving Antonia and Connor standing in the dust they left behind.
Well, there goes my ride, Antonia said, breaking the ice.