Standing up, I gathered the dinner dishes, feeling the need to leave quickly. I would never force Sam to do anything she didn’t want to do, but I knew if I pushed, I could have had her naked and writhing beneath me in no time. My self-control was still seriously lacking, but I knew it would be the wrong thing to do in that moment. She wasn’t ready.
“I’m sorry, Alex, but that was a mistake, and we can’t do it again.”
I didn’t respond. She was wrong. It wasn’t a mistake, and we would be doing it again, soon, but again, she wasn’t ready.
I finished gathering the dishes and the tray without saying anything. I walked to the door without turning back. If I looked at her, I would rush back over and pull her into my arms, whether she was ready or not.
“Get some rest,” I said and left the room.
14
Jordan
Crouching low, I made my way across the yard, quickly and silently, until I reached the small metal shed. I lowered myself, belly to the ground, paws in front of me and waited. I was watching the small, yellow, wood framed house situated about a hundred yards away.
Intel had reason to believe it was where Alexander James Wright Sr. and his cronies were stashing an ass load of drugs, ready for shipment. It had taken them long enough, more than three months. It was more difficult than believed to get someone inside, but more proof was needed. My job tonight was to get in and confirm, without calling attention to myself.
It was dark inside most of the house, only the kitchen light was on. Knowing the resident was a shifter and could see just fine in the dark, I figured it was too early for bedtime.
Just then, the kitchen curtain twitched. I ducked down lower, hiding in the tall grass. There was no way they could see me. In the shadow of the shed, it was completely dark.
A face peered through the window, glanced around the dark yard before disappearing again. So far so good, I thought. They were exactly who Intel said they were.
Scenting the air, I found nothing suspicious, so I sprinted across the yard. Once I was hidden in the shadow of the house, I shifted back into human form.
Stooping low, I lifted a piece of siding that had been subtlety marked. Reaching into the hole, I pulled out a dark bundle. One of our informants had stashed the clothes days before.
Unraveling the bundle, I found a semi-automatic. Putting it aside, I dressed quickly, and left the gun behind. The scent would have given it away. My claws were my best weapon anyway.
Walking up the path, I took a cursory glance of the messy yard. The grass was knee high and brown. The bushes were overgrown and misshapen. The house itself wasn’t in bad shape, but it could have used a good paint job. What used to be a sunny yellow was now dull and flaking off in patches.
I rapped my knuckles against the dirty white door three times. When no one answered, I stood my ground. I knew they were home. I could hear them breathing as they looked through the peephole. I gave my best, most friendly smile and waited patiently. It wouldn’t take long to be recognized.
As predicted, the lock was disengaged instantly, and the door swung open. My smile wanted to slip at the sight of the woman before me, but I held on to it as if my life depended on it.
Last time I’d seen Layla, she was flat on her back, legs spread welcoming, as I pumped into her. She was hot and curvy, with long blonde hair and legs that went on forever. She’d been fast and fun with a bubbly personality.
The woman standing in front of me looked physically close to the same girl. Her blonde hair was shorter and her figure was just as stunning, but it was her eyes that were the most different.
Layla’s blue eyes were not sparkling with laughter like I remembered. She looked tired and a little wary. The years hadn’t been too bad on her. She looked like she took care of herself, but I had a feeling she wasn’t as happy as she used to be.
“My, my, is that Jordan Hunt? What are you doing here?”
I was pleased that her voice was the same, slightly husky and full of sensuality. Her smile was big, yet she looked around me wary. She knew I wasn’t supposed to come back to Wilde Mountain. I just hoped she wouldn’t sound out the alarms before I could finish my job for the night.
“Hi, Layla. How have you been?”
“Just fine, hun, but come in before someone sees you.”
Layla led me in, closing and locking the door behind me, I noticed. After pushing me toward the couch, she asked if I wanted a drink. I nodded yes, and she strode off to the kitchen, making sure her ass swayed in an enticing way. I smirked. Same old Layla, I thought and took the opportunity to sniff around.
The room was small and sparse. The couch faced a fireplace that took up most of one wall. The mantle held a few crystal figurines. I picked up a swan, turning it over in my hands. Swarovski crystal… expensive. I frowned. Too expensive for Layla to have afforded.
I sat the figurine back down carefully and took a stroll around the room. Taking a deep breath, I tried to find the scent I was looking for. It was faint, but there. The closer I got to the hallway, the stronger the scent became.
I wanted to check it out, but heard Layla coming back. Sitting on the couch, I turned expectantly as she approached.