"Can we pass by the station real quick?" Ian asked the moment I walked out of the change room.
"Sure. Something come up?" I noticed the slight irritation in his expression while his eyes remained on the screen of his phone. I walked to his right side and patiently waited for him to finish reading whatever held his concentration.
"Not necessarily. Another report, but I'm not gonna deal with it."
"Why not?"
He lifted his gaze to meet mine, flicking the sound button on the side of his phone before pressing the sleep button to shut his phone screen off and slipping it into his right pocket. He grasped my hand in his and gave me a sweet smile.
"Work can wait. I'm not losing the opportunity to spend the evening with you," he whispered. I returned his smile and couldn't help but hug him, loving the cinnamon scent that tickled my nose and the way his arm wrapped around my waist as he hugged me back.
"If it's important, I don't want you dismissing it over me."
"I'll let them handle it. If they really need me, they'll call."
"You put your phone on silent, didn't you?"
"You sure pick up on things."
I sighed. "As long as no one gets hurt. I'd rather you save someone than worry about me feeling lonely."
"Are you lonely?" He pulled back to study me.
"A little," I admitted. "It's easy to distract myself when I'm with the pack, but it's pretty cold at night," I said quietly.
He stared into my eyes, looking a bit conflicted before he pressed his forehead against mine. "I'm off on the holidays. Let's go somewhere."
"Dolly and Sam want us to go on vacation though."
"I told them we're planning to go on those trips the town kids are going on."
"You mean the one where the girls are going to NYC for a month tour and the guys are going to California for that sports event?" I clarified.
"Yes."
"We're not going there,"
"Says who?" He winked and left a peck on my lips. Moving out of our embrace, he slipped his hand back into mine and tugged me along as we made our way to the exit of the gym.
"They have trip advisors."
"I'm aware."
"What about if they ask?"
"We're adults, Harper. Why would they possibly ask? Also, O'Neil can cover for us if needed."
"O'Neil isn't going to cover for us," I argued.
"Again, says who?"
"O'Neil's a police officer. He's not going to stick up for us and lie."
"O'Neil is a very relaxed father figure in our lives who knows damn well we need some much needed alone time and I worked pretty hard to earn some time off. Therefore, if I want to take my girlfriend who's been doing amazing with the pack and running the sanctuary while Dolly and Sam have been helping other locations, he'll support it."
"Does he know about..." I trailed off.
"We've talked."
"He knows?!" I exclaimed, speeding up my walk so I could stop him in his tracks.
He raised an eyebrow at me. "Office."
I pouted my lips but understood his hidden intentions. The police station wasn't far, just down the street. When we reached it, a few of the officers and workers greeted me and we had to do some small talk with one of the Police Chiefs who practically adored Ian.
Apparently, the chief's son was friends with Rick and was wasting his youth years doing stupid things instead of taking on the opportunity of becoming a cop like his father.
With how proud he was of Ian, I could only imagine what home was like for his son and the constant comparing that must happen. It would make sense why many of the guys around here envied Ian. He had the brains, looks, talent, and apparently "perfect girlfriend."
We went upstairs and reached the quieter section of the station, walking down the hall with different desks to Ian's new office.
I couldn't help taking a moment to admire the new gold label on the door that read "IAN CHESTWOOD" on it. This was such a big accomplishment in Ian's career that he'd been working hard on since he began. I doubted that he thought he'd be a huge contribution to the police force, but now he had his own office to show for it.
Walking into the office made the smile on my lips widen, and Ian gently closed the door. It was clear that it was polished up, the smell that lingered in the air gave me the "brand new" feels. The shelves were empty, and his desk was somewhat clean as well with only a brand-new computer and a few files spread out on the top of the black wooden desk.
Ian pulled back one of the two leather chairs, gesturing for me to sit own. With a smirk, I accepted his offer as he took my gym bag and placed it next to his near the door.
"Welcome to my office." Ian made a sweeping motion with his arms and had a cute expression on his face that made me laugh.
"It's perfect for you, Ian. I'm really proud of you," I said quietly.
His expression softened, and he walked back to where I sat, putting his hands on the armrests and leaning down to kiss me. "Every day I work hard just to make you proud of me."
"You know I'll always be proud of you," I replied, giving him a kiss of my own. After a few short kisses, he moved around his desk, sitting down and quickly logging into his computer to check a few things.
My eyes were busy scanning the room, and I was lost in my curious thoughts. If O'Neil knows, you think he'd help us figure out if we're just late bloomers in the shifter department?
"Maybe. It's kind of hard to be sure when we don't know who runs things in the wolf world. O'Neil does appear to be a shifter. Don't know if he's a wolf, but he's definitely not human."
You sure?
"Positive. He has a scent to him. Just like Ian does."
Ian smells like cinnamon all the time.
"That's his natural scent."
Cinnamon? You're kidding.
"Dead serious."
So wolves can smell like lattes and burgers too?
"No. I think that would be weird. I like that pumpkin stuff though."
I shouldn't have taken you to that coffee shop. Now you're a pumpkin spice fan.
"Haters gonna hate."
I returned my attention to Ian who had pulled out paper and was writing some information down. You'd think sitting there waiting would be boring, but it was nice to admire him while he worked.
It gave me the chance to see Ian in an element he was confident in. Not to say that I hadn't in the past, but each opportunity I got felt different and always left me in awe. Just another out of the many reasons why people loved Ian.
"Alright. Sorry. I had an email I couldn't ignore." Ian lowered his pen and gave me his full attention. He must have noticed the dreamy smile on my lips because he arched an eyebrow at me. "What?"
"Just like watching you, that's all." I shrugged. "It always leaves me in a state of admiration when I get to see you work in an element and place you love."
Ian smiled. "You do the same."
"When?"
"Every time you're with the pack. Especially when we all get to go out for runs through the mountain area. I can see the happiness radiate off you, and it doesn't go away for the rest of the day. It's nice to watch and feel," he admitted.
"Feel huh," I said with a grin. "How do you feel my happiness?"
"It's like an aura to me? It's a bit hard to explain."
"Is it a wolf thing?"
"I don't think so. Maybe a family trait from that magic side of me, but when you’re super happy and content, I can tell. Especially in wolf form. It's like your whole image is glowing with bright gold energy and it's just mesmerizing to watch and fulfilling to feel. I think the other wolves can sense it too, but not as strong as me."
"It could be a mate thing?"
"Could be. Regardless, I like it. Makes me happy. Same with Wolfie." Ian shrugged and relaxed into his seat as his fingers picked up the pen to twirl absentmindedly.
I decided to return to our previous topic. "Does O'Neil know?"
Ian glanced at the door as if to make sure it was closed before he answered, looking straight into my eyes. "Yes. He knows. I told him when you turned twenty."
As much as I wanted to argue about why I wasn't told, I held my tongue, trying to give myself a few moments to mull it over. Ian wasn't the type to keep things hidden from me without a reason.
"Okay?" I replied.
He gave me a sympathetic look. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want to worry you."
"Why would it worry me that O'Neil knew that I know about the whole wolf shifter thing and the potential reality I could be one too?" I wasn’t following his concern about the issue.
"You know how the crime rates have increased lately?"
"Yes."
"Every target for the last three months has been a female, in their twenties, and a wolf shifter."
"Oh..." I replied, noticing how Reika sat up; her teal eyes narrowed at the information.
"We're being hunted?"
"Why are female wolf shifters being hunted when numbers are down? I thought you said we're basically sacred because of the low population rate compared to male wolf shifters."
"You guys are sacred, and that's why things have gotten so busy here. The department is a mix of different shifters, or I guess races, in the paranormal world. That's what some people like to refer to it as in the big cities. If something wolf related happens, O'Neil is sent to deal with it. If it's something human, a human officer is sent to handle it. You may have even noticed O'Neil being called into work more often. It's because of this issue that could become a huge problem."
"Are you allowed to tell me this?" I asked.
"To a certain extent. O'Neil gave me a hint of permission to tell you about what's going on. I can't go into more detail than what I've already stated."
"But he wanted you to tell me because he's worried I'll be a target?"
"Yes, and so am I. We don't know why this is happening, and I won't take any chances with you getting hurt."
"I can defend myself, remember?"
"I know, Harper. I just..." He trailed off and looked away. "The women that we've...they died horrible deaths, Harper."
I frowned, and Reika practically growled at the statement. "They were shot?"
Ian waved that off. "Too easy, and that wouldn't kill a wolf shifter easily. Even I don't know what happened to them, whether it's some new drug or even magic. Whatever is able to disable them is strong enough to knock them right out, or at least long enough for them to be disarmed."
"After that?" I pressed.
Ian turned back to look at me. "They're beaten, raped, and...their organs are taken out of them while they're alive. Most of them die from blood loss."
My stomach dropped and this time Reika did growl, which made me need a moment to refocus. Reika and I didn't get angry very often, but when we did, it was a little dangerous and we didn't think before we acted.
"What can disarm a wolf shifter? You said people could use magic, right? Like witches? They exist?" I questioned.
Ian was quiet, which hinted to me he wouldn't be able to answer my question fully.
"Okay, um...based on your opinion, do you think it was a spell created to knock someone out?" I reworded.
"Yes. I have a hunch of what it may be, but I haven't tried it."
"You do? Why haven't you tried it?" I asked.
He smirked and gave me a look which helped me realize I already knew the answer. "Oh, right. Female wolf shifters; lack in guinea pigs for your trial and error."
"Not guinea pig, but you're on track."
"Want to try it?" I asked.
"On you?"
"Might as well. Maybe it will give me more reassurance that I'm a wolf shifter with delayed blooming."
He shook his head at my comment but pushed his chair back and stood. "O'Neil thinks your body needs a trigger to shift."
"Random."
"Reika said your statement is random," I repeated.
"Sorry, it just came to my mind."
I rose up to meet his loving gaze as he stood before me. He lifted his hands to press against my cheeks. "Since I told O'Neil about you knowing and that we've been trying to figure it out on our own, he's been doing some research on the side. He's also pulling your family murder out of the archives next week."
"It was in the archives?" I whispered, unable to hide my disturbed expression.
Ian nodded and lowered his gaze. "My family is in the folders too."
I swallowed the lump in my throat and lifted my arms to wrap around his waist. He let go of my face to wrap his arm around me, pulling me into a hug. "I wish we could just get the answers to our list of questions without it being so time-consuming."
"And painful," Ian whispered, his voice full of raw emotion. I hugged him tighter, the spicy yet soothing scent of his helping me remain calm and collected.
"We just have to keep going," I said softly.
"I know." He took a few deep breaths. "I'm going to try it out. I only know one other person who can do this precisely, and he only told me recently, so I don't know if I have the power to make it work."
"When you say it, am I supposed to be knocked out?"
"Kind of. I'm still figuring out this, uh, spell stuff," he admitted.
"Alright. I'll let you know," I assured him.
The room was silent, and Ian inhaled deeply a few times. I didn't know what to expect, but I was currently enjoying his hug.
He let go of me and I stood there as he walked around the chair once. I could tell something was a little different with him, and I couldn't ignore the slightly glowing glint in his silver eyes. It reminded me of when we had really intense sex. His eyes would have that similar appearance, holding a level of power that only made the orgasm that followed more powerful and satisfying.
I waited, my gaze lowering to the floor; Reika paced around as if copying Ian's circular pace.
"Somnum, Amor Meus Aeternus," he whispered with a husky voice. I could tell it was Latin, but I was unsure as to what it meant. I didn't feel tired or sleepy, or anything really. I grimaced and pouted my lips as he met my gaze.
"Nothing?" he asked.
"Nope. Feel fine," I replied.
He nodded and began walking around me once more. It took him longer this time to say anything as he slowly made his way around me, circle after circle. I'd begun counting how many circles Reika would do as she continued to mimic his movement, either out of interest or straight out boredom.
It was honestly making me dizzy, so I closed my eyes. When I did hear Ian's low voice, it was completely unexpected and right in my left ear.
"Somnum, Amor Meus Aeternus."
In my entire life, I'd been on a roller coaster once and really didn't enjoy it. The sudden drop that happened when you're at the peak always made my stomach plummet just like the rollercoaster as it launched down, and that's exactly how I felt in that second.
I'd been standing one moment, and the next, Ian was calling my name like I'd just died or something. I knew I wasn't standing anymore, but it almost felt like I was floating. My hearing had always been my strongest sense, my ability to smell was my second strongest, so I wasn't surprised that I could still hear, but it was still rather far away.
I let out a groan and allowed Reika to try to pull me out of the weird fog. It was like when you took cold medicine and it finally hit you and practically knocked you out for hours.
"Harper."
"Alive...semi...alive," I mumbled. I couldn't even tell whether my words were coherent. It was at least enough for Ian to stop repeating my name. Seeing as my head didn't feel like it was on a flat surface, I figured it was resting in Ian's lap.
When I finally had the energy to open my eyes, worried silver ones appeared from above. I couldn't help but giggle. "You're so sexy when you're worried."
"Now I'm even more worried," he replied.
"Kiss me," I purred, and his cheeks went crimson, but he lowered his head till our lips met.
"I'm never using that on you again," Ian whispered.
"But it's just another indication that I'm a wolf shifter and you have magic. Also proves that shit works."
"True....how are you feeling?"
"My mind is still a little foggy. It felt like I was on a rollercoaster. Like when you reach the peak point and drop down?"
"So, like you fell off a cliff and straight into unconsciousness."
"Yes. It was fast for me though. Like...one second, I was standing, the next you were calling me and I was in your lap."
"You've been out for ten minutes."
"Really?!" I exclaimed.
He nodded. "If it weren’t for Wolfie calming me down, I would have called for help. I thought I did something wrong."
"Damn. Well...you didn't. I guess that really means you're a magician," I announced with a wide grin.
"Why do you look so proud?" Ian shook his head.
"Because I am," I replied.
He helped me sit up, and after a couple of minutes, helped me stand. I felt a bit out of balance, but it wasn't anything that I couldn't handle. Ian still helped me back into my seat, and he crossed his arms as he thought for a few minutes while I recuperated.
"It has to be a team then? Someone with magic and Hunters. Still doesn't explain what they want," I pointed out.
"I know," Ian replied. I noticed he looked really tired, enough for it to show on his expression.
"Does using magic drain you? Like in the movies?"
He smiled but nodded. "Somewhat. It's because I don't use it. When I get better at it and use it more frequently, it will be less exhausting." His eyes stared at me for a long moment before he continued. "You're handling this a lot easier than I expected."
"About the whole magic, paranormal race thing? I mean, if there ARE wolf shifters, there’s got to be everything else, right? Witches, vampires, zombies?"
"Yes, yes, and no. Zombies aren't real."
"Well, that's misleading."
"I love how you sound disappointed." Ian chuckled.
"I am. Zombies are pretty cool."
"Totally. The undead and their half-rotten, maggot-filled bodies. Totally exciting."
It was my turn to giggle. "You think you'll be able to drive?"
Ian had gotten his license at 16 and had been driving since seventeen. Since he had the work car, he didn't see the need for one, and though I, too, had my license, I didn't see the benefit of having my own car yet.
I did borrow Sam's truck once in a while if I knew Ian, O'Neil, or my instructor from kickboxing couldn't drive me back.
"To be honest, not the whole way. We could hotel it." He winked.
"Sam's home."
"I'll tell him you're staying in the office with me and sleeping in the other room."
"We're going to hell for all the lies we commit daily." I sighed dramatically.
"I'll go to confession the next time we can catch a service."
"Very holy of you," I remarked.
He grinned and walked back to his desk to shut down his computer and gather his files, locking them up in his file cabinet. We gathered our stuff and made our way downstairs and out of the station, turning down the corner towards the hotel Ian was thinking of us checking into.
"I guess we'll both have to be careful then," I confirmed.
"Yes. Try not to be alone. Even back home if you're out with the pack, make sure one of them stays with you when they run back," Ian instructed.
"Yes, Commander Chestwood." I lifted my hand up in a salute gesture.
"Very funny." He huffed but pressed a kiss to my cheek.
"By the way, what does Somnum, Amor Meus Aeternus mean?"
"Sleep, my Eternal Love," Ian replied, the words rolling off his tongue so smoothly.
"Eternal Love. I like that."
"Better than Wolf Tamer?" he joked.
"A lot better."
"I'll make sure if my friends from the other mountain ever come to these parts, they know the nickname difference."
"Friends, huh? Will I ever meet them?"
"Maybe. They go by nicknames."
"Do they?"
"We switch."
"Switch what?"
"Names. So they go by the pack names. They even have a pair of twins." Ian winked, and I gawked him.
"Shut up. Liar."
"100% serious. Maybe I'll introduce you."
"As your 'Don't even look at her funny or I'll destroy you' introduction, correct?"
"That's not the vibe I give."
"Oh honey, that is SO the vibe you give anyone who shows interest in me. Male or Female, may I add."
"Hmm. Well...my friends are cool."
"Uh huh. Unless one of them hits on me."
"Possibility."
"And you're cool with that?"
"I'm not sure yet. With my friends, things are a bit different," he admitted.
"Ah, okay. If you say so." I giggled. "Does that mean one of your friends is called Carter?"
"Yup, and he's just as much of an asshole as the wolf version." Ian laughed.
"Figures. All Carters are assholes now. I declare it." I rolled my eyes.
Ian laughed harder. "Pray he never hears that."
"Alright. I'll make sure that the day we ever pass by for your confession I add a prayer or two in there," I joked.
We continued walking, hand in hand, and I smiled at the thought of how loving and caring Ian was.
"You're far too good to me," I murmured, unable to hold back the words and hoping they held enough emotion to let Ian know just how appreciative I was to have him in my life.
"Just as you are to me," he replied wholeheartedly, as he turned his head to meet my loving gaze.
We faced each other, and I wrapped around his waist while Ian moved a few strands of my hair out of my face and behind my ear.
"We'll figure this out," I whispered.
He nodded with a wide smile. "Yes, we will. Together," he replied and sealed our vow with a kiss.
Together.