Chapter Three
Perhaps he should have invited more of the human women who worked for him.
Roland stood on a balcony overlooking the ballroom where Melissa's wake was taking place. A picture of Melissa was set up at one end, with flowers and candles around it. There were dozens of cards, and paper for writing letters. It had been Adam's idea to invite everybody to write their goodbyes to Melissa and put them in a sealed box to be buried with her. Roland had written his own letter, surprisingly long, and a tightness he hadn't realized had been squeezing his heart had eased.
Being able to say goodbye to his packmate was cathartic, and made him realize that she wouldn't have held a grudge against him for pursuing Claire, which he fully intended to do.
What he really didn't like were the number of men who Claire was talking to. He understood it was part of her investigation. Hell, if the glances the other wolves in his pack had shot him when the detective approached them were any indication, they knew that he'd take them down if they tried anything inappropriate with her. Or maybe they were just wondering why he was allowing her to question them like suspects.
They're not, he told himself. None of my pack would ever harm Melissa. Not even Brian.
The wolf in question was the one speaking with Claire at the moment. He was the newest member of the pack, and ten years Roland's senior. He had been turned two years ago when he attempted to break into Roland's house on the night of the full moon. If it had been any wolf other than Adam who had found him, Brian would have been dead, but as Beta, Adam had enough control that he didn't outright kill the human. He just bit him, turning him into a werewolf as well.
Brian was not Roland's favorite person, but he was business-savvy, and as long as Roland kept an eye on him, he stayed away from less-than-legal activities. He was also a werewolf, part of the pack, and Roland would watch out for him.
Right now he seemed to be trying to charm Claire. They were too far away to hear, but Roland saw the wolf casually leaning towards her, flexing his arms to make them appear more muscular, all the while keeping his eyes on her face. The wolf in Roland growled, wanting to go down there and perhaps break a few bones in Brian's face.
"You haven't stopped looking at her since she walked in."
Roland turned, irritation etched on his face.
His Beta ducked his head. "I'm just saying. I know you cared about Melissa, but you didn't love her. If you're looking for a reason not to go down there and sweep the detective off her feet, Mel isn't it."
Roland let out an annoyed huff. "What exactly are you saying, Adam?"
"With that tone, you think I'm going to say what's on my mind?" Adam arched an eyebrow and shook his head. "Thanks, but I like my nose straight."
He was the only one who Roland could tolerate this level of insubordination from. Even among the human workers in his various companies, he was considered to be a hard ass. He expected things to be done right and on time, and didn't hide his displeasure if things didn't go the way they were supposed to, or if his instructions were ignored.
"Just say what you mean to say before I break your pretty face."
Adam's lips twitched. Roland could see he was about to make a comment about the Alpha calling him pretty, but a quick growl had him rethinking. He held out his hands and fell back a step.
"You're attracted to her. Every time she's near I can smell the wolf on you. I don't know much about mates, but isn't it possible that your wolf has zoned in on her?"
Roland stiffened.
"You're not getting any younger. If you feel like your wolf is trying to claim her, why don't you take her to a nice dinner, get her to bed, and, if she's still what you want in the morning, tell her everything? If she's meant to be your mate, she'll stick by your side. And if she's not, hopefully you’ll at least get some good sex from it before she commits you to the looney bin."
Roland had to work hard not to swing at his Beta. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles strained against his skin. After several moments of deep breathing, he forced his tense muscles to relax. The Wolves below had noticed his tense stance and were glancing up at him while gathering together. Brian had abandoned his talk with Claire, hurrying to the other side of the room while keeping an eye on Roland, expression anxious.
"If you ever insinuate that Claire is only good for a one-night stand again, I will break your face," the Alpha growled under his breath.
Adam bowed his head, taking a step back in submission. "I'm just saying, there's a chance that your wolf wants her for your mate."
"Not going to happen." Roland shook his head. The anger clawing at his throat eased a little. "She's not a werewolf, and I'm not going to turn her into one just so she can pop out my babies."
"Does she have to be a werewolf to be your mate?"
Roland sent him a black glare before heading down into the ballroom. It was time to begin the farewells to Melissa.
***
His bedroom was still a crime scene. Roland was already there after Melissa's send-off before he remembered. He stopped outside the door, staring at the yellow tape and sighed, turning around. He had been sleeping in the guest house for the two weeks since the murder. It wasn't as nice as his mansion, but he preferred that over living in a hotel.
It was the new moon, and with the property lights turned down, he could see every star in the sky. Roland took a deep breath of the cool air. The days of the new moon were when his wolf was at its weakest, and he could barely scent the traces of the humans, who had all left.
All but one. He caught her chocolate scent, and tore his gaze from the sky to find Claire walking towards him. She had worn a fitted black dress for the wake. A deep V-neck accentuated her cleavage and the twisting on the bodice emphasized the intake of her waist and the flare of her hips. Her neck was bare, although she wore a cheap watch on her left wrist. Well, it was probably expensive on her salary.
Roland had to stop himself from drooling. In the darkness, everything about her was more emphasized. Her scent. The glow of her pale skin. Her halo of curls. Even with his wolf submerged so deep, he felt it growl with pleasure as it looked at her.
"My car won't start and my phone is dead," she said, wrinkling her nose in the most adorable way he'd ever seen. "Can I use your phone to call a cab?"
"You can stay here overnight," Roland offered at once.
He immediately was taken aback by his own offer. If she stayed, then one thing would lead to another… perhaps he should just let her borrow one of his cars. It'd be best if they got to know each other before they ended up in bed together. That way it wouldn't be over between them in the morning.
He'd had casual flings in the past, and of course there had been Melissa, but looking into Claire's eyes he wanted something more. Something deeper.
Shit. Adam's right. I want her for life.
"I… like that idea more than I should," Claire said, licking her lips.
He stared at the two plump bows, red as raspberries. Everything about her was edible, and Roland wanted to eat her up. If the way her eyes kept flickering to his mouth meant anything, she was feeling the same way. He stepped closer to her, twisting one of her curls around his finger.
"Because I'm connected to an open investigation?" He was surprised at how low and husky his voice was.
"Yeah." Claire swallowed. He could almost hear her heart thumping. "And because I don't think you're asking me to stay for an innocent slumber party."
He stared into her eyes. "I'm not."
She moved so swiftly that it surprised him. Her mouth was on his, filling him with the taste of chocolate and raspberries. Roland's eyes widened, but his wolf howled just as it howled at the moon and he grasped her, pulling her closer, parting her lips with his. Their bodies pressed flush against together, heat building with every touch.
"We can't," she gasped suddenly, pulling away. "You're not a suspect so there's nothing actually against the rules about it, but I'm still investigating the murder of the woman you were sleeping with. After the case is closed will be fine, but right now… it's just too complicated. We have to stop."
Roland actually growled. His whole body felt tight, and he picked her up, wrapping her legs around his waist. Claire squealed in protest.
"Put me down! You'll hurt yourself."
"I won't hurt myself. And as for stopping… it's too late for the two of us." He pressed her back against the wall. With a moan, Claire tangled her hands in his hair and pressed her full, raspberry lips against his, thrusting her tongue into his mouth.
Roland gladly returned the gesture, his wolf howling with delight.
"Okay," Claire gasped as he moved to kiss her neck. "I'll stay the night. But you'd better make me waffles tomorrow."
"Waffles," Roland agreed, carrying her towards the guesthouse. "And bacon and eggs. Anything you want."