Chapter 5
Perfection
JC didn’t know what the hell was wrong with him. He’d just demanded Dez’s presence at lunch without giving her a choice. His intention was to ask her out, but he was sure she thought it work related. Since the second she’d walked through the door, she was all that was on his mind. His wolf had sat up taking notice of her even though she wasn’t a she-wolf. That had never happened before.
His wolf liked she-wolves to play with, although he’d never wanted one for more than that. This woman had caught his attention, both the human side and the wolf. There was no way to explain it. It confused him which wasn’t good because JC didn’t like to be confused. Now it was too late to change things without looking unsure of himself. He’d just let things play out as they would.
“So what do you think of the new girl?” Tanner asked. He’d just gotten back home after the Sanchez brothers had taken his place.
“She’s hot.” JC admitted.
“That’s obvious. Any other thoughts?”
“Not really.”
“If you’re not going to tap that, I’ll make a play for her. My wolf likes her.”
“Leave her alone.” JC said with a growl.
“Just what I thought. Didn’t you say no more sex with employees?”
“She’s only temporary. Three months and she’s gone.”
“Quicker if you aren’t careful.” Tanner observed.
JC knew Tanner was right. This female had to be handled carefully. If he upset her, Tyne wouldn’t be happy. That still wasn’t enough to make him back off. She drew him in in a way he couldn’t deny. There was no rhyme or reason, only her. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was his fated mate. But he did know better. She wasn’t a she-wolf so she couldn’t be his one.
That didn’t mean he wouldn’t enjoy spending some time with her. The woman was a real dish, his cock twitched showing its interest. “Did I lose you?” Tanner asked.
“What did you say?”
“What about after you’re through? I don’t usually like cast offs, but damn she’s sexy.”
“Enough. You sound like a whore dog.”
“I feel like one too since Donita left. I don’t miss her so much as the regular sex. You know what I mean?” Tanner asked.
“I know exactly what you mean. There’s other females out there, find one that doesn’t work for the pack.”
“Yet my fearless leader continues to go after employees. You’re not setting a good example.”
“Do as I say, not as I do.” JC advised.
“Yeah, alpha’s got the power to do as he wishes.”
“I wasn’t going to, but this one drives my wolf crazy. I don’t think I can help myself. Can you say the same thing?”
“If I could would you give me the go ahead?”
“I suppose I would have to. Our wolves demand they get their way so rarely we have to give them what they demand.”
“I’ll remember you said that.”
“Knowing you, that’s a threat you will follow through on.”
The next morning, JC woke thinking immediately of Dez. It was an obsession nothing more. His body wanted her, his wolf was a sexual creature after all. Maybe tonight he would purge this need from his blood. He could feel the passion rising already, before he’d even seen her again.
Once he was up, he showered, dressed, ate, and went to work. JC had work to do at any given time. There were emails to do, paperwork to sign off on, and even physical work to be found if he chose to do so. After two hours of paperwork, he saw it was time to head to the bar. It wouldn’t be long before he could prepare to have lunch with Dez.
What would she think of him? Would she be as attracted to him as he was to her? Goddess, he hoped so because he wanted her as soon as possible. This need that filled him didn’t want to wait to be satisfied, It was beyond any sexual need he’d ever felt. The need was so bad, that he wondered if magic was involved. Was the woman a witch?
He didn’t know anything about witches, but he knew someone who did. Maybe he’d get in touch with Damon McDougal to see what he thought. Would he tell him what he needed to know? After all, the wolf was in love with a witch. It was something JC had never thought about before.
Walking into the bar, he saw the employees cleaning up to prepare for the day. The dark wood of the bar gleamed inviting patrons to sit there. The glasses above the bar were shiny while the brass all around the room glowed. This place was a far cry from when he’d taken ownership of it. The pack was established now, it was fruitful and prosperous.
It was nearly lunch which made his mouth go dry with the excitement of knowing she would soon be here. Could even a witch make him feel this excited? When his eyes fell on her, his heart went wild. His blood thrummed with excitement as his wolf sat up to beg her favor. Down boy! Let’s not act a fool. Nothing helped calm him or ease the wildness running through him.
She wasn’t dressed as sexy as the night before, but she was still more beautiful than words. JC stood then gestured for her to sit across from him. “Did I do something wrong?” Dez asked.
“No, of course not. It’s just a follow up to make sure everything is working out for you.”
“Yes, Mitzy and Sheila have been great. The room is fine as is everything else.”
“Mitzy and Sheila have been?” JC was surprised because he would have expected trouble for those two.
“Absolutely.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Why don’t we order lunch, then we can talk some more?” He waved over a waitress. “If you don’t mind, we can both have the steak special?”
“Sure. I like steak.”
“We’ll both take the steak special, what kind of salad dressing?”
“Ranch.”
“Me too. I’ll take a loaded baked potato. What do you want?”
“That works for me.”
“What would you like to drink?”
“A cranberry fizz.”
“What’s that?” The waitress asked.
“Cranberry juice added to carbonated water.”
“Okay. Is that all?” The waitress asked.
Dez nodded. “Bring us each a piece of cheesecake for dessert, too.” JC added.
“I’ll get right on it.” The waitress said.
“I thought there was no restaurant in here.” Dez observed.
“There’s a grill, but we order meals over from the restaurant when it’s open. They do a good job there.” JC admitted. “Did you have any questions?”
“I can’t think of any. You seem to have some great bartenders and waitresses here.”
“We have great waitresses, but bartenders have been in short supply. I heard you did great last night.”
“I tried. Sheila was a huge help.”
“Sheila’s fine for beer, but she has a hard time with mixed drinks.”
“She seems to have overcome that obstacle. Her drinks last night got compliments.”
“I’ll have to see how she does tonight. I think she’s up for a few hours during peak time.”
JC was losing the conversation. Dez kept looking around, her attention drifting. “You’re from near where the white wolf lives?”
“Yes, Ariel is a neighbor.”
“That must be exciting to live near a famous person.”
“Her books are so good. It makes me wish I could write. Roc is good too, but they have a different style.”
“Roc?”
“Simon’s mate. The vampire leader?”
“Oh, yeah. Simon, of course. I meant more that she is legendary in werewolf circles.” Dez blinked at him as if she wasn’t aware how well known her neighbor was. Maybe she didn’t know. “How are Tyne and his mate doing? I heard they were expecting.”
“Moe is such a doll. They just had a baby shower. Some of the presents were amazing. I made a baby quilt with some of Moe’s old baby clothes. Tyne thought it was cute too. It’s so hard to buy for people who can buy anything they want for themselves. One of the cousins got her an antique mobile for the crib, but she had to restore it. She put pups on it. Moe has many talented friends and family.”
“You quilt? I’d heard that was a lost art.”
“It’s seeing a revival. Would you believe Moe actually had a baby jumper with a wolf on it? It’s amazing her mom saved it for all this time.”
“Unbelievable.” JC declared. “What else do you do for fun?”
“I have what some people might call a hobby farm. I sold off some of my animals to Ariel before I left. That way the others shouldn’t need too much feed or hay.”
“The pack considered starting a big farm. We don’t have many members that know enough to do it. That’s why we put it on the back burner. Did you get an education in farming?”
“Not exactly. I got a business degree.”
“You did? I have one too. After we began to buy businesses, I felt I needed to know more about running them.”
“I have a small online business. It doesn’t make a lot, but it keeps the bills paid.”
“Why did you bother with a job?”
“People hanging around without jobs draw attention. I don’t need any of that. It’s good to keep busy anyway.” Dez explained.
“Why exactly did you need to get away?”
“Let’s just say it was a love affair gone wrong.”
“Okay, I’ll let you get by with being cryptic for now. Maybe later you’ll feel like confiding in me.”
Their food came and talk all but stopped while they ate. This was the best meal they had so he enjoyed it. She seemed to like it too. Her answer had given him something to think about. As sexy as she was, it was easy to see she might get involved with the wrong guy. He worried that might make her not want to get involved with him.
They finished the meal with the waitress removing plates. She brought back their dessert which looked delicious. Now they began to talk again, but mostly small talk. He now knew she had siblings including some adopted ones. Dez also thought of herself as common as mud.
“Sweetheart, you are anything but common.”
“I think you might be one of those charmers my mama warned me about.” Dez replied her cheeks pink.
“Me? I’ve never been accused of that before.”
“You can add that to your list now.” She assured him.
“Do you have any other hobbies?”
“I like to shoot guns.”
“You don’t look like a girl that could shoot.”
“How does one of those girls look?”
“I don’t know, like they could chew nails?”
“Ha ha! You can’t tell that by how someone looks. I like to shoot targets, but it’s also a way to protect myself.”
“What about mace?” JC asked.
“Why can’t I have both?”
“I guess you are serious about protecting yourself. Anything else I need to watch out for?
“If I tell everyone, they’ll be expecting it. Then it won’t be effective.” Dez admitted.
“Ah, so you do have more weapons in your arsenal.”
“I don’t think you want to know.” Dez said with a wink.
JC was sure he didn’t want to know either. This was one woman that wouldn’t be a victim. Hopefully, she would know how to use them so no one else would get hurt. “It looks like our dessert is gone. I’ve enjoyed talking to you. I hope you enjoy working for us.” He’d intended to ask her out, but the right time hadn’t come up. JC would have to watch and wait.
He stood up with Dez then watched her walk away. It looked like she was going back upstairs. As soon as she was out of sight, Tanner and Cade slipped over sitting down at his table. “How did it go Boss?” Tanner asked.
“It didn’t. There was no chance to ask her anything.” JC admitted.
“Maybe I should show you how it’s done?” Cade suggested.
“Maybe I should rip out your throat?” JC asked.
“I didn’t mean with her.” Cade said acting offended.
“There was nothing sexy about our conversation. Dez may look sexy as hell, but her conversation is wholesome as it gets.” JC observed.
Cade chuckled. “She fooled you, huh?”
JC sent a withering look his way. “She wasn’t dressed like a sex pot today either. It was tight jeans, a big T-shirt, and sneakers.”
“Sounds like practical work gear.” Tanner observed.
“Since you’re here, any word on the scumbags who tried to take over part of our territory?” JC asked.
“All the people left behind cleared out. Most of the paperwork was destroyed. It would take a good hacker or a forensic accountant to track them.” Tanner admitted.
“Would it be worth it?”
“They stole tens of thousands. If you can get someone to work on a percentage of recovered funds, yes. I don’t know such a person. Maybe you should have asked your new bartender. There’s one rumored to live near Ariel. Isn’t your girl from there?” Cade asked.
“Somewhere near there. Maybe I’ll asked her later tonight. I need to check on her anyway. She told me Sheila was doing great on mixed drinks and she thought Mitzy was sweet.” JC observed.
“That’s crazy talk.” Tanner said. “You do need to check on her. Of course I didn’t hear any complaints last night.”
“Maybe she got their names mixed up?” Cade suggested.
“That would still be crazy.” Tanner observed.
JC could only agree. The three of them sat there knocking back some cold ones until a few hours had passed. Dez had started her shift, she was actually well into it before he went to speak to her. Going up to the bar, he grabbed an empty stool.
“Can I get you a drink?” Dez asked.
“Pick something for me.” He challenged. “I wanted to ask you something.”
“Go ahead.”
“I hear you live around where Ariel’s pack is.” Did he imagine it or did she stiffen?
“I do.”
“Do you know someone around there who has a good reputation as a forensic accountant or hacker?” Why did he think she suddenly relaxed?
“Those two things are very different services.”
“We had some money skimmed off half a dozen businesses. We want to get it back and we’re willing to give someone a percentage of what they recover.” JC explained.
“I happen to know several people who do that, but all except one are tied up right now. Let me give you a number. Tell her I recommended her. Tell her if she comes here to do it, we can have a visit.” She scrawled a number with a company name underneath. “She’s amazing.”
“Thank you.” JC said. Why was he not surprised that she knew someone? “Do you know anyone that does investigative services?”
“Other than Tyne? There’s a lion shifter alpha that lives nearby a friend mated.” She wrote that number down too. He looked down and saw Sebastian. Hell, he knew the guy from years back in New York. He nodded then took off to his office.
The first thing he did was call the female. It rang three times before it went to messages so he left one. Next he called Seb, his old buddy he’d not kept up with. “Hello, Sebastian.”
“Seb you old pussy. Is it really you? I heard you were mated. This is JC the wolf from twenty or more years ago if you haven’t figured it out.”
“I am mated with a cub on the way. Who do I kill for giving you my number you old reprobate?”
“A friend of your mate’s, Dez.”
“Oh, I can’t kill her. My mate would kill me. How did you get to know a sweet young lady like her?”
“She’s my temporary bartender.”
“I heard something about that. You better treat her good.”
“Why does everyone always say that?”
“If everyone says it that should tell you something.”
“Listen, I have some problems I need an investigator for. I had someone move in on my territory and skimmed a large amount of money from several businesses.”
“Send me the information and I’ll send you an investigator.” Seb offered.
“Okay. Does this number work for a fax?”
“No. Here’s the fax number.” Seb gave it to him fast.
“Okay, I’ll send it to you quick.” JC got the information together sending it right away.
Now that was done, he had time to think about Dez’s connections. She seemed to know everyone. Maybe she worked for the council, she wouldn’t be the first human to. It could also be that she knew the people in her area many of which seemed to be connected to paranormals in some way.
Maybe he needed to dig into her connections better. Some of the people she knew might be helpful later. He called Nat’s Accounting again, this time a female answered. “Hello. May I help you?”
“Is this Nat?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Dez gave me your number. I had someone skimming money from my businesses and I need someone good to help me get my money back. I prefer someone who’ll work for a percentage of what they recover.”
“I’m pretty backed up.”
“Dez said you would be able to spend your time off with her. It would be like a vacation.”
“She did, did she? When did you need this done?”
“As soon as possible.”
“Why do they always say that? Okay, I’ll be there tomorrow morning. Tell Dez she’ll get to pick me up at the airport.”
“I will.” It was only later that he remembered they hadn’t negotiated her fee. What was the oddest was that Dez’s name seemed to hold weight with her friend, but also Sebastian who shouldn’t care about a human.
The next night, he approached the bar again while Dez was the main bartender. “Hello, again. You forgot your drink last night.” She said.
Oops. “My bad. I got distracted. Want to make me another one?”
“Sure, why not?” She fixed him a shot of something then slid it across to him.
JC picked it up downing it in one swallow. “That’s good. What is it?”
“A silver bullet. I didn’t think you looked sweet.
“What’s in it?”
“Gin, whisky, and a lemon twist.”
“I’ll remember that one. Did Nat get in touch with you?”
“She did. I picked her up this morning. She’s in the room next to me. I’m fairly sure she’s already spoken to Tanner and Harvey.”
“They didn’t mention it.”
“Maybe they want to keep her to themselves? She’s beautiful.”
“Hm. That shouldn’t make any difference.” Dez just shrugged then turned to fix two drinks for guys bellied up to the bar hitting on her. He didn’t like the guys paying her so much attention. The looks he sent them weren’t nice, but they didn’t seem to notice anyone, but Dez,
Tending bar was keeping her too busy to notice him. JC didn’t like to be ignored even when he understood the reason for it. Across the room, he saw Tanner so he motioned to him. “Hey, Boss.”
“Why didn’t you tell me Nat was here?”
“I’ve been busy. You never said to let you know. She’s an accountant, you never want to talk to those.” Tanner noted.
“I hear she’s very attractive.”
“She’s okay. Harvey seems to like her well enough. They started talking shop so I left.”
“Got froze out?” JC asked.
“Maybe a little. Those two have a lot in common. I think our boy might learn something from her. He seemed impressed.
“Good. I can’t wait to get some figures on what those guys did to us.”
“She plans to start first thing in the morning right after Harvey takes her and Dez to breakfast.”
“He’s taking Dez too? Where?” JC asked.
“He’s having it delivered to the meeting room. Nat said Dez helps her sometimes.” Tanner explained.
“Don’t say a word to Harvey, but I plan on being there.”
“Okay, Boss.”
“Stop with the boss shit already.”
“Okay. You were just acting like a pushy boss.” Tanner said before he walked off.
JC wondered when Seb’s person would arrive. Hell, no one was telling him anything except Dez, maybe they already had. “Hey, Dez.”
“Yup, JC?”
“Is Seb’s guy here yet?”
“No, Seb’s guy won’t be here until the morning.” Dez grinned. What was so funny?
He wasn’t going to worry about it. It sounded like Seb’s guy would be here in time to join them for breakfast. That suited JC just fine. After saying goodbye, he left Dez working hard serving drinks, the night went on until it was closing time.
JC woke up with a thought on his mind that he had somewhere he needed to be. That’s when he remembered he planned to have breakfast with two lovely ladies and some bums. He was curious about Nat, Dez’s friend. Maybe more curious about her in terms of how Harvey felt about her. That wolf never showed this much interest in a female, suddenly he was all over her.
Once he was up and dressed, he headed to the bar. The meeting room was a small addition, it almost seemed a separate building the way it was set up. It was a single story with a bathroom and kitchenette of its own. The breakfast would be delivered rather than prepared here. It would be interesting to see what it would be.
After he parked in his reserved spot, he headed into the meeting room. The scent of delicious foods hit his nose. Harvey had gone with the expensive catering company two of the she-wolves had started a few years ago. The food was incredible, but the cost too high to afford for every day. As he got closer he heard the sounds of talking and laughter coming from the room.
“JC, what are you doing here?” Harvey asked. “Nat, this is JC, the boss.”
“Nice to meet you.” Nat replied. She was attractive, no doubt about it. JC still preferred Dez. “I appreciate the warm welcome and getting to room next to Dez,”
“You two are close friends?” JC asked.
“Extremely. We’ve known each other forever.” Nat grinned at Dez who grinned back.
“I thought I would join you lovely ladies for breakfast.” JC explained. “You have anything to report, Harvey?”
“Yes, Boss. I’ve given Nat the background. She already found a hidden account tied to our business they haven’t separated yet. She already reclaimed it and canceled it.”
“How much?”
“Only ten thousand, but it’s just the first.” Nat answered.
“What is your standard fee?” JC asked.
“Five percent of reclaimed moneys.”
“That’s acceptable. I can’t wait to see what you do.”
“Nat is incredible.” Dez gushed.
“Dez will help me until her shift starts. I’ll get a lot done that way.” Nat explained.
“It seems Dez is multitalented.” JC pointed out. Nat immediately had a deer in the headlight look.
“I have a talent or two.” Dez jumped in.
“You’re a bartender, a business major, a hobby farmer, and now an accountant. That’s a lot of talent.”
“Why thank you.”
That was when the food started getting put out. The females seemed to be starving as they turned all their attention on the food. Everyone fell over the food because it was so delicious. They had even brought cinnamon rolls with pecans on top. JC was glad he’d come if only for the food, but he was also happy to have met Nat. The surprises didn’t end there.
The investigator Seb sent arrived. Her name was Seleste. She appeared to be well known by Dez and Nat. Seleste was a lion shifter, a beautiful one at that. Tanner’s eyes glazed as he stared at her. None of these females would be here for long so he didn’t mind if his guys enjoyed their company like he intended to enjoy Dez’s.
Breakfast was finished now so work began. Tanner took Seleste to his office to bring her up to speed. Harvey settled in with Nat trying to help her or so he said. It didn’t look like he knew enough about what she was doing to be much help. JC just watched as Dez and Nat began to work on the computer. Dez seemed to know what she was doing often pointing out information then switching computers with Nat.
Harvey wasn’t in the way, he just wasn’t any help. “Yes!” Nat yelled. “I could kiss you Dez. That led me straight to it. We just got fifty thousand more.” They fist bumped then dug in to work harder.
His beta looked up at JC who just raised his eyebrow at him. Harvey clearly wasn’t any help to these two females, but it was also obvious he didn’t want to leave. That was alright, but everything seemed under control here so he went to find Tanner.
Once at Tanner’s office, he knocked on his door. Entering, he always forgot how small the office was. He dropped into the seat next to Seleste. “Don’t mind me. I’ll just listen to get the information I need.” Seleste just shrugged while Tanner looked unhappy. He just needed to realize work came before fun.
Both of the lovely girls stayed a week before they left. Nat managed to track down half a million dollars that were connected to his pack. That was way more than he’d expected, but she said it was from some unethical business practices those men had employed. JC was considering ways to give some of it back to his pack members. They could use a child care center in their area.
Seleste had tracked everything down to the Scrazassi crime family. She was able to get him a great deal of information not only on the family itself, but on those that worked for them. There was enough information to go to the law. She also told him Damon was currently working on a case against the family that involved other people in their community. That’s when he’d called Damon himself.
“Damon here.”
“This is JC. I’m calling about the Scrazassi crime family.”
“I already know. I got information from an informant in my investigation. What do you want to do?”
“I want them strung up. Any luck in finding the bad council members?”
“We got one, the other will be gotten soon.”
“Maybe you’ll finally get them all cleaned out.” JC hoped.
“It’s my dream.” Damon admitted. After a little more small talk, they hung up.
Both Seleste and Nat were gone. JC spent a lot of time at the bar flirting with Dez. They’d not dated, but they spoke every night. It was funny that he knew more about Dez in so little time, then he’d known about Mitzy in years.
This night, he’d stayed even though it was late. They’d talked and drank long after the bar had been closed just the two of them. Maybe not the smartest thing, but he enjoyed talking to her. She’d been a bit tipsy so he’d escorted her up to her room.
“I guess I’ll give you a goodnight kiss before I leave you safe and sound.” He’d said as he’d leaned in dropping his lips on her. His arms had wrapped around her as his tongue had sunk into her mouth tasting her spicy sweet flavor.
Somehow he’d found the strength to pull back. He’d walked away leaving her breathing heavy, just as he had. JC was mixed up. He wanted her, but he wanted more. The fact that she wasn’t a wolf, messed with his mind too. His wolf didn’t seem to mind, why was that?
The next day, he called a meeting with his betas. They were all present and accounted for. “I’m having a hard time figuring out what I want from Dez. My wolf seems to want to mate her.”
His betas all gave him a serious look. ”I thought you said you knew your mate would be a she-wolf?” Tanner said.
“I always thought so.” JC admitted.
“You need to have sex with her. If you do and you lose interest, you’ll know she’s not for you.” Harvey suggested.
“What if I don’t lose interest?”
“Then we’ll meet again and discuss what that might mean.” Tanner suggested.
In some ways it sounded right. Test things, see where they went. In other ways it was like it cheapened their relationship to have sex just to see if he wanted more. In the end he had little choice. The only way to see where things went was to pursue the relationship.
That night, he hung around the bar trying to hide the guilt he felt. “What’s the matter with you?” Dez asked.
“I just have a lot of decisions on my mind.” He admitted.
“I thought you had the trouble with those crooks dealt with.” Dez questioned.
“If only that was the only problem I ever had to deal with. What about you? Everything going okay?”
“It could be better, could be worse.”
“That’s a no answer. It tells me nothing at all.”
“I’ve got everything cleaned up now. It’s time to lock up and get out of here.” Dez declared.
“Are you going to invite me upstairs?” JC asked.