Megans Mark (Breeds 6)

"Megan, sweetheart," he chastised her, his voice deepening to an outrageously sensual pun: "I promise to behave myself. Jonas assures me I passed Civility with flying colors. "

He had been like this all morning. Gently sardonic, watching her, his gaze patient as he seemed to wait on something. He could wait until hell froze over. It didn't matter what he wanted, she was determined to deny him.

Of course, she knew exactly what she wanted. Or rather, what her body wanted.

No way, no how. Whatever the hell was wrong with her, she was not giving in to it. She clenched her thighs together tighter, very well aware of Braden's carefully drawn breath. He could smell her arousal and that was just pissing her off.

"Would you stop it," she hissed as she pulled into the parking lot of the sheriff's office. "You start walking around sniffing the damned air and everyone is going to know exactly what you are. And for God's sake, keep those damned teeth hidden. One flash of that vampire smile of yours and little children will run screaming. "

He smiled slowly. "Actually, most seem rather interested in it. I believe that fake Breed teeth even went on sale at the malls this year. I hear the Breed Pride is making a mint from the sales. " Megan pulled into the first available parking spot before laying her head on the steering wheel and shaking it in defeat.

"It's okay, baby. " She started when his hand stroked slowly down her back. "I'll make it all better when we get home. "

Her head snapped up. "You are certifiably insane. " She groaned, shaking off his touch as he chuckled devilishly.

"Keep your damned paws to yourself. "

His grin was rakish as he tipped his hat back a bare inch, his eyes filled with mirth.

Megan shivered at the look. She would have moaned but she'd be damned if she would give him the satisfaction.

"Let's go. " She released her seat belt before pushing open the door and stepping out. "Lance is already pissed off enough at me. I don't need to be late for this meeting to make it worse. "

"Remind me to find a less confrontational partner the next time. " He sighed as she frowned at him darkly. "You, Megan, are becoming downright hostile. For a woman who smells so sweet and warm, your attitude leaves much to be desired. "

She just bet it did. If he kept this up she was going to show him the working end of her pistol and let him see just how confrontational she could really get.

"You know," he said, "I bet if you try real hard, you could stand right here and figure out just what this mysterious meeting is all about. " Braden stopped several feet from the steps that led to the double doors.

She stared back at him in horror before glancing around to make certain no one heard his blasphemous words.

"Would you shut up," she snapped.

His brows arched questioningly. "Come on, Megan. It would be easy. Just give it a little try. "

With a sneer she brushed past him and headed up the steps. She heard his sigh a second before a small, amused grunt of laughter preceded him up the steps.

"Well, you could have at least tried. " He managed to grab the door handle before she did, pulling it open with a flourish as she rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Deputy Jenson's fury slapped at her as she passed his office. It was always present—the dark violence, the thirst for blood. He wasn't one of the good guys, but until he broke the right rule, Lance couldn't get rid of him. That edge of violence nagged at her until Braden moved closer, distracting her with his clean male scent and aura of male arousal that whipped around her senses.

Megan breathed in deeply, ducking her head as she gritted her teeth and moved purposefully to Lance's office at the end of the building. Separated from the main offices by the visiting rooms, it leant a less emotionally chaotic feel.

Lance was a calm person, not given to violence, though with a ragged edge of bitterness that saddened Megan. He was still one of the easiest people to be around.

She knocked on his door.

"In," Lance snapped.

Megan cast Braden a frowning glance as she gripped the doorknob, feeling Lance's anger seeping through the panel.

"What did you do?' she hissed, not in the least taken in by his innocent look.

"Me?" He arched his brow, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I've been a good Leo, darlin'. What did you do?'

She snorted at his reply before pushing the door open and stepping into the room.

She was aware of the tension that snapped around her the minute she entered the room. Though she had been unaware of the other inhabitant standing across the room. And she bet he was a Breed. Dangerous, powerful, and not in the best of moods.