Embraced By Darkness (Riley Jenson Guardian 5)

"If you want answers, you may have to face a whole lot worse than homosexuality."

"Like what?"

I shrugged. "Cases never play out as you expect them to."

"What I expect is Adrienne home safe and sound. Nothing more, nothing less."

"You and the families of the thousands of others who go missing every year. In a case like this, what you want or expect doesn't really matter." I glanced at the time. "I'm off home for some R and R. See you around, Blake."

"Why aren't you going to the hospital to interview this Jodie person?"

"Because she won't be in any real state to talk until at least tomorrow."

I turned my back on him and walked out. Though his gaze felt like it was burning holes in my back, he didn't actually follow, and for that, I was grateful.

When I finally got back to Kellen's apartment, he was sitting on the sofa reading Blake's file. He looked up when I entered, his green eyes concerned.

"Your current case involves your pack?"

I wrinkled my nose. "It isn't really an official case. My alpha has asked me to investigate several disappearances."

"Alpha? Don't you mean your grandfather?"

"No. He was challenged and lost."

"Ah."

He put the file down then held out a hand. I weaved my fingers through his and allowed myself to be pulled onto his lap. His arms circled my waist and his scent wrapped around me, until all I could feel was his warm and steady presence. And it was a somewhat delicious sensation, knowing that this big, strong wolf was mine. That he wanted me, and only me.

If I was a cat, I'd pretty much be purring in contentment right now.

"Your pack has no claim on you once another alpha has claimed you as his own," he said, "I can stop him contacting you, if you like."

I raised my eyebrows. "You can?"

He brushed my hair to one side, and kissed the nape of my neck. A tremor of desire rolled through me. "Just say the word, and he is yesterday's news."

"He's a rather nasty piece of work."

"So can I be if someone is hassling my woman."

His woman. I liked the sound of that. Liked it very much.

"That's so very tempting," I murmured, wriggling closer, enjoying the heat and scent of him as it flowed across my senses. "But I'd better deal with it myself."

"The offer remains if you happen to change your mind." His lips were so close every word felt like a caress against my skin. Desire spread like a wildfire. "Are you finished for the day?"

I draped my arms loosely around his neck and dropped butterfly kisses on his lips, his nose, and his cheeks. "I'm yours to do with whatever you wish."

"Anything?" he said, voice so deep and husky it sent a shiver of delight down my spine.

"Anything at all."

"Even ravish you senseless, until all you want to do is beg for mercy?"

Anticipation sizzled, and I grinned. "It will take a long, long time to get me there, wolf."

"I can be a patient man when I want to be."