The Darkest Kiss (Riley Jenson Guardian 6)

I raised my eyebrows. "You found more than the victim's DNA this time?"

"Found it last time, too. I'm hoping the saliva found on James's cock will match that found on this man."

"And that's the only DNA of our mysterious lady friend that you've found?"

"Nope. And it appears our murderess is in heat."

That raised my eyebrows. "Then why would she be killing her mates? That's more a spider habit than cat, isn't it?"

He smiled. It was a nice smile, a smile that lit up his whole face. "Maybe they really disappointed her."

"Then let's hope her future dates have brushed up on their technique a bit more." Or that we caught her before those dates happened. The violence in her attacks seemed to be escalating, and I really didn't want to imagine what she might do to the next man. "We've got a witness this time?"

"Henry Rollins is the gentleman who found him. He's waiting in the back storeroom, if you'd like to talk to him. There's also another potential witness, but it might be best to let Kade deal with him."

I raised my eyebrows. "Why?"

"He's as drunk as a skunk and smells like vomit." His gaze met mine, blue eyes twinkling. "And we all know what a delicate little nose you have."

"Thanks. I think."

I turned and headed for the back of the store, but had gone only three or four steps when Kade finally arrived. I didn't have to actually see him to know he was there - his sheer, masculine scent overwhelmed just about everyone else in the room.

"About fucking time you turned up," I said mildly, over my shoulder.

"Hey, I had to stop for coffee."

"For everyone, I hope," Cole commented.

"I didn't think you boys were allowed to drink on the job. In case of spillage, etcetera."

I pointed an imperious finger and tried to be stern, despite the smile teasing my lips. "If you didn't bring us coffee, you can just go out on the sidewalk and interview the witness the cops are holding."

"Geez, is bossiness inbred in wolves or something?"

"Yes," Cole and I said together, then shared a grin. I have to say, I was liking this relaxed version of Cole a whole lot more than the sourpuss I'd first been introduced to months ago. Although maybe he was opening up more because we had gotten to know each other a bit better through our on-the-job sparring.

I continued on into the back storerooms. There had to be a small kitchen in the back somewhere, because I could smell coffee. And it wasn't top-shelf stuff, if that smell was anything to go by. Either that, or the percolator needed a good cleaning.

But underneath that almost burned aroma, other scents ran. Leather and man and, softer still, orange and jasmine.

And underneath them all, a scent that made my wolf soul twitch.

Cat.

It was faint, but it was there. Our murderess had definitely come this way, though the scent wasn't strong enough to suggest she was still here.

I came across the cop first - a tall man with blond hair leaning casually on one of the shelves. He straightened when I approached. "Directorate?"

I nodded, looking past him as I showed him my badge. Rollins was huddled on a kitchen chair, pale hands wrapped around a coffee mug. "Has Mr. Rollins said anything?"

The cop shook his head. "I just gave him a coffee to calm his nerves."

"Thanks." I slipped past him and walked over to Rollins. He didn't react, so I squatted down in front of him. "Mr. Rollins? I'm afraid I need to ask you some questions."

He looked up, brown eyes haunted. "I saw her, you know."

I raised my eyebrows. "You saw the woman who killed your boss?"