Tears of the Queen

A cold chill raced down Alicia Braswell’s spine as she walked through the darkened alley. Maybe taking the shortcut to her apartment building wasn’t that smart of an idea.

Her sixth sense kicked in. Something didn’t feel right.

Her low heels clapped against the concrete, filling the area with an eerie echo. She tightened her grip on her purse. The bright light of the streetlight at the end of the alley beckoned. Not much further to go. She knew how to protect herself, so she took a deep breath then increased her pace.

The off key tune of 'Pop Goes the Weasel' bounced off the walls. The high-pitched whistle grated on her nerves. She picked her pace up another notch. She had promised to stay out of trouble, but it seemed to follow her.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and her muscles tightened. Her sixth sense went into hyperdrive. She slowed her breathing and focused on her surroundings. Darkness surrounded her. Whoever her assailant might be would be out of sight until he pounced. Her hearing picked up the harsh breath of the whistler. He was close.

The streetlight tried to break through the gloom. A few more feet and she would feel the glow of it surround her. Alicia kept moving, staring at the light, and hoping she could make it to the street before anything happened. This was the last time she would use the shortcut when she decided to grab a quick bite at the pizza parlor around the block.

A shadow fell across her path. “Where you going in such a hurry, sweetness?”

The raspy voice made her skin scrawl. Taking one last look at the light, she focused on the problem in front of her.

She was making a bad habit of defending herself. Some of her friends thought she had a death wish, but Alicia didn’t do these things on purpose. She just wanted to get home and the shortcut would let her get to her apartment quicker.

Ducking her head, she kept walking. Maybe this guy would leave her alone when she ignored him. She sure hoped so. People were still talking about the last incident. Another one would make matters worse. “I don’t want any trouble.”

She tensed and hunched her shoulders slightly when he blocked her passage. A sigh escaped her when she realized a fight was coming her way. A smart woman would do as he asked so she would limit the chance of getting hurt. But a part of her knew she could wipe the floor with him. Her pride told her to kick his ass.

“You’re a pretty little thing. Quite tasty.” Light flickered against the six-inch tanto blade he held in his hand.

“Not really.” The blade didn’t frighten her. She could take it from him in the blink of an eye. Being a black belt had some perks. “I’m nothing but gristle. I’m sure you can find something more to your liking down on Wilkenson Avenue.”

She stepped to his left. If she could reach the busy street, he’d probably back off.

“No, honey. You’re just what I’m looking for.” His meaty hand grabbed her forearm and pulled her toward him.

“And what is that?” She looked up at him and smiled even though her heart beat hard in her chest. Why was she egging this guy on? She should walk away, but the adrenalin running through her veins kept her from running.

Maybe she wanted a fight.

Stupid girl.

His eyes held a wicked gleam in the darkened alley. His gaze darted around as he held her tight. “Fresh meat.”

“Sorry. I don’t date dumpster divers.” Dirt crusted around the folds in his neck. His rumpled clothing smelled like he hadn’t changed in a couple months. There was no way he would get the best of her.

He inhaled deeply. “You smell like you need a man.”

“I have AIDS.” She needed to give him one more chance.

“Good, so do I.”

Great. An idiot. “I must tell you I’m a black belt in taekwondo.”

“And I have a blade.” He slashed it in front of him for effect.

At that her smile widened. She couldn’t help herself. As a third degree she could hand him his teeth, but it was her job to get out of fights when necessary. “So?”

Her would be assailant hesitated. Good, she’d caught him off guard. This might become a winnable situation. Alicia stepped back to see if he would let go without a fight.

“Sorry, lady. I have the weapon.”

“And I am a weapon.” She sighed again as she centered herself. Pivoting and pulling her knee to her stomach, she shot out with a side kick, hitting him in the solar plexus. Hard.

He exhaled his air with a wheeze as he plopped on his butt.

She went into a sparring stance, waiting for his next move. It didn’t take him long.

He shot to his feet and growled, shifting the knife from hand to hand.

The knife flashed and she used a butterfly block to stop it, grabbed his fingers at the juncture of the thumb and twisted his arm down. The knife clattered to the ground. “Now, I want to go home. You are going to let me pass and you’re never going to accost anyone else.”

“My arm,” he whined.

“I’ll break it if you persist.” She twisted his limb in the opposite direction and pinned it up against his back, then stomped on his foot for good measure. Pain would be racing up his arm as it deadened.

“I-I promise.”

“Good.” She let go as he crashed to his knees. Hitching her purse up on her shoulder again, she stepped around him, and walked toward the lighted street and her apartment. Her eye caught the impression of something hiding in the shadows. She would have stayed to get a better look, but knew she had to leave the alley before her attacker became stupid again and changed his mind.

***

His claws clicked against the concrete when he moved deeper into the shadows. He didn’t want her to see him this way. It was too soon. He watched as she hurried out of the alley. She had defended herself quite well. Better than he thought she would. A yawn ripped through him, catching him off guard, and making him take his eyes off her attacker for just a second. When he looked back he found the man gone.

He scratched himself behind the ear. The man wouldn’t get far, but if he gave him a head start, he’d at least have a little sport as he chased him.

The woman he’d deal with later.

Alicia sat at her desk, hands tucked under her chin. Her close call last night dominated her thoughts. How did she get herself into that type of situation? Once she was safe and sound at home she realized how stupid she had acted.

Again.

She should have gone the long way home. It would have been safer. She was lucky the man didn’t know martial arts or she could have been killed, or worse. Alicia shook her head; rape wasn’t a word in her vocabulary. Anyone who tried would be in for the fight of their life.

Maybe that was what she wanted.

“You’re daydreaming again.”

The sudden sound made Alicia jump in her seat. She gave her secretary a sheepish smile. Thank goodness the woman couldn’t read her thoughts. “Sorry, Stacey. Did you need something?”

Her secretary glanced down at her electronic pad for a moment. “You have an appointment with the CEO in fifteen minutes.”

“Oh, right.” Alicia grabbed her pad and jacket. She looked up at her secretary. “Why am I meeting with him again?”

“Alicia, maybe you should cancel.” Stacey’s big brown eyes filled with concern. “You’ve been out of it all day.”

“No, I’m fine. Just a little tired.” She stood and put on her suit jacket. “We’re supposed to be talking about the new jewelry project I’m starting, right?”

“Yes. He’s briefing you on the client you’ll have to deal with.”

“I don’t understand why. He’s never had to do it before.” She snagged a stylus from the top of her desk and stuck it behind her ear. “These high paying clients normally don’t get involved.”

With quick steps, she walked to her appointment. Silently, she thanked her new secretary. The woman was extremely efficient.

Mr. Duncan, the CEO, stood at his door, waiting for her. He smiled and waved her in. “Your new secretary is doing a good job, Alicia.”

“Yes, sir.” Alicia nodded and walked into his office. “She keeps me very organized.”

“Which is what you needed. You get so wrapped up in your projects sometimes you forget everything else.” He sat behind his desk and waited for her to take a seat.

“Isn’t that a good thing for a gemologist?” She glanced out the large window to the right of her boss’ desk. To call it a window was a gross injustice. The whole wall was glass, giving a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Charlotte was such a pretty city, even in the middle of February. She could even see the Bank of America Stadium where the Carolina Panthers played, from there. Alicia turned back to her boss. “So what is it about this client that makes him special?”

“Other than he’s the most famous recluse in the state? Richest man in four?”

“But, Bob,” she began, as she took a chair in front of his desk, “every time he’s hired our company to do some research for him, he ends up abandoning it halfway through. Why do we continue to indulge the man?”

“Because he is one of our largest investors. Even when we don’t complete the task he pays his bill.” He steepled his fingers. “He’s asked for you again.”

“I know.” She pulled the stylus from behind her ear and tapped it against the pad in her lap. Alicia looked down at her pad, her next words kept her from looking at him. “It’s also the first time you wouldn’t let me say no to him.”

“That’s because this time he’s looking for something you might be interested in.” Bob Duncan sat forward. “I find it fascinating.”

“He’s never looked for any jewelry when he has hired us before and I’m not interested in his grandmother’s long lost jelly recipe,” she drawled. Alicia tried to sound bored, but he had caught her attention and it caused her to look up at her boss. What had her boss so interested that he wanted her to take this?

“Good,” a new voice spoke behind her. “Because I’m not looking for that.”

Alicia whipped around toward the direction of the voice. There stood the topic of their conversation. Inwardly, she cringed. Her mouth got her in more trouble. Why didn’t Mr. Duncan tell her he was going to join them?

Maximilian Santos leaned against the doorjamb, dressed entirely in black.

The pictures she had seen of him didn’t do him justice. The man was gorgeous. His jet-black hair went along with the shirt and slacks he wore. Those beautiful green eyes stood out in contrast to the dark image he was trying to portray. She could look into those eyes for hours. She gathered her dignity the best she could. “I’m sorry, Mr. Santos. I didn’t mean to insult you.”

“Miss Braswell, I’ve heard all kinds of things said about me and you’re right. I have been known for searching for the oddest things. This request is no different.” He pushed off the jamb and walked into the room.

He moved like a panther. Sleek and masculine. She stared at the man as her heart did a little flip. If he had been in the alley last night she might not have fought him. In fact, she might have thrown herself at him. Alicia placed her hand on her heart. What was she thinking? She didn’t need these wayward thoughts. He was a client.

And crazy as a loon.

“Mr. Santos.” She stood up, already locking her reaction to him deep inside. Time to be professional.

“No more apologies.” His smile was one of those bone melting ones.

Alicia did her best to ignore it and straightened her spine. She refused to be swayed by a pretty face. He was their client and that was all.

“I’d like to get down to business.” He continued to look at her as he spoke.

“Good.” Mr. Duncan gestured to the chair beside hers. “Let’s get this meeting underway.”

She looked at Maximilian Santos expectantly. What was he after now? All his other requests had been crazy. Myths. This one had to be the same.

“Have you heard of the Tears of the Queen?” He turned his attention to her CEO.

She placed her hand over her mouth to hide her laughter. She knew she had been caught when he turned toward her and smiled again.

“So you have heard of them.”

“Yeah.” She couldn’t control her own smile. “They’re a fairy tale. The tears of the first werewolf, supposedly female, who cried at the death of her mate. The tears that fell crystallized as they hit the ground. The purest red diamonds in the world. It is said the tears could cure anyone of being a werewolf.”

“Or convert any human to werewolf.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “I have proof they exist.”

“Okay.” She crossed her arms over her chest too. There was no way he had any. “I want to see the proof.”

“Sorry, but no.” His smile never wavered as he turned to face Mr. Duncan again. “I’d like to start immediately.”

Alicia stood. This wasn’t worth her time. She took two steps toward the door before she found it blocked. How had he moved so fast? That thought scattered because he stood a little too close for her comfort and all she could think of was how good he smelled. She took a step back, trying to regain control of the desire filling her. He wasn’t going to intimidate her.

“Where are you going?” asked Santos, his voice soft. He stood a good six inches above her five-foot-ten-inch frame.

“Back to my office.” She stepped around him and continued toward the door. A steel-like grip circled her wrist. She stared down at the offending limb restraining hers. “I can break your hold.”

“Not without breaking your wrist,” he growled, his voice low.

“Want to try me?” she asked, looking him in the eye. She refused to back down. “I’ve broken better holds than this before.”

“Um, Mr. Santos. What’s going on here? Please release her.” Mr. Duncan rose from his chair. “Alicia, you should at least hear the man out.”

Santos looked down at her hand. Quickly, he released it, as if it dawned on him what he had been doing. “I hired you.”

“No.” She gave him a strained smile. “You hired my firm. If you want to chase rainbows and shadows someone else can work with you. Werewolves don’t exist and neither do the Tears of the Queen. I have other assignments that need my attention.”

“What if I showed you the proof I have?”

That stopped her for a moment. What made him change his mind? “Is this the same proof you just said you wouldn’t show me?”

He turned his smile on full force.

Wow, that smile probably got a lot of women into his bed. Alicia found it hard to keep her resolve. Her rational mind told her it was because she was intrigued, but she wasn’t sure if she could trust it. Alicia had read about the Tears for years. The legend did fascinate her. If he had proof…

“Maybe.”

***

Alicia challenged him. Santos couldn’t believe it. After all the research he did on her and her habits before hiring her he never thought she’d refuse him because she didn’t believe. He found it arousing.

He looked beyond her face to stare out the glass window that functioned as a wall. The panoramic view helped him lock down his reaction.

If they had been alone he would prove to her that werewolves did exist, that she stood in front of one, right now. “You’ll have to come to my home this evening. I don’t allow the Tear out of my house; I’ll show you what you need to see to believe in my quest.”

“Why not pick a neutral place instead?”

He pitched his voice so it would flow over her like warm butter. “Afraid to be alone with me?” He couldn’t help goading her. He needed to see how she’d react.

“Should I be?” She gazed up at him, a daring look in her eyes.

So she wouldn’t back down. He had to admit he liked her spunk. He needed her help and a little backbone and a touch of stubborn pride might be what she needed to accept his proposal. Especially after what he’d put her through. “Depends.”

Her laughter was music to his ears.

“Eight o’clock.”

“And don’t be late?” she asked.

He knew she had turned the tables. “If you’re curious enough you’ll be on time.”

With a slight bow, he closed the door behind him.

***

“And what was that?” asked Mr. Duncan.

“I’m not sure, but I think I passed.” She stared at the door for a moment more before turning toward her boss. “I get to see his proof, don’t I?”

“Yes, although I’m not sure it’s wise to go to his home.” He stepped around his desk and ran one hand through his hair. “You sure you’re up to this? We can tell him no.”

“And alienate your biggest client? I know you don’t want to do that. You wouldn’t have made me his contact if you thought he would settle for any other researcher. I’m not happy about this, but I’ll at least see if he’s telling the truth. If he’s not we’ll back out.” Mr. Duncan sure changed his tune all of a sudden. Alicia guessed after watching Mr. Santos interact with her, her boss was second guessing his decision. She sat back down, having a feeling it was a little too late to back out now. She wanted to see his proof. “I’ve heard the rumors that no one has been allowed in his home in years. The recluse is allowing me to go where no one has gone. How can I turn that down?”

“Alicia…”

“I’m sure everything will be fine.” She gave him her brightest smile.

“Just because you have several degrees in taekwondo doesn’t mean you’ll be fine.” Mr. Duncan shook his head. “Sometimes I think you invite danger just to prove you can overcome it.”

“Don’t be silly.” She wanted to laugh but didn’t, wondering the same thing. “I never start the fights.”

“No, but you do finish quite a few. How many run-ins have you had. Three? Four?”

She didn’t have the heart to tell him about last night. That one made six. He’d learn about it soon enough. The company grapevine would make sure of that.

“You’re the only person I know who seems to get into these scuffles in the first place.” He leaned against his desk when Alicia stood. “I wanted to keep him happy because of who he is, but now, I’m not sure that is wise. What did he say to you while he had your hand?”

“Nothing more than male posturing. I can handle him.”

“You sure?” He straightened. “How about I assign someone to work with you?”

“Mr. Santos probably would balk. He might be known as being a little crazy, but not a criminal. It will be okay.”

“All right, but you get out of there at the first sign of trouble.”

“I promise.”

***

Alicia drove her Jeep Cherokee down the long dark road, looking for a house number. This was a dumb idea. She thought Mr. Santos lived in an affluent neighborhood. He was worth billions. Yet she found herself driving through an area that she wouldn’t normally go near during daylight.

“Never again.” She made sure the locks on the doors were thrown before she stopped to check the directions he gave her. If she didn’t find it in the next five minutes, she was going to turn around and go home. Let someone else deal with this crazy man.

A long stone wall glowed in the beams of her headlights. “Damn. I spoke too soon. This is like one of those horror movies I hate watching. The stupid woman always goes where she shouldn’t and becomes the next victim. Not this woman.” She turned her steering wheel. Tonight, she was going to do the smart thing and just go home.

Her lights flashed against something dark and menacing, wrenching a scream from her. The tires of her car screeched as she slammed on the brakes. Not really sure what she saw, her mind tried to work out the image. It was huge and seemed furry, like a big dog. It wasn’t much but enough to scare her.

Her heart pounded. She placed her hand on her chest just as someone tapped on her driver’s side window. She screamed again.

“Really, Miss Braswell. If you’re frightened so easily perhaps we should meet at your office from now on.” Maximilian Santos leaned against the door, giving her a million dollar smile.

“I swear you had me come out to this Godforsaken place on purpose.” His smug attitude angered her.

“What Godforsaken place?” He glanced around before looking back at her.

She took in her surroundings. Just ahead was the beginning of the richest section of the city. Large homes on lots of land. He took her a different way on purpose. Alicia turned back and glared at him.

“Hey, I gave you the shortest route, just like you asked me to.”

He was right. She had asked for the shortest route and didn’t know this section of the city that well.

“Fine.” She gripped her steering wheel hard. “Where to?”

“Up that hill.” He peered inside her car. “Want to give me a ride?”

She wanted to say no. Gazing up into his face, she almost did. “Climb in.”

He walked around her car and stood next to the passenger door. One of his brows arched when he waited a little longer than he should for her to unlock it.

Alicia sighed and hit the button. It swung open in seconds. The leather bucket seat squeaked under his weight. The scent of wood and something all male surrounded her. The close confines of the car closed in on her.

“I didn’t think you were going to open the door.” His words were cut off when she hit the gas. The door clanged as it bounced against the frame. “If you’d slow down for just a second I’ll close that pesky door.”

She bit the side of her cheek to keep from laughing. The soft flesh grinding against her teeth helped her maintain control. “I’m being a bit of a bitch, aren’t I?”

“I wouldn’t have used those words, but I won’t argue with you.” He winked at her. “Straight up the hill, Miss Braswell.”

She didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry. He definitely got under her skin, but she wasn’t sure why. The man was attractive in a dark sort of way. Dark clothes, dark hair, well-tanned. The type of man she couldn’t trust.

His clean-shaven look surprised her. The hint of an aftershave mixed with the wood scent. A goatee would fit his particular persona. So would a pitchfork.

She fought the laughter threatening to bubble up. Alicia knew she was being mean because she had been so scared. In reality, she found him very attractive. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and she was pretty sure it wasn’t from the fear she felt a few minutes earlier.

If she didn’t get some distance between them soon she’d be in trouble. No man ever affected her this way.

Alicia glanced in his direction as she maneuvered her Jeep up the drive to the massive bungalow style house at the top of the small incline. It looked like it started as a small home. Then as time and money allowed, more rooms and sections were added, until they had this huge sprawling mansion.

The style of the home surprised her. She would have thought Santos’ home would be some massive gothic thing. A big brooding house. Not an inviting ranch with lots of windows. Welcoming lights shone brightly through them.

The brightness didn’t block the woods nearby. Dark and foreboding, for some reason they made her skin crawl. Could there be wolves in there? It was the first thought that popped in her head. Why? She had no clue. Wolves couldn’t be anywhere near Charlotte, yet she couldn’t stop the wayward thought or the shudder that raced through her. Focusing on the home was the best thing to do. It seemed out of place here on the hill. It looked like it belonged on a beach, not in the middle of a city.

“My father built it for my mother.”

Her body went on alert. Could he read her mind?

“Everyone who meets me then sees this place wonders how I ended up with it. It doesn’t really fit me.”

She remained silent and turned off the engine. A sixth sense told her to crank the engine back up and leave as quickly as she could. There was something about him that made her hesitant. Not knowing why bothered her.

“Well,” he said, as he opened the door on his side, “come on in.”

“Sure.” Looking up at the house, Alicia wondered, once again, if this was a smart idea. Why was she feeling this way? It was just a job.

“Having second thoughts?”

“Whatever gave you that idea?” She shouldered her purse, relying on the feel of the soft leather to center her. She needed to be a lot braver than she felt. Why she suddenly questioned what she was about to do, Alicia wasn’t sure, but she knew the moment she crossed the threshold to his home her life would change.

She shook her head. Where did those bizarre thoughts come from? Superstitious, she wasn’t. “Let’s go.”

***

Max watched as she hesitated. She sensed something. The woman had good instincts. If she was smart she would go running, no, screaming into the night and turn down this assignment like she tried to do before. But he hoped she wouldn’t. Her curiosity was piqued and that was a good sign.

He wondered if she’d later regret this chance to walk away.

Getting her to take the job would be the hardest part. She didn’t want things handed to her. Most of the assignments she took were because she was moved by the story told by the client. Then the research normally hooked her. She didn’t believe his story so now he had to give her just enough information to get her to want the job. He didn’t want to deceive her, but he needed her help. No one else would do.

Just as they approached the front door, it opened. Alicia released a nervous laugh. “Got the door wired?”

“No.” He smiled. “I have a Jacob.”

His assistant peeked out from behind the door. An elderly man with a kind face. He was about her height and slightly bald. “Evening, ma’am.”

“Oh, please don’t call me ma’am. That’s my mom.”

“Of course.” He didn’t say it but the word hung between them in the silence.

“Okay, I’m sorry.” She laughed. “You’ve obviously been trained well.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He stepped back as he held the door open. “Would you like something to drink?”

“We’ll take something in the vault.”

“The vault?” She turned to look at him. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I protect my investments.” He rested one hand against the small of her back and urged her deeper into the foyer. “Alcoholic? Or non?”

“Non. I’m driving, remember? A soda will be fine.”

“How about some freshly squeezed lemonade?” asked Jacob. “It’s my personal recipe.”

“That would be great.” She waited for Santos to lead the way. Instead, she felt the pressure of his hand on her back as he pointed in the direction he wanted her to go, so she ended up moving first.

Alicia didn’t like being first. She had no clue where they were going and couldn’t be on the defensive if Santos were to try something, but she couldn’t figure out how to get him to take the lead.

He urged her down a flight of stairs, deeper into the bowels of the house. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up again.

“Where are we going?”

“Forgive me. Call it a quirk but I protect my things well.”

Yeah, he already said that. Was he reading her mind? This was the second time he seemed to respond to her thoughts.

“You think I’m going to shoot you in the back? You hold a third degree in taekwondo, correct?”

“Yes.” So he did some research on her. Interesting.

“Then you understand.”

She nodded. She’d do exactly the same thing if their roles were reversed.