The Power of the Tears

The legendary Tears of the Queen are red diamonds that have the ability to turn someone from human to werewolf or werewolf to human. When Maximillian Santos, alpha of his pack, learns someone else is trying to find the Tears, he knows he needs to find them first. He convinces Alicia Braswell to help him.

Alicia Braswell is a gemologist and is part of the legend. The poem Max shares with her just about calls her by name and says she’s the one who is supposed to find the Tears. The Tears talk to her. Not in words, but in vibrations. She gets guidance from them.

Stacey is Alicia’s assistant and also a werewolf. She was sent to protect Alicia. She refuses to shift because of the fear she has had engrained in her. When the boy she was promised to came of age, killed his father and started ruling his pack with an iron fist, Stacey’s father took his family and ran to keep her safe. She even speaks to Alicia about using the Tears on herself to make her human. She hopes it will stop the man from looking for her.

Patrick is Max’s second and attracted to Stacey. When he realizes someone is funneling money from his company, he hires Stacey to help him find the culprit. The more time he spends with her the more he wants her. He faces the alpha she fears, defeating him and taking his pack as his own so Stacey can live in peace as his mate.

Catherine is Patrick’s sister and Max’s third in command. She is also the pack historian. She works at one of the local colleges in Charlotte as a professor of legends and myths throughout history. She becomes Max’s second when Stacey, who is now pregnant, is close to her due date and Patrick wants to spend more time with her until the baby is due.

Now the journey of Max’s pack continues…

Catherine stood in front of Max’s desk, wishing she could be anywhere else. Normally this was her brother’s job, but he took time off because his mate was due to have their first child, forcing her to fill in. The worst part was she had no clue what Max wanted from her.

She knew she could do whatever he threw at her but being female did turn heads at times. An alpha never picked a woman as a second or a third. The position was always held by a male. Yet here she was the most powerful woman in the werewolf community. As Max’s second, even if it was temporary, she had to do her best. Too many women looked up to her for her to fail.

What drove her crazy was no one took her seriously, even as Max’s second. She always got lumped in with Max and her brother’s mates. Catherine loved Alicia and Stacey, but it made her feel like she was invisible at times.

She was the only one of the three who wasn’t mated and it came up a lot in conversations. She hated it. The worst part was when no one was around. When the couples started paying a lot of attention to each other she ended up slinking off into the background. During those times she wished she was invisible.

She wanted to sigh but knew she needed to focus.

“You wanted me, Max?” She let go of her thoughts and focused on Max.

“Yes. I have something I need you to take care of.” He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. “You remember the pack in southern Louisiana?”

“The one who felt women were only to be mates and mothers? How could I forget.” Catherine was the pack’s historian. As more and more packs merged with theirs she became the head historian and worked on gathering the history of all the packs whether they joined with their pack or not. She had reached out to this particular pack to gather their history because she had heard a rumor they had information on the legend of the white wolf and had been shot down.

“They reached out to me,” said Max. “There have been three ritual murders. They don’t know if someone has learned about the pack and is killing them, or if this is a cult that is doing some sort of blood ritual that has nothing to do with werewolves and members of their pack were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“I recommend Mathew.” A man would work much better with this pack and she hoped Max would agree. “He’s very good at ritualistic ceremonies.”

“I want you to go.” Max smiled at her but the look in his eyes told her this wasn’t up for negotiation.

“Me?” She frowned. “Max, the alpha won’t talk to me. He doesn’t like females. Sending a man will keep the status quo and the murders can be solved that much faster.”

Max just stared at her.

“I’m being honest, not argumentative.” She didn’t mean to tell him what to do. They had known each other since they were children and she never held her tongue.

“This pack reached out to me to help with the murders, but they also have shown an interest in joining our pack.”

“And you want me to go so they understand that you value everyone’s opinion.”

“I knew you’d understand.” He smiled at her.

She dropped her chin to her chest. Why did Max have to make a statement with her? “Yes, sir.”

“They didn’t give me a lot of information on the deaths other than they seem ritualistic. The sheriff is one of us and the one spearheading this. I want to make sure you have everything you need.”

“You’re not going to send me in the limo, are you?”

“No. I know how this alpha thinks and you need to play the part. There are no cell phone towers near their den so you need to make sure you have everything you need.”

“You realize how many books I’m going to have to bring?” She did a mental checklist in her head. “No internet? I’ll have to load as much as I can to my tablet and laptop.”

“How long will this take you?”

“Wow, clothing would take less than an hour. It’s figuring out which books to bring as well as downloading everything.” She scratched one eyebrow. “First thing in the morning?”

“Good. I’ll meet you at your apartment.”

***

Everything was packed when Max came to her door.

“Your flight leaves in two hours. I have a vehicle set aside for you when you get there. Holy cow.” He stopped and looked at the boxes of books she had packed. “You need all of this?”

She nodded.

“Good thing you’re taking the private jet.” He picked up boxes and started carrying them out to his Hummer.

“Max, you don’t have to do that.” She rushed to his side and tried to take the boxes he had picked up.

“It’s going to go quicker if you let me help you without an argument.” He moved them away from her so she couldn’t take them from him.

“He’s right, you know.” A feminine voice came from the side of the Hummer.

“Alicia!” Catherine gave her friend a hug. “I thought Max left you at home.”

“He tried.” Alicia returned the hug. “But I needed to talk to you.”

“Okay. Can we talk while we carry?”

“Sure.” Alicia picked up a box and carried it to the back of Max’s Hummer. “It’s the Tears. You know they talk to me.”

Catherine nodded. The Tears of the Queen was a myth until Alicia found all of the red diamonds. “I didn’t know they could be prophetic.”

“They’re not.” Alicia tucked a piece of hair behind her ear as they headed back to Catherine’s apartment. “But I’m getting the impression that there is someone there who could use their help? Does that make sense?”

“Right now?” Catherine picked up another box. “No, but I will keep my eyes and ears open so to speak.”

“Thanks.” Alicia picked up another box as well. They continued to fill the SUV until everything had been placed into it.

“I’m going to take you to the airport,” said Max. “I have a rental waiting for you when you land. I know you’re not going to be able to keep in touch the way you normally do but try to keep me apprised of how things are going.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“I didn’t book you a hotel because the pack is supposed to host you and offer you a place to stay.” Max handed her a credit card. “If you end up having to get a room please use this card. I don’t want you paying out of pocket for something they’re supposed to provide.”

“Yes, sir.” She slipped it into her purse.

“Have a good flight.”

“Thanks, Max.”

“I’m going to miss you.” Alicia hugged her again.

“It’s not like I’m leaving forever. It should only be for a few days. Maybe a week, tops.”

“I know.” Alicia stepped back. “It’s just a feeling I’m getting.”

“From the stones?”

“I don’t know.” Alicia looked at her. “Just be careful.”

“I will.” She didn’t like the way the conversation was going. It worried her. She kept that inside as she said bye to her two friends.

***

The plane landed smoothly at the Lafayette Regional Airport. When she went to the car rental place, she found Max had rented the biggest 4x4 truck she had ever seen. It made her laugh outright. A massive four door with an extended bed, there was plenty of room for everything she brought with her. There was a cover over the bed so her items would be safe from the environment. Once her things were loaded, she connected her phone to the truck and called Max.

“This thing is massive, Max.” She started the engine and put it in drive.

“You need to make an impression.”

“I don’t think that will be a problem. This monster looks like it eats hybrids for lunch and sedans for dinner.” Catherine pulled into traffic, leaving the small airport and followed the directions on the GPS.

Max laughed.

“Thanks for the hotspot. It will help me save the battery on my phone and will allow me to email you at least.”

“That was my thought. You are my second. Make these people realize you deserve their respect.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I thought about adding a camper on the back, but the alpha is supposed to make sure you have a place to stay and I fear you might have to force his hand.”

She figured as much. Oh boy was this going to be fun.

***

She pulled in front of the small restaurant and bar she was to meet the sheriff in. It didn’t look like much, but it was the only thing for miles as far as she could see, so she bet it was busy most of the time. Walking into the darkened interior, Catherine gave her eyes a few moments to adjust before she moved to the bar.

“Hello, stranger.”

“I guess you don’t get too many here, do you?” She slid onto a barstool. The woman in front of her was definitely a werewolf.

“Not many, but you’ve been expected.” The bartender wiped the bar in front of her down. “Something to drink?”

“Irish whiskey neat.” Great. The whole pack knew she was coming. She would have ordered a coffee until she heard that.

“I heard you liked whiskey.” The woman behind the counter set a glass on the bar filled with the amber liquid Catherine asked for. Next to it, she set a bottle on the counter. “I hope this brand works for you.”

“How did you get this?” She picked up a bottle of her favorite whiskey. The problem was it was made on her home island off the coast of Ireland. “Max.”

“I received a case with your name on it. Catherine, right?”

“Yes.” She would have to thank Max the next time she spoke to him. She now had a little bit of home with her.

“Thought so. I’d hate to get on the wrong side of Maximillian Santos.”

That wasn’t the attitude she thought she’d have to face here. At least she had one person who would be nice to her.

“Have you tried this?” Catherine asked as she took a sip.

“Can I?”

Of course.”

The door to the bar opened, letting in the bright light before the door shut again, sealing them back in the cool dark interior.

“Wow, this is smooth.” The bartender smiled as the whiskey slid down her throat.

“My family makes it.”

“Really?” She nodded to the person who had come into the bar. “They sure could make a lot of money selling this as a top shelf product.”

“They know, but they enjoy taking their time and getting it right. Having to fill orders on demand would remove that.” She cupped the glass as the new arrival stepped up to the bar beside her. Her senses told her male, the smell of dirt, sweat and gun oil told her this was probably the sheriff.

“Sheriff.”

“Sally.” He turned to look at Catherine. “Can I assume you’re the person Max Santos sent?”

“I am.” She took another sip, then turned to look at him. He was handsome. Dark hair framed his tanned face and dark lashes framed beautiful blue eyes. He was lean like all werewolves but she could tell he worked out too.

“Is he out of his mind?” The sheriff placed a foot on the rail at the bottom of the bar. “Our alpha isn’t very open to women dictating to him.”

“Oh, he knows, Sheriff. Max does everything for a reason.” She stood and faced him. He was dressed like he stepped out of a western, He wore a chambray shirt with his badge attached and blue jeans. The look was completed by a cowboy hat on his head. “I am his second. I have the power to make this work, if your pack is willing to make a few concessions. I am also his historian and know the most about rituals. He sent me to help with the murders as well as the merger if I decide your pack is ready to move into the new world Max is trying to build.”

“Who said we wanted to merge with Max’s pack?” asked Sally.

The sheriff gave Sally a quick stare that made her back down immediately. So he added that to lure down the help he needed? Max wasn’t going to be happy.

“Am I wrong about the merger? Was it a trick to get help?” She had to hold her own with her alpha so she could hold her own with the sheriff.

“No, it’s not a trick, the council wanted to know more. The problem is my alpha might not even talk to you.” The sheriff tipped his hat back on his head. “Um, let me do all the talking.”

“Your alpha needs to learn quickly that women do more than have babies and become mates, especially in Max’s circles.”

He winced at her words. “It’s not like that.”

“Really? Care to elaborate?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Oh, I like her, Jacques. This one has backbone.”

“Hush, Sally.” He took a deep breath. “We are expected.”

“Lead the way.” Catherine gestured for him to show her the way to the pack meeting hall.

He turned on his heel and headed out of the bar. Catherine followed him out, turning to look at Sally who winked at her as they left.

Now she would see if her leadership training would kick in.

***

Catherine followed Jacques. He was good looking. His thick, short, dark hair made her want to run her fingers through it. Those blue eyes of his were beautiful. The color of a sapphire, she could stare into them for hours. He had nice full lips that had her wondering if he was a good kisser.

What was she doing? It was time to focus, not daydream. The pack was waiting for them. The restaurant was right on the edge of the pack’s town. It actually protected the pack by being the first building anyone saw. They walked to where they needed to go. She knew who the alpha was the moment she entered the pack hall. What she found interesting was he had the same blue eyes as the sheriff.

Now she’d see how another pack’s hierarchy worked. The alpha sat up on the dais, looking bored. The moment he saw her his whole demeanor changed.

“He sent a woman?”

Oh, this was going to be great, she thought sarcastically.

“I am the most qualified person to help you.” She didn’t say anything more.

The alpha glared at her like he would strike her for addressing him directly. “How are you qualified?”

“I am the historian. I know all of the packs’ history. Rituals, legends, and prophecies from every pack that has joined ours is recorded and preserved by me. I will know what ritual and what group murdered your people a lot faster than anyone else and I was told time is of the essence.”

He grunted.

“If you approve, we’ll get started right away,” said Jacques. He took Catherine by the arm and tried to pull her out of the hall.

“What are you doing?” she asked softly.

“Trying to get you out before something goes wrong.”

“I can’t leave. Someone is supposed to offer me a place to stay.”

“I’ll get you a hotel room,” he whispered. “Please, let’s go.”

Catherine shook her head. She turned to face their alpha.

“What?” His annoyance was obvious.

A woman, Catherine had to assume was his mate, spoke softly to him and he grunted again. He looked at his people before addressing her. “I have been trying to figure out who to place you with and my choice is with Jacques.”

“What?” said Jacques. Catherine said the same thing at the same time.

“You two will be working closely together to figure out who is killing our pack members. It only makes sense.”

Jacques nodded, grabbed Catherine’s hand and pulled her out behind him.

“What are you doing?” She pulled her hand out of his.

“Getting you out of this building before you say something that could be inadvertently taken as a challenge.”

“Is he crazy? I should be with one of the families or a single woman. You know that as much as I do.”

“That might be true, but he is right. We will be working closely together trying to figure out what is happening and why. I won’t force you to stay with me, but my home is open to you as my alpha requested.”

Catherine glared at him. The offer had been made and if she refused she could give the pack a reason to reject her help.

“How about I show you my home and the room you could use? Maybe that will help you make the decision.”

“All right.” She also had to figure out how to explain this to Max without making her own alpha angry.

They walked to the bar and got in their vehicles. That gave Catherine pause. Didn’t he live in town with the rest of the pack? Something wasn’t right. She followed him about a mile down the road. Just past the sheriff’s office was a one-story ranch, sitting back from the road. Okay so maybe he wanted to be close to work. That could explain why he didn’t live in town.

“I’m sorry about the mess. I’m not the best at cleaning.”

Catherine was expecting the worst. She knew how her brother lived before he mated with Stacey. She was pleasantly surprised that although it was messy it wasn’t like he had open food containers everywhere. Most of his mess was files from work. They were all over the dining room table as well as a coffee table in his living room.

“This is where you can stay.” He gestured to the first door down a short corridor.

Catherine stepped into the room and nodded. “Let me get my stuff.”

The suitcase was easy. The boxes of books were a different story.

“Good Lord, woman.” He helped her carry the boxes of books into her room. “Why so many boxes?”

“I was told the access to the internet was not good here and I wanted to be sure I had everything I needed.”

“That would have been true if you had stayed in town, but as sheriff I do have to have access. It might not be as fast as what you have in Charlotte, but it works.”

“Which is why I brought them. It would take too long for anything I need to download. This way I should have what I might need.” She opened her suitcase and pulled out a small, folded table. It was about the size of a travel ironing board but as she opened it up it became a sturdy table for her to stack her books on.

“Can I ask you a question?”

Catherine looked at him and nodded.

“Why were you so adamant about staying in the hall until our alpha assigned you a place to stay?” He leaned against the frame of the door as she stacked books on the table she brought.

“Max.”

“What did Max have to do with it?”

“You know I could have booked a room at a nearby hotel. Max wanted to see if your alpha would show proper hospitality and offer me a place to stay.” She placed a large set of books on the table.

“How would he know?”

She pulled the credit card out of her pocket.

“He would see the activity.” Jacques smiled. “He is smart. No one from the pack would have realized that.”

“Max is a very unique alpha.” She slipped the card back in and continued to stack books. “I’m proud to be his second.”

“How did that happen, anyway?” Jacques took books out of the few remaining boxes and held them out to her.

“My stupid brother.” She laughed at his confused look. “My brother, Patrick, was Max’s second and I was his third. Patrick was Max’s protector and my job was to protect Max’s mate, but Patrick mated and his mate is due anytime. He is also the alpha of his own pack and it wouldn’t look good for him not to be there for the birth of his first born. So he is on hiatus until the birth of his child. I had to step into his position until he can come back.”

“How does that work, anyway?” He backed up and walked back into his living room when she finished unpacking.

“Being an alpha of your own pack while you have Max as your alpha?” Catherine shrugged. “It’s pretty simple really. Max isn’t trying to be the only alpha. He’s trying to bring all the packs together. Any pack that merges with ours keeps their alpha, as long as that alpha will acknowledge that Max is the high alpha.”

“And if they don’t?” Jacques opened his refrigerator door and stared at the empty shelves. He took two beers and lifted one toward her.

“Then they go about their merry way.” She took the beer he offered. “But they don’t have the security that they might need to keep them safe from being absorbed by another pack.”

“Or help a pack that has something like what is going on here if they’re not part of his mega pack?”

“Yeah. I mean, Max could have denied your pack help after what happened a few months ago.” She took a swig.

“What happened that could have upset Max?” He gave her a confused look.

“I approached your alpha’s mate about learning your history and your alpha shot me down.”

“That was you?” His eyes widened at her words. “Our alpha was pissed. It took a lot to calm him down.”

“You don’t know pissed until you see Max angry.” She set her bottle on the coffee table. “That is a sight to behold.”

“Um, I don’t have anything in the fridge for us to eat. We could go to the bar. Sally has a great cook.”

“That’s fine.” She stood, grateful for a change in the conversation. “Who’s driving?”

“Me.” He pulled his keys out of his pocket.

The trip to the bar was quick. Catherine found herself alone with Sally when they walked in. Jacques had been hailed by a pack member and took off on her.

“What do you need? Maybe some whiskey?”

“How about some water first?”

“Sure.” She filled a glass with ice then added water before setting it in front of Catherine. “I’m assuming Jacques realized he had no food in the house.”

“He did. What I’m not sure about is if I should wait for him to return to order.”

“Don’t worry about him. He orders the same thing every time. I know what to get him. You on the other hand need to tell me so I can get something delicious going.” She placed a menu on the counter. “I’ll give you a few minutes.”

Catherine found the menu quite diverse. She wasn’t sure what to choose. She looked at Sally. “How about you choose? There are so many good things on this menu I don’t know where to start.”

“A challenge.” Sally grinned. “I’ll take it.”

Catherine continued to sip her water as she watched the sheriff. He took good care of himself. Nice broad shoulders and a tapered waist. It was his eyes that she found fascinating. She couldn’t get over the color. The blue of a perfect sapphire. It reminded her of the ring her mother had. A family heirloom that she loved, and some day would inherit.

“Are you drooling?”

“What?” Damn, she got caught staring. Catherine blinked and looked at Sally who had come back without her realizing it. That didn‘t happen.

“The sheriff.” She lifted her chin in the direction of Jacques. “He is easy on the eyes.”

“I’m surprised he’s not mated.” Catherine wished she could sink into the floor. It wasn’t often someone could catch her like that.

“Are you?”

“Mated?” Catherine shook her head. “Not yet.”

“Any prospects?”

“Why the twenty questions?”

“Oh, you have to be careful with Sally.” Jacques came back to the bar just in time to hear Catherine’s question and sat next to her. “She is our seer.”

“Well, that explains the questions.” Catherine looked at her. “That was cheating.”

“Did she ask you the ‘are you mated’ questions?” He looked at Sally as well. “You just can’t help yourself, can you? She’s not part of our pack. Give her a break.”

“I was just curious.” Sally defended herself. “I don’t know a whole lot about Catherine, other than she came here to help us.”

“I’m sure there is a better way to get to know her besides asking are you mated?” Jacques said.

“It works for me.” She set a beer in front of him.

Catherine had to laugh. There was something about Sally that made her like the woman.

Sally set a whiskey neat in front of her. “I’m thinking you might want this now.”

Catherine took the glass and toasted her. “You are just like the seer in my pack.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“I learned a long time ago that nothing phases her,” said Jacques.

“You know you love me,” said Sally.

“I do, but I still know better than to tell you anything.” Jacques took a sip of his beer. “Unless I want the whole pack to know.”

“Oh, honey, you know that’s part of my job. You also know I’m very good at my job.” She looked at Catherine. “He loves to pretend that he’s the lone wolf of the pack.”

“I think every male feels that way at one time or the other. My brother thought that, then he found his mate. Max was the same way.”

“Sally!” a voice bellowed from the kitchen.

“Oh, I think your food is ready.” Sally went into the kitchen.

“I hope Sally didn’t overstep.”

“She’s a pussycat compared to our seer. She takes her job very seriously. If she got her hands on you, you’d have a half a dozen prospects for mates in about an hour.”

“Not me.”

It was the way he said it that made her pause. It was so final. Sally came back with their plates. “Philly cheesesteak for Jacques and you, my dear, I wanted you to feel comfortable so I picked pot roast.”

“I see, playing to the Irish in me, huh?” Catherine smiled. “You know it’s hard to beat the pot roast I’ve had.”

“Just taste it.” Sally set her elbows on the counter and rested her face on her hands.

Catherine picked up her fork and speared a piece of the meat. She popped it into her mouth and was met with a burst of seasoning. Her eyes widened as the meat melted in her mouth. Crap, this was as good as her mom’s. The Cajun spicing made it different as well. This could become her favorite. She looked at Sally. “Meh.”

“What?”

Catherine laughed at that. “This is wonderful.”

“Much better.” She filled Catherine’s half-full water glass. “I’d hate to have to disown you when I like you so much.”

“I think Sally likes you more than me.” Jacques slapped his hand on his heart. “Say it ain’t so.”

“Oh stop.” She patted his hand. “You know I love everyone equally. Now shut up and eat your food.”

“She’s pushy too.” He picked up his sandwich and took a large bite before she could yell at him again.

Catherine found herself feeling very comfortable with these two. Their alpha might rub her the wrong way, but members of the pack were easy to get along with.

***

Catherine found it hard to sleep. The smells were different than her home. She ended up giving up even trying. After getting dressed she checked the time. “Four o’clock in the morning. Great. What do I do with myself for two hours?”

She had learned that Sally’s Place opened at six a.m. She dressed and ventured out into the living room. She looked around for a coffee pot but didn’t see one. Catherine did see dishes in the sink. Well, she could at least wash them for him. That could be a way for her to thank him for putting her up. She placed the washed dishes in the dish rack to dry, wiped the sink out and wondered what she was going to do for the next hour and forty-five minutes.

Catherine decided to sweep the floor in the kitchen and living room. Once she had exhausted the simple tasks she could find to do, she sat on the couch and looked at the files Jacques had left there. The images were gruesome, but she knew this was why she was brought down here. She studied the images before she read the reports. It definitely looked like a ritual. The victim’s tongue was removed as well as the eyes and heart.

She scratched the back of her head. It definitely seemed familiar. Catherine went back to her room and grabbed one of her books. There was a pack that had a bit of a gruesome past. Flipping through the book, she found what she was looking for.

Jacques had a pad next to the files he was working through so she grabbed it and jotted down some notes. She checked her watch and realized she had burned the time she needed. Sally’s Place opened at six o’clock and if she headed out now she could be there when she opened her doors for the day.

***

Jacques stomped into the bar and ordered coffee.

“And what has made you so happy this fine morning?” asked Sally as she poured him a cup of coffee.

“My guest.” He looked around. “I expected her to be here.”

“She was earlier. So what horrible thing did she do?” prompted Sally.

“She did my dishes.”

“No!” She stopped wiping down the counter and stared at him. “Did she put them all in the wrong places too?”

“No.” He took a sip of his coffee. “She left them in the rack.”

“Say it ain’t so.” Sally placed her hand up near her throat in mock shock. “Please don’t tell me she swept your floor as well.”

“She told you, didn’t she?” He narrowed his gaze at her.

“Catherine told me she had trouble sleeping and had to wait two hours before she could get a cup of coffee because she couldn’t find your coffee pot. That, by the way, is a cruel way to treat your guest. So she kept herself busy until she could come here and get some.”

“How was I to know she would wake up so early?” He sat at the bar with his now empty cup. “I normally come here and get coffee.”

“You could have told her, or better yet asked me for some so you could have it in the morning.” She set a small bag on the counter. “This is not for you, but for Catherine.”

“And if I don’t tell her where the coffee pot is?” He knew he was being ornery, but he couldn’t help himself.

“Won’t work. I already told her where to look.”

“How would you know?” He felt Sally was already on team Catherine, which could mean trouble for him.

“Please. How long have I known you?” She poured him another cup.

“So where is Catherine anyway?”

“Running.”

He choked on his coffee. “Where? Doesn’t she know it’s dangerous to shift and run anywhere?”

“Jacques, you can be quite dense at times. She hasn’t been invited to run with the pack so she’s just running. You know, jogging?”

“Can you make this to go?” He lifted the cup she just filled for him.

She pulled two paper cups off a shelf and filled them, then handed them over. “You can’t go without a peace offering.”

“Thank you, Sally.” He took the two cups out to his truck. Stuck them into the cup holders in the front and climbed in. Firing up the engine he took off. He didn’t know where Catherine went but she didn’t know that much about the area and probably wouldn’t run into town. He headed down the main road that led out of town and found her about a mile down the road. She wore a tight tracksuit that showed her figure beautifully, and had her auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail that swung back and forth as she ran. The sunlight danced across the tresses making some of them look red.

To say she was stunning was an understatement. She had green eyes that captured his attention. They were the color of Ireland. Long, thick lashes framed those gorgeous eyes. Beautiful eyes that could see into his soul. Right now he got a good look at her body and it made him hard with want. He knew he could never have her, but it didn’t stop his body from reacting to what it liked.

She moved over to the grass to let him pass, but he slowed down and kept pace with her.

“Morning.” Damn, that sounded lame.

“Morning, Sheriff.” Catherine didn’t slow down.

“Um, need a ride?” He didn’t know what else to say. If any of the pack saw her he’d hear it from his father.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Sheriff. I’m fine.” She kept moving.

“Will you please get in?” He stopped the truck and pushed the passenger door open.

She stopped and rested her hands on her knees. “What’s the matter, Sheriff?”

“I need to apologize and it’s hard to do that while yelling through a window.” He breathed a sigh of relief when she straightened and climbed in.

“Why do you feel the need to apologize?”

“Sally.” He pointed to the cup in the holder. Sally wrote their names on the cups so the right person would get their coffee.

Catherine laughed as she pulled the door closed and put her seatbelt on. He liked the way her laugh sounded.

“Then let me apologize first. I normally have trouble sleeping the first few days in a new place. The smells, the sounds, I’m not used to them, and it disrupts my sleep. I should have told you.” She took the coffee with her name.

“I didn’t expect to have you as my guest and I normally get my coffee from Sally every morning. And I should have told you. I also should have made a trip to our small grocery store and gotten something for you to drink in the morning, just in case you rise earlier than I do.” He put the truck in gear. Now he had to get to the hard part. “I’m also sorry that you weren’t invited to run with the pack. I didn’t think about that because I never run with them.”

“Really?” She took a sip of her coffee. “Can I ask why?”

“I can’t.” He wondered how her hair would feel if he could run his fingers through it.

“Okay, I understand.” She took another sip of her coffee.

“No.” He inhaled deeply. Let the ridicule begin. “I meant I can’t shift. I never run with them because I can’t shift.”

“I know that wasn’t easy. Can I ask you a few questions, or would you rather not talk about it?”

Now that wasn’t the reaction he expected. “What do you want to know?”

“I’m not trying to be nosey, but the historian in me wants to know if you are like others who were born without shifting ability. Do you still have the hyper hearing? Can you pitch your voice so no one but the person you want to talk to can hear you? Do you have the vision we do?”

“Wow, um, yes to all of it, although there are few people I’ll pitch my voice to now-a-days.” He turned his truck toward the bar. “I also have the same metabolism, and endurance. I just can’t shift, but I need to make something clear. I wasn’t born this way. I had an accident that stopped me from shifting.”

“Oh. Then having all your senses makes sense.” She looked around. “Why are we going back to Sally’s?”

So she knew the way already.

“Oh, because I haven’t had breakfast yet and I thought you might want to eat after running.” Because I don’t know what else to say to you and want to use Sally as a buffer.

“Okay.” Catherine played with her cup a little. “My truck is at the bar anyway.”

“We don’t consider it a bar, even though it has one. Sally calls it town center because the pack congregates there. You had it right earlier. Sally’s Place.” This was a much safer conversation to have at this point. There was something about this woman that made him wish for things he knew he couldn’t have.

Not being able to shift made him a pariah. People looked at him with pity and whispered behind his back. He had gotten used to it, but Catherine had made him feel normal. She treated him as a member of the pack. Not the oddball who couldn’t shift. Of course, she didn’t know the truth then. Now she did. How would she treat him now?

“So it is true there are people born who have all the basic werewolf senses but can’t shift?”

“Yes, almost every pack I have worked with had at least one person who was born without the shifting ability.”

“Interesting.”

Catherine didn’t say anything else. She took a sip of her coffee and looked forward.

He’d give his right arm to know what she was thinking.