14. Wolfram
Chapter 14
Wolfram
O ur investigation stalled over the next few days, but I was grateful no one was trying to harm Reese—for the moment.
We spent the time walking on the beach, getting to know each other, and working with Brandon on strategies. He’d reached out to the author Reese was accused of plagiarizing and thankfully, the author didn’t think Reese had copied her at all. She not only assured us of this, but she also said she’d put together some side-by-side comparisons to help prove it and state this on social media. That should dispel the rumors.
Brandon was also tracking down those spreading the rumors on social media and issuing cease and desist orders. Most had deleted their posts, but sadly, some damage had already been done. Reese had seen a barrage of one-star reviews on all her books, along with messages swearing they’d never read her stories again. At least her true fans had jumped to her defense and were posting about how much they loved her books on social media.
“It’s a nightmare,” Reese said as we sat in the living room one evening. “And whoever’s responsible has been quiet for days. I’m waiting for the next bomb to drop, and I can’t imagine what it might be. It’ll be another direct hit, though, I’m sure of it.”
Detective Carter arrived and sat across from us to fill us in on his investigation. “Tracy and Flint both willingly surrendered their phones, and I’ve run forensic data. There’s no evidence that either of them accessed your accounts and posted anything since Tracy quit your employment.”
“Then it wasn’t them?” Reese asked.
“I said there’s no evidence on their phones. They could’ve used other devices. There is evidence that someone accessed your accounts, however, and changed your passwords to make it difficult for you to mitigate the damage, and whoever did it used an IP address in this area. We’re still working on discovering who that might be. Tracing the IP addresses, etcetera. It takes time. As for the person who entered your house, I’m at a loss for how to investigate that.” His gaze met mine. “Did you happen to see the vehicle’s license plate?”
I thought about it before shaking my head. “It was blacked out or there was no plate. I don’t recall seeing anything before the vehicle disappeared.”
The detective scratched the back of his neck. “And you’re sure it . . . disappeared?”
“I am.”
“I’m quite comfortable with monsters. Even vampires. But the thought of trying to investigate witches and magical beings is overwhelming. Is there any way Monsters, PI could work with us on cases like this?”
“On a consulting basis?” I asked. “I’m sure there is. I’ll speak with Katar about it. I imagine he’ll be glad to help. In fact, our new hire, an ogre named Thain, might be able to assist.”
“For curiosity’s sake, how do ogres differ from orcs?” he asked, and I was grateful to hear only respect in his voice. It would be difficult living in a town where the law enforcement didn’t make us feel welcome.
“Ogres have creamy golden skin versus the green of an orc,” I said. Reese also listened with interest. “Their physical shape is similar, as is their intelligence and strength. But ogres often have magical abilities. If we’re dealing with a witch here, I believe Thain could add some insight. Ogres often have a profound sense of smell.”
Detective Carter frowned. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“They’re the only species capable of scenting magic on an object or a person. Some can even see an object’s history with one touch. A witch can hide in plain sight. They look like any other human. But most ogres could identify a witch by scent alone. They smell different, much like a yeti might wouldn’t smell than a centaur. Vampires, I’ll add, can taste the difference between species in blood.”
The detective flinched and cleared his throat, but I held up my hand before he could speak. “I refer mostly to knowledge I’ve gained from my readings, not personal experience. I haven’t drunk from a living person in so long, I’ve forgotten what they taste like. But I do remember being able to tell by their blood if someone can wield magic.”
“Let’s work with Thain, then,” he said, his smile holding no disdain. “Nothing against your abilities, but we’d incite riots if you start tasting people to discover who’s threatening Reese. Assuming whoever was inside her house is involved in everything else.”
“I have no interest in participating in anything like that regardless,” I said. “I believe they’re all connected, but we could be dealing with more than one person.”
“We won’t discount anything, not even magic.” The detective nodded toward us both, tucked his phone into his jacket pocket, and stood. “I’ll be in touch if I discover anything helpful.”
I walked him to the front door and returned to the living room to find Reese scrolling on her phone.
“People are amazing.” Her shoulders drooped. “But people also suck.”
“In what way?” I sunk down onto the sofa beside her, wanting to hug her, but not sure if that was what she needed most from me now.
“Most are kind. They’re telling me they knew something was wrong, that this wasn’t like me at all.”
“And the others?”
“Have left one-star reviews on all my books and are swearing I made a mistake and I’m trying to get out of it. I guess a few authors have been known to fall off the verbal cliff, then announce they were hacked to make them look better after they come to their senses.”
“Keep being who you are, and they’ll realize they’re mistaken.”
She gave me a sad smile. “Thanks. I’m glad you’re here with me right now. You’re making me feel secure, but it’s more than that.”
I couldn’t resist stroking a strand of her hair off her face, my fingers lingering on her cheek. Such soft skin. “In what way?”
“It’s you, Wolf. I feel better because you’re here with me.”
“Reese.” My voice came out croaky, rougher than I intended, but the throatiness matched the urgency in my heart. “Do you think there can ever be more than—” I hesitated, grappling with my words. “More than just friendship between us?”
She lifted her gaze, a sparkle of surprise mixing with something deeper in her blue eyes. “I hope so.”
Before I could think through my actions, I tugged her onto my lap, her warmth settling into me. It was supposed to be a simple embrace, a way to provide comfort, but when she shifted around to face me, straddle me with her thighs tight around mine, need rushed through me. Her body fit against mine in a way that both thrilled and terrified me.
“Does this mean you hope for more as well, Wolf?” she asked, her breath mingling with the air between us. This was when I realized she felt as unsure about where this might be going as me.
I'd never been a male who concerned himself overmuch about anything. Other than getting staked, I supposed. But the odds of that were slim now that monsters had been accepted into human society. And rogue vampires hadn't gone on rampages since the dark ages. People were more apt to gush about a vampire than run in the opposite direction. Or throw holy water at us. I couldn't remember when that last happened.
But right now, I felt more hope, more vulnerability than I had in my life. This moment meant everything, and I didn't want to mess it up.
“Yes,” I fumbled out, feeling overwhelmed by everything she made me want. The vulnerability was foreign, exciting, and gut-wrenching all at once.
Her hands gripped my shoulders, and I sensed her steadying herself. The world around us faded, the buzz of the day dropping to a distant hum. Only she and I existed.
She leaned in, closing the space, and I was lost. Her lips met mine in a soft, tentative kiss that sent shockwaves through me. The sensation ignited me, filling me with warmth and exhilaration.
I couldn’t think or breathe. Everything else—the threats, any potential villain outside—vanished. All that mattered was the feel of her pressing herself against me, her taste both sweet and inviting.
Her kiss deepened, and I tightened my hold on her, drawing her closer, as if she was my lifeline.
And perhaps, she was.