7. CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 7
Graham
I love my family, but they can be a pain in the ass. Especially, when they start teasing me about my sex life. As if it's any of their concern.
You do seem a bit frustrated though, my wolf teases with a chuckle. Maybe you should ask Cassie for a massage. The sexy kind.
Shut up.
The scent of her arousal almost breaks me, forcing my self-control to turn to dust. No matter how good it smells to my inner beast, I'd still prefer she wouldn't react like that to my closeness. Not when everyone can smell what's on her mind.
Being my own man, I'm trying to change and improve. But damn, my brothers never miss a chance to mess with me. This situation is no different. The problem is that Cassidy takes their words seriously.
I open the door to the conference room and step aside to let her pass. Everyone's already seated behind the long table. I gently guide Cassidy to the chair next to Helia, figuring she'll be most comfortable with her.
You can use this to your advantage, my wolf points out. These are some strong ladies. Cassidy can learn a thing or two from them.
I have no intention of training her for any sort of position , I reply coldly.
Not even a sexual one?
What's wrong with you? I question him. Not even a day ago, you were all about killing her. What's up with this change?
Your brothers are right. You have been tense, he replies with a mental shrug. Some release would do you good.
She's a human, I growl and push my wolf out of my thoughts.
"We've joked enough," Garren says, his voice one of a king. "It's time to get down to business."
Gavin nods. "First of all, there is something I want to clarify. Are the witches aware of these hackers?"
"We have no proof that it's them behind this," Grayden replies, undoubtedly using his inner knowledge as the ambassador for peace.
"It's always the witches, isn't it?" Gavin mutters under his breath. Leia elbows him in the ribs, and he gives Helia an apologetic smile.
"Of course, it's the witches," I say forcefully. Everyone turns toward me. "It's the witches, the wolves, and quite possibly some of the humans. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if even some of the other species are involved. But that's not the problem right now."
"Okay," Garren says loudly, putting his hands on the table and leaning forward. "What is the real problem then?"
I glance at Cassidy to confirm that she's following the conversation's thread. She seems focused and alert.
And hot , my wolf adds, but I choose to ignore him.
"As long as they have unauthorized access to my facial recognition software, we're all in danger," I say, hoping to sound as grave as the seriousness of the situation warrants me to be. "They can locate any of us at any given moment. Hell, they can locate the kids, finding their exact location in real time."
Everyone's faces grow dark, with no sign of humor left.
This is the part of the conversation where I love Cassidy's presence the most. It's the part where she hears what's at stake, and hopefully remembers it.
You look desperate, my wolf mocks.
And that's my fault?
That, and more.
I want to snap at him, but he is right. Just a little.
It's hardly my fault that the radicals have found their way around my security and straight into my mainframe, but it's definitely not their fault either. They simply had the knowledge to bypass my state-of-the-art system. Either that, or they have an inside man.
"Isn't that overstating things a little?" Garren asks, but his face makes it clear he's taking it seriously. His words are meant to test me and the level of exaggeration I put in my little speech. Unfortunately, none.
"No, I don't think so," I answer curtly. "If I didn't think it was important enough to invite a human here, I wouldn't have done it."
Cassidy grows rigid.
My words were harsh, but I'm getting so tired of my older brothers doubting me. Every now and then, they try to undermine my self-respect. It's happened far too often, which, yes, is part of the reason why it's more pronounced now.
But, unlike what everyone might think, I am aware that I am being a jerk to her. It's the only way to force Cassidy's attention, but it hurts her and slowly turns her away from me.
Now, that's the last thing I want, but I can't let the radicals get the upper hand. In my experience, they are way ahead of me in this invisible cyberwar. The stakes are high, and a day hasn't passed without me wondering if I made the right choice by creating the software.
"There's more," I continue before anyone can silence me with their looks. "It's becoming harder to keep the existence of the radicals hidden from the humans. They've grown some balls and stopped caring about getting their killing spree caught on the video. Several of our content analysts have seen live footage of the recent attack. Cassidy and I still need to come up with a plan to get us out of that particular mess."
"Cassidy?" Leia speaks up, her tone curious.
Ah, shit.
Out of all the people in the room, it just had to be my youngest brother's wife, Leia, the social butterfly, who picks up on the sound of Cassie's name.
She could sense a mouse skitter across the room, my wolf explains.
I barely stop my teeth from grinding together.
"Yes?" Cassidy asks, her voice cold and devoid of emotion.
"Do you have anything to add to Graham's threat assessment?" Leia inquires.
"No," Cassidy replies flatly, meeting Leia's gaze evenly. "I think that Graham said everything that needed to be said."
She's no master of lies , my wolf murmurs. Though even she seems to realize the urgency of the situation.
Quit talking nonsense, I reply. If you really think she's an imposter, let's investigate her.
We should, he urges. As far as we know, she could be our inside man.
Woman, I correct him.
Whatever , he mutters. All I'm saying is that we should watch her like a hawk. Or, well, a wolf. And, she sure is something else to look at, even if her body's frail and skinny.
I think you're onto something, I allow.
Of course I am, he agrees. To me, Cassidy Strayed is the first threat we ever considered important enough to want to screw.
I chuckle in my head at his remark, once again ignoring his words, though I do see his point.
"Since we can't do anything about your software, that part is entirely on you," Garren says, then glances at Grayden. "You and Helia will get in touch with the witches while Gavin and I talk with the courts. Everyone good with that?"
"Excellent," Grayden responds with a short nod.
While we do our best to save the world and keep the peace, the grandparents will make sure that the kids are protected. We can't focus on what we must do if our little ones' lives are threatened.
"Did they put out any demands or make their reasons clear?" I ask, looking around the table. "I just think it's very weird that we don't know what they want. Even their targets don't make sense."
"To people like that, chaos and anarchy are fulfillment enough," Helia replies with a glint of sadness in her eye.
But she's right. These people are anarchists who want an unconventional experience while destroying society's structures. There are people who can't put the war between the species behind them, both wolves and witches, and some of them want the downfall of the institutions that guarantee our freedom.
Like the kingdoms and the covens or those of us who protect our species as much as we can by fighting the peace and civility between the two enemy types. The truth of the matter is, I don't know where the radicals stand. Hell, I don't even know who they are. I feel like a deer in the headlights. I definitely don't like it.
The conversation goes on for so long that Garren asks the servants to bring us some food. Cassidy is starting to relax and even begins to participate in the discussions. She makes some valid points, which earns her the respect of my family.
"I think that's it for today," Alyssa says after we do another pointless circle around the same subject.
By now, the light coming through the windows has changed, from morning to mid-afternoon. We've spent almost an entire day stuck in this room when there are so many other places, things, and people that deserve our attention.
"Alyssa is right," Garren says, predictably agreeing with his wife. "We all know our assignments and the importance of the regular updates."
He even makes an attempt at a smile at the last remark. What a giver.
"You're welcome to stay for dinner, Cassidy," he offers.
"We're leaving," I say before she can reply. "We have plans."
I can't be sure if she's pretending, but I'd swear that disappointment flashes in her eyes. Is it because my family likes her, or is it because she wants to spend more time around me? If it's the latter, she doesn't need to worry because I don't intend to let her out of my sight. Until I can prove her to be either an innocent or a traitor, I'm keeping her by my side.
My lips twitch in a repressed smile. The thought pleases me so much I have to quickly wipe it away, which I do with great success.
You are sadistic, my wolf comments. It takes years to perfect the art of emotionless poker faces.
How long does it take to perfect the art of seduction then? I inquire.
My wolf chuckles. Oh, it's on.
I stand up, ready to be done with all the chitchatting.
"It was nice to meet you, Cassidy," Alyssa says with an inviting grin. "I hope we'll get a chance to hang out and have coffee one of these days."
"That sounds lovely," Cassidy replies with a bright smile that seems to light up the room. She seems to be quite at ease around wolves now. "I'm always free for a ladies’ night out."
"It's a promise then," Alyssa agrees, winking at her.
"It was nice seeing you all," I say to everyone. "If only the circumstances were different..."
"Agreed," Gavin replies. "In happier times."
The chorus of farewells echoes through the house as we leave. Finally, Cassidy and I are alone, still standing outside The Grey Manor.
I start making my way to the SUV. Cassidy follows me, keeping a slow pace. Her steps are lighter today than before.
"You okay?" I ask her. I feel the strong need to protect her, shield her from all that wants to do her harm.
"A little bit confused," Cassidy admits, blinking in surprise at me.
The sun hits her silky auburn hair, making the red tones glimmer. Without even realizing it, I've stopped moving, and so has she. We stare at each other, neither of us blinking. Though it's irrational, I feel like some invisible thread keeps us tethered to each other, refusing to let us go.
It's interesting, my wolf comments. The more time we spend around her, the closer she feels to me.
"I was wondering if you're free for dinner tonight," I say before I can change my mind. Her eyelashes flutter, black against her rosy skin, and her nose twitches just the slightest bit as a tentative smile grows on her lips.
Her breathing turns to the deepest of exhales, but all my eyes and mind see is the sweet swell of her breasts.
You seriously need to get laid, my wolf teases.
Maybe, and I know just the girl who can help me with that while I try to figure her out, I answer cockily.
You flatter yourself, my wolf says. You still have no idea if she's into you or not.
She's a woman. Who in their right mind would say no to me ? I reply with faux confidence. Besides, don't tell me you haven't caught her scent. She's desperate for a man's touch. I'd only be polite when offering her mine.
That was way too detailed, my wolf replies.
"Are you really inviting me to dinner?" Cassidy asks, her tone confused.
"Yes," I answer simply, and grin. "And, I am hopeful you'll accept."
"Are you asking me as a boss?" she asks, clearly wondering if I'm going to force her to dine with me. I see how she would think I'd do that, considering everything she learned about me yesterday.
"If that rocks your boat, then sure, I could ask you as a boss," I tease, leaning close, so close in fact that I smell the shampoo in her hair. I decide I like the scent a lot. "The final response to the question will most definitely be left up to you."
"It'd be nice to have company," she whispers. And just like that, I know I have her. Cassidy wants me. No doubt about it.
"Do you want to go out or stay in?" I ask smoothly, licking my bottom lip.
All of a sudden, I realize it feels good to have a bit of game.
"Considering everything that's happened to me lately, I'd prefer staying in," Cassidy admits. "You can come by at eight. Bring food and wine. Plenty of it. Oh, and don't forget dessert."
I laugh. "Yes, ma'am!"
I open the passenger side door for her, and we both sit down, preparing to make our way to her apartment.
One step closer to getting laid. No, not laid. I shouldn't let my brothers, and my wolf get in my head. This is strictly about discovering whether she's the leak or not.
Keep telling yourself that, my wolf says with a snort.
I start the car. Cassidy's hand rests comfortably on the dash with her chin tilted upward just the tiniest amount. The gesture emphasizes the arch of her long neck and the glow of her rosy skin. It’s a sight to marvel at, indeed.
As I drive, a strange kind of energy fills the air. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced before. I glance at Cassidy, confused, but her eyes are focused on the buildings ahead. It must be her, then. But for some reason, I've never noticed her having any sort of power.
Is it something that's just coming up now? It seems odd that it would. According to her file, she's twenty-seven. Would she only be revealing her powers now? Then again, it might have had something to do with that Radical business. Maybe her entire attitude shifted, and the strength that came with it was her ability...
I'm feeling it too, my wolf comments. It's strange. I never felt anything like it before.
What is it?
I don't know. It's faint but definitely something to keep an eye on.
Cassidy is human. She has to be.
But just to be sure, I make a mental note to dig deeper. While I don't care about the person's origins when I hire them, I do like to fill up the file with everything there is to know about them. Cassidy's is as ordinary and boring as it gets. She certainly is an impressive programmer and an even better hacker, but that's about it.
Maybe now that she knows more, maybe now that she's been invited into our circle, she is letting out more energy, more signs, more feelings. The past twenty-four hours were intense both for her and me, not to mention the rest of my family.
"Here we are," I say when I stop in front of Cassidy's building. "I'll be back in a couple of hours with dinner and plenty of wine."
"Thanks," she says, and the corners of her mouth almost curl into a smile. Almost. Her lashes lower, a hint of hesitation clouding her complexion. "See you then."
As she enters the building, I think to myself how relieved I am that it's Saturday.
Because work starts again on Monday, life will go back to normal. Normal, means that we will have to return to the office. The radicals can wait another night.
Because for now, I will have Cassidy to keep me on my toes.
With her delicious curves and captivating aura, she'll turn my world upside down.
I can't fucking wait.
And here I thought I had everything figured out. I was so wrong.
This is starting to get interesting.
Maybe a little release is just what I need.
There is just one problem—she's a human.
Once she's in my arms, can I resist my wolf's desire to claim her?
Can I stay in control to keep myself from hurting her?
Can I trust myself to stop if things get too heated?
It's your fault, I tell my wolf. You put this thought in my head. Now all I can think about is her naked body sprawled underneath me. Damn you.
My wolf chuckles. Just go with the flow and don't forget about your job—to find the leak and to make her leak.
You're disgusting, I mutter and drive off.
Cassidy's not the only one who needs a shower. I'm aching for one with freezing cold water. It's the only way to cool down and regain some semblance of control.
Damn full moon has been making me act up. But my inner beast is all juiced up. And frustrated.