Chapter Six

Cassie didn’t want to get out of bed. She was wide awake and alone. Max’s scent still surrounded her. For at least a few days she’d have him all over her sheets, right where he was supposed to be.

She rolled over onto her back to stare up at the ceiling.

The bright morning light filtered in through a gap in the shades so it was probably mid to late morning. Cassie didn’t have to get up, but she did want to see her lover before he left to go to town for the day.

Next time she’d have to tire him out enough that she woke up in his big strong arms. She tossed the comforter off before slowly sliding off the mattress. She made a quick stop in the bathroom to take care of her morning routine before dressing.

The sound of voices in the kitchen clued her in to Max still being there and that he wasn’t alone. Cassie couldn’t mind though when she heard Peyton praising Max on his coffee making. In truth, he made the brew too strong, but Cassie was getting used to it.

Max’s laughter bounced off the walls of the kitchen as Cassie stepped inside.

“Hey!” Peyton exclaimed as she spotted Cassie.

“Ugh,” Cassie complained. “Too early.”

“It’s after ten,” Peyton responded. She sniffed the air. “Of course, if you were up late…”

Cassie pointed her finger at her best friend. Yes, she had Max’s scent all over her, but that wasn’t any of Peyton’s business. At least not in front of her lover. She accepted the mug of coffee that Max pressed into her hand. He bent down and kissed her deep. Cassie responded with enthusiasm.

Peyton giggled, so Cassie allowed Max to pull back even though she wanted to haul him back to the bedroom and ravish him.

“I have to get going,” Max told her. “Peyton is going to hang out here while I’m gone.”

Max had a plan—no surprise there. “I’m going to call James and ask him to stop by.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Max told her.

“Why not?” she demanded.

He turned her to face him before placing both of his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t want you alone with him. Not until we clear him of having anything to do with the break-in.”

“I’m not alone,” Cassie pointed out. “Peyton’s here.”

Max narrowed his eyes. “I don’t think…”

“And the place is covered with cameras. It’s not like he’ll try anything when you know he’s coming and Peyton’s here.” Cassie thought her argument was well thought out. Max didn’t look convinced though.

She set her mug on the island before wrapping her fingers around his wrists. “Nothing is going to happen to me. But if I invite James over, then he’ll think we still trust him. He’ll let his guard down.”

He pressed his lips together before nodding. “Just be careful.”

Cassie lifted to her toes and covered his lips with hers. “Promise.”

With obvious reluctance Max stepped away and walked out of the back door. Cassie waited until the door was closed behind him before facing her best friend.

“Tell me everything,” Peyton exclaimed.

“Hold on.” Cassie held up a finger then picked up her mug. She strolled over to the sink and dumped the too-strong brew down the drain before rinsing out her cup.

She quickly started a new pot, this time with the correct amount of coffee beans against water.

“Oh thank God!” Peyton said. She jumped up and dumped her own coffee. Peyton leaned against the counter next to her as they waited for the coffee to finish brewing.

Once there was enough in her carafe to refill both mugs, Cassie motioned to the back deck.

Peyton nodded.

Cassie led the way to the same wood swing that she sat in every night with Max. She took a sip of her drink then sighed.

“If you don’t start talking, I’m going to tell Alex,” Peyton threatened.

Cassie laughed. “Dirty play.”

“I know.” Peyton cackled.

“Fine,” Cassie agreed. “I finally got Max in my bed.”

“How was he? Good, right?”

“Of course,” she said. “So good, best ever.”

“I knew it!”

“The things that man did with his mouth.” She shuddered. Fuck, she was getting turned on just thinking about Max.

“What things?” Peyton asked.

“Hey,” Cassie complained. “I don’t ask you about your sex life.”

“Only because it’s with your brother.”

“Yes! As far as I’m concerned, you’ve never done anything.”

“We have two kids,” Peyton pointed out.

“Shut up, shut up, shut up!” Cassie demanded.

Payton nearly fell off the swing she was laughing so hard.

“I hate you,” Cassie told her.

“No, you don’t,” Peyton responded.

Cassie groaned. She didn’t. But she still wasn’t going to give her details about her sex life. She did need to do one thing this morning. “I have to text James.”

“I can see by the look on your face that you’re dreading it.”

“I just don’t know what to do about him,” she confessed.

“Do exactly like you told Max,” Peyton suggested. “Ask him over and act as naturally as you can. You don’t know he’s guilty and he’s your friend. Give him the benefit of doubt.”

“And if I’m wrong?” Cassie knew she could talk to Peyton about her concerns. If she brought up any of her suspicions to Max or Alex they would run with them. Peyton would listen and advise. Sometimes a girl just needed her best friend.

“Then I’ll kick his ass myself,” Peyton quipped. Cassie doubted Peyton was teasing.

“Fine.” Cassie pulled out her cell phone and sent a quick text to James, asking if he had time to stop by.

She’d barely taken one more sip of coffee before James’s eager text that he’d be there soon arrived. Cassie glanced over at Peyton. “You’re staying?”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“I guess I should get dressed,” Cassie commented. She kind of didn’t want to shower. The smell of Max was comforting and made her feel safe. But she was a grown woman and could take care of herself. Also, if she showered, then Max would have to rub his scent on her again once he returned.

* * * *

Max followed Alex through the gallery in complete awe. The business that Alex ran was just beautiful, the lighting arranged to showcase each work of art. There were paintings, sculptures, metal work and so much more. Max had never seen anything like it.

This show that Alex was putting on might be for a Texas city, but Max thought that it would give places like New York or Los Angeles a run for their money.

“Wow, man,” Max finally said after Alex finished the tour.

Alex grinned. “Awesome, isn’t it? This is the biggest show we’ve put on. All the artists are local. We have people coming from all over the States.”

“This is a bigger deal than I realized.” Hands on hips, Max ran through all the possible ways that someone or a group of people could keep from the big night from happening. After reading the reports provided by Kurt and Clint about previous attempts from the Church Max’s biggest concern was a fire. A fire would wipe out all the art and keep them from opening.

Even though there was round-the-clock security, it would take just one slip from the team and the entire gallery would be destroyed.

“I can see the worry on your face,” Alex commented.

“Cassie will be devastated if anything else happens,” Max said.

“We’re doing everything we can.”

“I know. I just feel helpless, I guess. There’s been no activity at the ranch and we can’t find the members of the Church. There’s no way they’ve given up.”

“No, they haven’t,” Alex said. “I think we’re all in agreement they’ll attack the gallery. The show is upcoming, so we just need to keep an eye out and stop them.”

That was not what Max wanted. He wished to take the fight to the humans who thought they could hurt Cassie and the other artists. Cassie was sweet and cared about others. She hadn’t done anything to have the humans’ hatred turned toward her. “Nothing more on Cassie’s assistant?”

Alex shook his head. “We’ve found a loose thread between James and an uncle, but we’re not sure that makes James guilty. James claims not to have any family in town, so that’s a lie, but we haven’t found a single time James has had contact with his uncle. Maybe James doesn’t even know.”

“Or maybe they’re smart,” Max pointed out. “Keeping James away from his uncle who’s a known member of the Church.”

“I interviewed James,” Alex said. “I put him in close contact with my sister.”

“This isn’t your fault either,” Max assured him. “You were doing what you thought was best.”

“She didn’t even want an assistant. I pressured her into it.”

Max held back a growl that wanted to escape. Not only was Cassie hurting, but Alex was taking the entire situation onto himself when he was innocent of having done anything wrong. Max would get to the bottom of this and help the Wilson family heal.

His own problems could be pushed back. The feelings of never fitting in or being enough didn’t matter when he had people he needed to protect.

“From what Cassie’s told me, she appreciates what James has done for her. She’s happier being in the studio.”

“That’s true,” Alex agreed.

“Then you did what was best for her. Even if James is responsible, you knew what she needed and provided it.”

“Thanks, man,” Alex said. He looked around the large gallery floor. “Do we need to have the talk?”

“The talk?” Max asked, although he had an idea of what Alex meant.

Alex grinned. “You know, the whole ‘what are your intentions with my sister?’ talk.”

Max narrowed his eyes. “Yeah, I don’t think so. I should probably tell Cassie about my intentions first.”

“Good answer,” Alex complimented. “But I just have one thing I need to say.”

Max faced Alex. He wouldn’t back down, no matter what Alex had to get off his chest. Max might not be the best option for Cassie. He had a lot of baggage, but he’d treat her right. He’d let her shine with what was obviously the love of her life. Not only was she talented, but he sensed the great need inside her to create. He could stand beside her as she wowed the world and protect her when needed.

“I’ve wanted Cassie to settle down for a long time. I’ve tried to get her out of the studio and on dates. I’m glad that none of those guys worked out. When I think of Cassie in the future, happy and loved, I can see you. I hope it’s you.”

Fuck! Alex had just said the words that Max craved to hear. That he might in fact be good enough for Cassie. Unable to speak past the lump in his throat, Max nodded.

Alex slapped him on the back. “Let’s meet with the security. See what we can do to ensure our girl’s big night.”

“Sounds good,” Max managed. He followed Alex into the back office where the camera monitors had been set up. There were two shifters inside, keeping an eye on things. Another three shifters were out taking turns securing around the block. Alpha Shawn was taking no chances and Max respected the man even more.

He’d almost not returned home to his family. A couple of his friends had decided to take a European backpacking trip. Max had almost accepted the invitation to join them. He’d called Chase to talk to him and instead of him telling his brother he wasn’t returning right away, Chase had convinced him to come home. Max was glad that he’d made the trip back to the Canyon now. If he was in Europe, he wouldn’t be here protecting Cassie and getting to know her better. It appeared that fate was finally giving him a break.

* * * *

“I’m glad you could make it.” Cassie hugged James. For the first time in days, Cassie felt her resolve return when James embraced her back. It was good that she’d invited James to the ranch so she could talk to him. Not having contact with her assistant was allowing doubts to creep in.

James beamed at her before waving to Peyton. “Of course I came. I called Alex and he said that you’re making real progress. I’m glad. I thought you’d take some time off.”

Cassie nodded. “It’s hard to think about what happened. I feel so violated.”

Compassion showed on James’s face and Cassie knew she was right about her assistant. He wasn’t involved.

“I can’t even imagine,” James said. “And all that work…”

“Well, Cass is moving ahead of what happened,” Peyton spoke up.

“That’s great!” James took Cassie’s hands in his. “So the company took care of the mess. I didn’t see it, but Alex said it was pretty bad.”

“Yeah, good as new,” Cassie confirmed. “Come see the new stuff.”

She pulled James along the hall with Peyton following behind. Her sister-in-law really wasn’t going to allow Cassie to be alone with James for even a moment. All the other doors in the house were closed except for her studio. If James didn’t already know that Max was staying with her, there was no reason to bring it up. She’d wait to see if he said something.

“I noticed the cameras out front. It looks like Alex beefed up security,” James commented.

“He had to,” Peyton said. “Not only is this Cassie’s studio, it’s her home, too. The cops have a few leads they’re following up on, but until the person is caught, it’s all hands on deck up here.”

“It’s good…that the police have leads though,” James said. “Do they know why?”

Cassie shook her head. Alex had told her how to answer this question. “It could be professional jealousy. Someone who wanted into the show but didn’t get the opportunity.”

“That’d make sense,” James said. “If they took out your work, they might think they’d be able to fill in the space.”

“It’s possible,” Cassie said.

“What else could it be?” James asked.

Cassie glanced at Peyton quickly but shrugged at James’s question. This was what Alex wanted her to say, but she felt weird bringing it up. She’d never discussed shifters with James. Not even when the shifters had first announced their presence. “The other thought is the nature of my work.”

“What about it?”

Cassie peered at James. “I’m famous for my representations of wild animals. According to my brother, quite a few shifters have purchased my work. He’s concerned that I might have been targeted for that reason.”

She didn’t miss the way James’s eyes widened or how he paled. His scent wasn’t quite fear, but there was something off. “I guess I never considered that. I know you sell a lot of pieces but I’ve never thought about who might buy them.”

“Me, neither,” she said. “As long as my work is appreciated, that’s all I care about.”

“But it’s a concern,” Peyton stated. “Which is the reason for the additional security for Cassie.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t be here alone,” James suggested. “Even with Alex close by you could still be targeted again. I could stay here if you wanted. I’d stay out of your way.”

“Thank you,” Cassie told him. Her stomach rolled with unease. James hadn’t reacted like a purely innocent party but didn’t give her any more reason to suspect him. “I don’t think that’s necessary, though. With the cameras and my family, I’m sure I’ll be just fine.”

“Well if you change your mind, just let me know. It’s no big deal,” James said.

“I will, promise.” Cassie waved her hand toward the canvasses sitting on easels around the room. “Well? What do you think.”

“Oh my god!” James rushed over to the painting of Evan. “This is incredible. The best you’ve ever done.”

Pride filled her. She knew how much Max loved the painting, but having someone else say it was great meant a lot. Max had an emotional connection with the subject. She really wanted to show Max that his friend would always be with him.

“Cassie.” Peyton had a look of awe on her face. “These are really good. I saw the work that had been destroyed and while they were great these…” She waved her hand. “James is right. The best you’ve ever done.”

Cassie had to turn away to wipe at the tears that threatened to fall as Peyton and James went from one canvas to another.

Her entire world had felt like it was crumbling down the night that she’d walked in and seen the destruction of her work and studio. Instead of focusing on what she’d lost, her family and Max had helped her move on. She’d created a whole world just for Max and everyone loved it as much as she had.

She truly was a lucky person. Cassie got to spend her day creating what she loved and her nights with the most intriguing and attractive man on the planet. This was what she’d waited for all her life. This feeling of contentment and happiness that rushed through her.

She was going to have to convince Max that she was ready to see where their relationship could go. Cassie wanted to talk about the future and what roles they’d fill in each other’s lives. Will there be children? Travel? Maybe both.

All she knew was that in every scenario she pictured, Max had a starring role as her partner.

There was still so much to discuss, though.

Max had confided in her that he’d never felt one hundred percent part of the Pack. That would be a problem if he wanted to leave. Cassie relied on her family to keep her sane and working. Max appeared happy, though.

She’d woken him from a nightmare the previous night, so what had happened to him before he’s come home was still haunting him.

He’d helped inspire her muse, so she needed to find a way to return the favor. Alpha Shawn had mentioned that he had plans for Max. Maybe Cassie could talk to their Alpha more and see what he thought she could do to help.

Even if it meant Cassie getting out more and attending more Pack events, she’d do it. As long as Max was shown that he was truly a valued member of the Pack, Cassie would do anything.

“What’s this one?” James started walking toward the covered painting in the corner of the room.

“No!” she shouted.

James stopped then looked at her in confusion.

“Sorry, that one’s not ready,” Cassie lied. She didn’t want anyone to see the painting she’d done of Max’s wolf. That was just for the two of them to share. She hadn’t even shown it to Alex or Peyton. It was too personal. If James got a look, he’d insist she put it in the show and that was not going to happen.

“Oh sure,” James said. “I understand.” He peered around. “I’ll have the gallery come and pick up the ones ready. We’ll need to decide where to place them, but I think they should be the focal point of the show. They’re that amazing.”

“Thank you,” Cassie told him.

“But maybe you should think about what Alex said.”

“What?” Confused, she glanced back at her assistant.

“Well, he mentioned that a lot of shifters are buying your work. I can see why, looking at these paintings. Maybe you should stop for a while. Try to concentrate on something else. You do beautiful landscapes as well.”

“You think I should stop painting animals?” she asked, shocked. Surely James understood that she didn’t have a choice. If she tried to force a change, she could end up with nothing at all.

“I think it’s worth a try. It would keep you off the shifters’ radar and keep you safe.”

That wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Maybe Alex and Max had been right about James. The entire afternoon was becoming to feel like a big disappointment. She’d gone back and forth so many times on whether she thought James was guilty. Instead of getting an answer she was happy with, Cassie was even more confused than when James had first arrived.

“How about I make some lemonade and you two can discuss arranging the pick-up for tomorrow?” Peyton suggested, no doubt picking up on her chaotic thoughts.

“Sounds good,” Cassie answered. She pasted on a smile and motioned for James to precede her. She didn’t feel comfortable turning her back on her assistant.