Maximilian stalked into the offices of Wolf Enterprises, ignoring the people around him. He had one goal in mind. Strangle Sonora.
A young male stood as Max exited the private stairwell that led to her office. “Do not try to stop me,” he barked. “If you do you might draw back a nub.”
A quick push against the door had it slamming against the wall and splintering into a half a dozen pieces.
Sonora looked up from her desk and gave him a slow smile. “You’re early.”
“What are you talking about?” he growled. He gave the two men in her office a snarl. They scooted around him and out into the hall.
“I actually gave you five more minutes before you came busting down my door.” She glanced at the mangled piece of wood. “But I had meant it figuratively.”
“Where is it?”
“Where’s what, dear?” She stretched out in her chair.
“You know what,” he snapped then slammed his hands against the desk. The wood gave a little under the impact. “You think this is some kind of game?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I think. We’re in a race to see who can collect the most stones.” She pushed up from her chair and leaned toward him. “You think because you’re male, the one the pack follows, you will win? I was the first female. Those are my tears. I can hear them calling to me.”
“Then why haven’t you found them already?” He crossed his arms across his chest.
When she didn’t answer he continued, “You took something that was given to me and I want it back,” his gravelly voice deepened. He could feel his anger heighten.
“Don’t like it when a woman gets the best of you, Maximilian?” She sat back in her chair, composed. “Or is it just me?”
“Give me the cross.” He could feel his humanity slip away. Max’s jaw elongated, his teeth sharpened and grew.
“What’s the matter, Max?” Sonora smiled. “You’re losing control, aren’t you? Something you hate.”
“This isn’t about me,” he ground out. Speaking became difficult. Sonora was right, he was losing control. He had to stop the transformation. Max tilted his head back and closed his eyes. Focus.
“Oh, Max, you are so…” A tone beeped on her wrist. Loud and persistent. “Sorry. That’s my alarm. This is when I expected you to show up.”
He took a deep breath and held it, then released it slowly. He kept his eyes closed.
“Ignoring me isn’t going to make it go away.” Her sarcastic voice filled him, forcing him to relax more.
“Actually it will.” Max took another deep breath before straightening his clothing and looking at her. “You love to provoke me. Why?”
“Because one day you will lose control.” She stood up and glared at him. “Imagine the remorse you will feel if anger brought the change on. You’re so high and mighty. Wanting a new way of life for us, but we’ll never change.”
“You’re wrong, Sonora.” Max leaned his palms against the deep mahogany desk. “It’s you who will never change. We must come into the twenty-first century. The old ways don’t work anymore.”
“We are superior!” she spat. “Humans don’t deserve to rule this planet. Look at how they have treated it.”
“And you will do better? You’ll make them slaves. They’ll live in fear of us.” He raised his hands in the air out of frustration then looked around. “How is that better?”
A growl escaped Sonora as she backhanded him.
His head snapped back. Turning back he grinned. It was her turn to lose control. She wasn’t going to get the best of him now. “Let’s get back to why I’m here. Hand it over.”
“Fine.” Sonora snapped her fingers and one of the young men Max had seen in the outer office came in carrying the missing box.
“Thank you.” He took the box. Once he checked to make sure the contents were there he headed out.
“Max, you can run from me now, but sooner or later we’ll finish this conversation.” She spoke to nothing, but knew he had heard her.
***
Alicia had her feet propped on her desk and the laptop propped up on her legs when Max walked into her office.
Grinning, he looked at her nylon clad toes. “You look comfortable.”
She didn’t look up at him. “This is my office.” Her scent let him know she was angry and he bet the anger was aimed at him.
“I know you weren’t too happy when I took off.” He could hear her fingers bang against the keys just a little harder than she did before she knew he was in the office. “But I brought you a gift.”
“Good for you.”
He sat the mailer on the desk. The opened end faced her. “I thought you’d be happy to see it.”
“What do you want, Max?” She gave him a bored look, trying to keep her anger at him going, but he could smell her excitement to have the cross sitting on her desk.
“How about you open it?”
“Fine.” She dumped the cross out of the box and righted it. “Happy?”
Max picked it up. Turning the cross this way and that, he checked the edges and the ornate artwork. He had no clue what to look for, but he wasn’t about to let Alicia know. Her curiosity was getting the better of her as he played with it because he had her undivided attention.
“Give me that.” She snatched the cross from his hand. She flipped the cross upside down and pressed against the bottom of the base. The stone slid open to reveal an empty cavity. “The Tear is gone.”
“What do you mean?” He grabbed it, closed one eye and peered into the darkened interior. A quick shake loosened a slip of paper. It fluttered out, circling as it descended. Max made a quick grab at it before it landed in Alicia’s hand.
Alicia stared at it for a second before grasping it. “Didn’t expect that. I’d think your thief left you a note, but the paper is too old.”
She gently opened the yellowed paper, jumping whenever it cracked. “Looks like this hasn’t been the resting place of your Tear for a long time.”
Max sat a hip on her desk so he could lean over to read the note. Being so close to her allowed him to fill his lungs with her scent of soap and musk. Her delicate lips pulled back in a soft smile while she read the note. It took every ounce of energy not to touch her velvet skin and draw her into a kiss he knew they both needed. “What does it say?”
Alicia started to laugh. “It says: Sorry, but we needed it to use as a decoration.”
He smiled at her laughter. “And how old is that note?”
“At least a hundred years old by the looks of this paper.” She folded the note back up. “Must have been some party.”
“Party. That reminds me. The owner of that cross is having a little get together on Friday. You never told me if you were free.”
“Friday? I don’t know.”
“It would give us a chance to look for the stone.” He leaned one hand on her desk. “You do own a formal dress don’t you?”
“Formal? Just how dressy is this party?” Alicia sucked in a breath when his hand pressed against the wood. As crazy as it sounded she could feel his pulse race through the wood then up her arm. “It’s not a lot of notice.”
“How about if I promise to behave myself the whole time we’re there and I’ll even offer to buy you a new dress for the function.”
“What exactly do you think I am?” She crossed her arms across her chest. The strange sensation dissipated when she removed her hand from the desk.
“Someone who’s not sure what to do.” Max gave her his best smile. “So I offered a few suggestions to help sway you.”
“You need to learn more about how to deal with women.” She stood. “But I’ll go to the party with you and I’ll take the offer for the new dress. Expect a large bill because I plan on going to the most expensive place I can and find the highest price tag I can.”
***
“So, you’re still working with this Max, huh?” Her doctor took a few notes. “And now you’re going to go to a party with him. He hasn’t pushed too much?”
“Yes and no. He pushes, but when I stand my ground now he backs down. He seems sensitive to my moods.”
“Have any idea why?” Her doctor looked up at her.
“I sort of snapped at him once.” Alicia looked at her shoes. “And no, I didn’t tell him. I still find it a bit silly.”
“That dream of yours has affected every aspect of your life,” Karen said. “You don’t date anyone for very long. Your closest friend is your secretary. Yet, for the first time since I became your doctor there is someone else calling the shots and you’re going along with them. Why?”
“I don’t know. It doesn’t make sense does it?” Alicia picked at the edge of the chair. “Totally out of character for me, but I did get even.”
“Really? How?”
She hesitated. “I bought the most expensive dress I could.”
“And you feel vindicated?”
She didn’t have an answer.
***
Alicia felt the butterflies take flight when Max knocked on her door. She checked her image in the mirror once more before opening the door.
Max stood in her doorway wearing a tuxedo. The midnight black suit with a gray silk cummerbund took her breath away. The cut of the suit looked like it was made for him. Her heart beat just a little harder.
Max stared at her without moving or speaking. She gave him a cat like smile. Good. The dress had the effect she wanted.
***
He felt his tongue hit the floor when he saw her in the dress. He’d seen the charge and thought she was buying a small country, but viewing her lithe body poured into the emerald green dress made it worth every penny. The one shoulder gown hugged her figure until it flared out at the knees. It had a small train made out of tiny pleats. This woman chose well. It was going to be hard to keep his hands off her. Why did he have to make that promise?
***
Light poured out the long glass windows. A row of people lined the immaculate lawn.
Alicia turned to glare at Max. “You said it was a small formal get together. This is the biggest party of the season.”
“This is small. You should see their foundation parties. Those are huge.” Max pulled up to the main doors and waited for the valet to open his door. “Relax. Enjoy yourself.”
Once the door opened, he turned and watched as another attendant helped Alicia out of the Hummer. He still thought that damn dress was well worth the price tag. He loved how it moved with her, hugging her in all the right places. She turned toward him and the gown pressed against her soft breasts, making him wonder if more of her flesh would be revealed. He felt himself harden at the thought. Tonight would be a good test of his control. No woman had his libido in hyper drive before.
He found his eyes wandering to her cleavage, often. She must have felt it too because she kept pulling the lightweight, crinoline wrap around her shoulders. He wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for the cold weather but he was very glad she didn’t wear some frumpy, old coat. Alicia might be a little self-conscious, but he was proud of how good she looked and he had the perfect thing to accentuate that.
He stepped up to her side and placed a hand on the small of her back. As they climbed the stairs to the mansion he sniffed the soft fragrance she wore. Max liked her personal scent so much better. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. The dress does help, doesn’t it?”
“That dress, as nice as it is, has nothing to do with your beauty.” Max rubbed her back.
Alicia blushed a pretty rose tone before ducking her head a little.
“Before we go inside I have a little gift for you.” He pulled on her hand to slow her down. “Close your eyes.”
“Do I have to?” She stopped to look at him.
“Please?” He gave her the grin that always softened any hardness in her eyes.
“Oh, all right.” She straightened her shoulders and closed her eyes on the step above the one he stood on.
“Please turn around.” He touched her shoulder and eased her around so she had her back to him. He pulled out a necklace and draped it around her neck. He slipped the earrings into the small holes in her ears, then grasped her wrist to add a bracelet before slipping a ring on her finger. “Done.”
“What the…” Alicia paused as she looked at the ring on her finger. The deep green emerald surrounded by diamonds matched her dress perfectly. A flip of the wrist brought the emerald and diamond bracelet to her focus. “I can’t take these.”
“Think of them as loaners. They were my mom’s. You look so beautiful I couldn’t resist.” He smiled at her again. He loved to see that soft look.
“How did you know what color?”
“The receipt stated that the dress was green.” He shrugged. “After I saw the price tag I thought they would be appropriate.”
“I promised I’d find the most expensive one I could find.”
“And you look exquisite in it.”
Her cheeks warmed at the compliment.
“Alicia, please wear the jewelry. I only want to offer you a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of your life. This night can be anything you want it to be.” He placed his hands on her bare shoulders. Max felt his desire for her climb up a notch. “I just thought you’d enjoy completing the fantasy of that dress.”
“They are beautiful.” She twisted the ring on her finger. “I guess I can wear them tonight.”
“Good.” He lifted the emerald pendant and centered it on her chest. “You ready?”
“Uh-huh.” She linked arms with him and strode into the main hall.
They were greeted by the doorman. He smiled as he took Max’s coat and Alicia’s wrap. “Mr. Santos. Good to see you again.”
“Same here, James. Where’s Patrick?”
“I believe he’s near the bar, sir.”
Max nodded and shook the doorman’s hand before he led Alicia toward the grand ballroom.
“Straight from the old country?” asked Alicia.
“What?”
“James. The lilt.” Alicia laughed. “Focus, Max.”
The sounds of the crowd slowed their pace. He doubted Alicia had ever been to a formal function like this before. The scent of fear and excitement emanating from her confirmed his suspicions.
The sparkle in her eyes at the size of the ballroom thrilled him. She looked all around in awe. The soft squeeze to his arm put another smile on his lips.
“And who is the pretty lady?”
Max turned toward the voice. “Patrick.” He extended his hand.
The man took his hand and pulled him in to give him a quick hug. “You still haven’t answered my question, Max.”
Max wasn’t sure he liked the way Patrick looked at Alicia. He slipped his arm around her. “This is Alicia Braswell.”
“Alicia. What a beautiful name.” He took her hand and kissed the top of it.
“Thanks.” She pulled it back and stepped closer to Max. “Is this your home?”
“I see you do your homework.” Patrick looked at Max and winked.
A low growl slipped out.
Alicia turned toward him a bit startled. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.” Max glared at his friend. “Don’t you have other guests to annoy?”
“Pat, are you causing too much trouble?”
Max turned toward the new, soft, feminine voice when he felt Alicia stiffen. “Finally, some sanity around here.”
“Max!” The young woman stepped up on her tiptoes and kissed him on his cheek. “How are you? Is my brother up to his old tricks?”
“Always.” He returned her kiss as he felt Alicia relax against him. “I thought you trained him better.”
She laughed. “I did.”
“Alicia, I’d like you to meet Catherine. Patrick’s baby sister.” He touched her on the small of her back. “Perhaps you two would like to get some refreshments?”
“Of course,” said Catherine. She gave him a slight bow. “Alicia, come and I’ll introduce you to some of my friends.”
Alicia hesitated for a moment before stepping away from Max and Patrick.
Max watched her walk away.
“So that’s a legend,” remarked Patrick.
“Hush.” Max pushed against his shoulder. “She doesn’t know about that part of the legend yet.”
“So why haven’t you told her?” Patrick studied Max for a moment. “You’ve mated with her!”
“Keep your voice down!” Max looked around to make sure no one else overheard Patrick. “She’s different than other women I’ve been with before, but I haven’t taken her for my mate. I don’t think she’s ready for that.”
“What are you waiting for?”
“We come with a bit of baggage, now don’t we?” said Max. “I can’t just come out and tell her what we really are. Besides, I must mate with someone from our pack.”
“I thought you didn’t want the job.”
“It’s hard to tell the elders no.” Max looked around to make sure no one could hear them.
A waiter walked up to them and offered champagne. Both took a glass.
“You know I have the good stuff in my office.”
Max smiled. “Let’s go.”
The large, double oak doors closed in silence. Pat walked to his desk, sat down the champagne glass and reached for the two highball tumblers on the counter behind his desk. Once he pulled out the crystal decanter and poured them a drink, he sat in his chair and propped his feet up on his desk.
“So?”
Max sat down, leaned back in the overstuffed burgundy leather chair and took a sip. “So what?”
“Thought you didn’t want to lead the pack.” Patrick leaned forward. “It’s one of the reasons you left home.”
“I still don’t.” Max took another sip.
“Then why not mate with her? You’re attracted enough. You growled at me when I was being courteous.”
“Sorry.” Max sat his drink down and stood up. “There’s something about her. She makes my blood boil every time I’m near her.”
“A legend could do that to you.” Pat swirled the liquid in his glass.
“Oh, come on.” He sat back down. “She’s just a… I don’t know.”
“She carries your scent so she’s more than a casual affair.”
“Why do you say that?”
Patrick clunked down his tumbler. “Because I can smell you on her, and the other way around I might add. Just like if you were mated.”
“We’re not mated,” Max growled.
Patrick sat back in his chair and smiled at him. Max knew Patrick would drop the subject. He knew his place, but it wouldn’t stop the comment from gnawing at him until he did something about it. But Max knew he couldn’t just walk up to Alicia and tell her he was a full-blooded shapeshifter. That over the thousands of years his people had been on this planet they had been labeled with the word werewolf or loup-garou. And that a few indiscreet people from the pack made life miserable for the rest of his race.
And how would he explain the mating? It was something private and beautiful. They could perform it anywhere and at any time.
But he needed to mate with a member of his race to keep the royal bloodline strong. Not something he wanted to do.
“We should get back out there before my sister comes looking for us.” Patrick downed the last of his drink and stood up. “Oh, forgive me but I must ask this. What shall I tell my sister about your date? She asked me a billion questions when I let her know you wanted her to protect Alicia. If I don’t have any answers she’ll come after me.”
“She can hit hard.” Max laughed.
“True.”
“Tell her Alicia is a friend and nothing more. She’s helping me find the Tears and Sonora found out. I want to keep her safe while she’s doing her research. And let her know not to get her hopes up.” Max stood and followed Patrick out the walnut double doors. They barely made it into the ballroom before Catherine cornered them.
“There you two are!” Catherine linked arms with her brother. “We were hoping you two would dance with us.”
Patrick turned to Max and mouthed, See? She can’t wait.
Once they were alone, Max turned toward Alicia. He gestured for her to proceed.
“Catherine is quite a talker.” Alicia turned back to face him when she reached the dance floor. “And all she wanted to talk about was you.”
“I’m sorry about that. She’s been trying to matchmake me for years.” Max gave her a slight bow before taking the lead in a waltz. “Catherine didn’t mean any harm.”
“Thank goodness. She can be quite determined.” Alicia smiled. “But I must say she worships you. Did you two ever date?”
The question was innocent, but he could smell her fear. She was worried they had. “Catherine? She and her brother have been my closest friends since childhood.”
“Does the thought of dating her fall into the ‘eww, gross’ category?” Alicia asked. Hope filled her voice.
He laughed. “Yes.”
She relaxed in his arms. It must have been the answer she wanted. Alicia tilted her head back and gasped. She stopped dead and pointed up.
“What?”
“A Tear of the Queen.”