He looked her over then glanced inside. “It’s against the rules. I’ll have to ask the owner.”
The owner was here? Oh goody. “I’d really appreciate it.” She offered him her best flirtatious smile.
“Hang tight. I’ll be right back.” He ducked inside and pulled the door shut behind him.
How rude. She looked around the empty lot and debated the wisdom of ignoring his order and just going inside.
The door opened again before she could work herself into a proper snit.
“He said to bring you to him.”
Better not make this too easy for them. She took a step back. “Why? I just need a phone. In fact don’t you have a cell? I don’t think I want to—”
“Come inside or move on. I’ve got a job to do.” He sounded bored but male interest glowed in his dark eyes. Like most wolves he was tall and burly, but he had the biggest arms she’d ever seen. The bulging muscles threatened the confines of his black t-shirt and made her want to reach over and give them a firm squeeze.
“What kind of club is this? Are there women inside?”
“It’s just a bar.” The bouncer motioned her inside. “Now or never. Didn’t mean to spook you.”
She hesitated another minute then brushed past him and into the bar. The interior was dark and crowded. Rock music blared from the speakers, making the floor vibrate. There was a tiny dance floor but most of the revelers were crowded around tables or playing pool. A row of booths along the back wall attracted couples eager to do more than flirt. The raw, primitive energy made her almost giddy.
The bouncer flagged down one of the waitresses and told her to escort Zophiel to “the boss”. Apparently the waitress knew where to take her because after giving her a suspicious sniff, she headed off across the room. Zophiel hurried after her. Heads turned and she had to slap away more than a few bold hands. The waitress knocked on a door labeled “office” then left without saying a word.
Were all wolves this rude?
Nate opened the door and pulled her inside the small, cluttered room. Without giving her the opportunity to flirt, he grabbed her chin and tilted her head back. “There are only three things on this road and I own them all. Who are you really?”
He looked exactly as she’d imagined him, almost handsome in a rustic sort of way. His hair was neither blond nor brunet but a fascinating mixture of colors that no human could claim without the help of a clever stylist. The ruthlessness in his gaze made her insides quiver and the sensation had nothing to do with fear. Oh he was so delightfully savage.
“Who do you think I am?” She pressed her teeth into her lower lip to keep from smiling. This was already more fun than she’d had in days.
“I think the general sent you to check up on me.”
The general? She carefully masked her surprise. Did he mean Milliner? It couldn’t be a coincidence. She’d been lurking in the shadows of the Therian nation too long to believe in happenstance. She knew Eli had been selling Nate information about other Therians, but she’d had no idea Nate was involved with the backers.
Hate welled within her, momentarily cooling her desire. Creating conflict between the networks was one thing but selling out one’s own people was reprehensible, even to her. Having been betrayed by a member of her own family, she considered disloyalty among the worst offenses. The last time she’d discovered a Therian working for the backers, she’d turned him into a mindless blood slave. His name was Osric and she compelled such obsessive loyalty in him that he’d died in agony rather than risk endangering her.
Was Nate just as traitorous or did he have a valid reason for interacting with the enemy? There was a slim chance the backers sought out Nate and coerced his participation. There was only one way to find out which was true.
“The general doesn’t play the fool for anyone,” she improvised, “and you are trying his patience.” Knowing Nate’s reputation, it was a safe bet.
Nate’s nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed. Was he scenting her? He was a dog. Of course he’d want to sniff. Her earlier excitement had left her sex ripe and creamy. How sensitive was his nose?
The corners of his mouth quirked and he looked into her eyes. “What’s the general’s first name?”
A test? She nearly laughed. “James.” She twisted out of his grasp then squared her shoulders, suddenly interested in more than just energy. Did Tias know about this or was Milliner working something on the side? Fractures in the existing power structure meant opportunities for her. “Why aren’t you out searching for your daughter?” Was it possible Eli hadn’t gotten in touch with Nate? It was rather curious that he was wasting time in his bar while Heather made a fool out of him.