Dark Wolf (Spirit Wild) - By Kate Douglas Page 0,11
and loose tonight. Thank the goddess the tight ringlets of her childhood had loosened into softer waves and manageable curls after so many years of shifting.
Even so, it hung almost to her hips when it was dry, but stretched past her butt when wet. Leaving it loose when the back of the dress dipped to the upper curve of her buttocks kept her from feeling half naked, though she loved the sensual feel of her thick hair sweeping over her bare back and arms.
Arousal blossomed, and she took a deep, controlling breath. Probably not a good idea to run again this afternoon, but damn, she’d felt so trapped this week. Trapped and frustrated by too many pressures coming from too many directions.
The murders, the press hounding her for comments, this reception. Damn, she really didn’t want to go to this event tonight. She’d rather be running through the tall grass on the flanks of Mount Tamalpais than forcing her feet into these damned high heels and worrying if her dress was apropos or not.
She wished Alex had been able to come. He’d have had her laughing by now, but he hadn’t been able to make it down for the reception. She really needed him tonight, if only to burn off the rush of sexual need that always followed a shift.
But Alex was trapped on the investigation in Montana, and it was up to Lily to represent Cheval International tonight. She wondered what he’d discovered, if anything. After the bombshell he’d dropped on her this morning, she’d been so upset she’d walked out of her office and headed straight for Mount Tam. She’d badly needed a chance to breathe some fresh air and think.
Sebastian Xenakis had been in Montana last weekend, when that body was discovered. He was in San Francisco the night the latest victim had died. But could he shift? The only thing they had was Tinker’s nose, the fact he’d followed the scent of a strange wolf and it had led directly across the Xenakis property.
Right to the staircase leading up to the huge Xenakis home.
Her father’s warning floated through her mind, and she looked longingly at the beautifully designed grotto in the bathroom behind her. Natural stone with live ferns and orchids growing from carefully camouflaged pots, a series of showerheads designed to mimic falling rain, and a deep pool off to one side with the option of soaking in an inexcusable amount of hot water with lots of bubbles and all the jets going—it sounded so much more appealing than tonight’s event.
It was definitely preferable to meeting someone who might be a killer and a rapist, of having to carry on polite conversation. What would she do if she recognized his scent? She knew she’d never forget the mix of wolf and man, the stench of pain and death she’d smelled on her run through Golden Gate Park a couple of nights back.
She was certain she’d be introduced to Sebastian Xenakis tonight. The fact they were both young and single, the offspring of very powerful men, made it a given that someone, somewhere, would be pushing them together.
If only for the photo op.
She really wasn’t cut out for this. All the publicity, the schmoozing with people who’d stab her in the back as easily as they’d buy her a drink. Who the hell did she think she was kidding?
You can do this, sweetheart.
Dad? What are you doing in my head? Usually she knew when he was hanging around. She must be more concerned about the evening than she’d realized.
Listening to you worry. You must have inherited that trait from me. Your mother never worries.
Lily snorted. Not a very ladylike response, but her father was right. That’s because she knows you’ll do it for her.
True. Relax. Enjoy yourself tonight. Don’t make a special effort to meet young Mr. Xenakis. It will happen in good time.
It’s going to happen tonight.
There was a long pause. Lily heard her own heartbeat. She could practically see her father nodding as he considered his response.
Okay, he said. How do you feel about that?
I’ll be fine. I probably won’t call you until tomorrow.
Is that a hint for me to stay out of your head?
Yes. Good night. I love you, Dad. Now go. Give Mom a hug for me.
He didn’t answer, but his laughter echoed in her mind.
And Lily realized her nervousness was gone. Someday she’d figure out how he did that.