Jazmine would use her persuasive talents and exotic appearance to get everything she wanted out of Vegas.
“I don’t intend to prostitute either of us for what’s already free.” He growled, picking up the pace, and making it difficult to match his stride.
“I was just kidding!” I half-shouted. I’d take care never to mention using my looks as the means to an end again.
Even though I felt like a Plain-Jane next to Zane he failed to find a speck of humor in anything related to my appearance. For me, usually a jealous man was a major turnoff. In his case, I found it somehow exhilarating.
Changing tactics, I teased, “Can you slow down? Please? Human girl about to collapse.” I hoped to lighten the mood; something I found myself doing often around Zane. Napping on the flight had restored my energy. I wanted to enjoy my time, not spend my first day in Vegas bickering.
“Sorry. I forget how fast I am.” He slowed his gait. “You’re probably starving. You didn’t eat a thing on the plane.”
He was right. I hadn’t eaten since my morning bagel. Several hours had passed, and I needed nourishment. What I wanted more, though, was to claim our luggage and get to the hotel. “I can wait.”
“You sure?” He looked doubtful.
“I want to get out of here.” The airport and all the staring people were starting to annoy me. “Geeze, you’d think these people had never seen an attractive young couple.”
“Young couple … is that what we are?” Zane’s tension had vanished; a huge grin replaced his frown.
“Well, uh …”
“Just give up, Chloe. You and I both know there’s something between us. You can’t keep pretending it doesn’t exist …”
“Mr. Marshall! I’ve gathered your luggage!” An odd little man waved and hurried toward us. “Logan sent me with the limo. He figured you might want some help.”
“I already like Logan,” I said, relieved to be another step closer to peace and quiet — and food.
“This is Giffin, assistant to Logan Sanders. Where Logan is, you’ll find Griffin,” Zane admitted. It was clear he was well acquainted with the man.
So she’s the one. All this fuss over one little human. She may be pretty, but that’s not everything. Her talents must be vital to the pack for Logan to go through all this. Griffin broadcasted his thoughts while towing the bags, not realizing that his mental chit chat was loud enough to be considered obnoxious.
I decided to ignore my negative feelings and see what else he might reveal.
By the time we were seated in the black stretch limo, I was certain there was far more to Zane’s initial motives than he’d bothered telling me.
From what I could see in Giffin’s head, my werewolf sweetheart had traveled to Plum Beach for more than a murder investigation. I wasn’t certain, but it seemed he’d come to locate me. If what I was starting to believe had any truth to it, there was a good chance he was using my abilities for the good of his pack. Our little attraction was just an added bonus for him, unless, of course, that was an act too.
“What do you think?” Zane motioned to the tinted window. “Would you like me to open it so you can see the strip? I know it’s not as magnificent during the daylight, but you can still see some of its grandeur.”
Ignoring my suspicions, I forced myself to act normal. I leaned closer to the window.
Taking my interest as a yes, Zane insisted Griffin lower not only the side window, but also open the oversized sunroof. Warm air poured in along with the scent of spicy food, desert flora, exhaust, and something unidentifiable that I assumed was unique to Vegas.
Huge hotels, casinos, even the original Statue of Liberty’s giant replica lined the street. Las Vegas Boulevard and familiar resort names like Treasure Island, The Mirage, and Hotel Excalibur (my personal favorite) reminded me that I wasn’t in Oregon any more.
Storing my latest impressions of Zane away for later, I soaked in the wonders of Nevada’s very own “City that Never Sleeps.” From what I’d read, New York had nothing on Vegas in terms of nightlife.
The men had enough common sense to know I was enthralled by my surroundings, and left me alone until we pulled into a long drive lined with palm trees.
Fountains and tropical flowers were placed strategically between the palms with life-like animal statues scattered throughout. It was as if the animals from the wildlife park had