Instinctive - By Cathryn Fox Page 0,7

the years. “The full moon was three days ago. They should have gotten their run out of their system then. We all know shifting at any other time during the month is purely for pleasure, an aphrodisiac, or to procreate, and such behavior is not tolerated, never has been, especially during our temporary halt in population.” Even though he had no solid proof, deep down Slyck believed Vall was trying to grow his pack, to build his army and shift the town’s power to his advantage. “If you don’t discipline them, then this matter will have to be handed over to Devon—”

At the sound of his name, Devon, the demon guide, who had seemed rather quiet during tonight’s meeting, perked up. Christ knows, if there was one thing the town needed to worry about, it was a quiet demon.

When Vall lifted his brow in a challenge, Harmony broke in. Her ancient, knowledgeable eyes silenced Slyck with a glance. She angled her chin and spoke in a placating manner. “Vall, please see to it that it doesn’t happen again.”

Slyck bit back a response and pinched the bridge of his nose in disbelief. Was it his imagination, or lately was Harmony always siding with Vall? Everyone knew there were no second chances in this town, except, it seemed, where Vall was concerned. Devon was chief of discipline, and the matter should now be in his hands, his to deal with. Slyck shook his head, unable to believe that Harmony was letting Vall off the hook so easily. Yet despite his incredulity with the coven guide’s ruling, since she was chairing tonight’s meeting, council directive stated the others must abide by her dictum. And since he always abided by the rules, he swallowed a protest and sat back in his chair, suddenly feeling much older than his nine hundred years. And maybe even a little burned out.

Slyck panned the table, and then focused on Quinn, the vampire guide, who seemed rather peaceful tonight. His eyes flashed a contented black as he sipped on a fresh bag of blood to sate his hunger upon his recent awakening.

Vall let off a little of his puppy charm and smiled at Harmony. “Of course, Harmony,” he said, his voice as smooth as aged scotch—and just as intoxicating. “I’ll see to it that it doesn’t happen again,” he amended, then brandished his familiar, insidious smirk when he glanced Slyck’s way.

“Thank you, Vall.” Her tone softened, and dark lashes blinked over violet eyes. “Of course we all understand the desire to be in primal form, but you know it’s forbidden for a lycan or even a panther to change at will outside the privacy of your home. With the exception of your full-moon runs, we must always hide our identities. Exposure to the real world is a never-ending threat, especially now with an outsider about to set up residence. That”—she paused to tap her finger in the air—“and you can’t always be accountable for your actions in your natural state.”

Devon’s raspy voice sounded from across the table, and his gaze flashed gold. Effortlessly redirecting the conversation, he asked, “Speaking of the newcomer, what do we know of her? Will she be making her stay permanent? Or, rather, will we be making her stay permanent?”

Ah, so at least Slyck now knew what was wrong with Devon. Boredom. Demons were only happy when they were wreaking havoc on others and it had been a hell of a long time since he’d slain anyone, taken them “home,” and returned to Serene with a new plaything.

“As far as I can tell, her stay is temporary.” Harmony pulled a file from her briefcase and placed it on the table. “Meet Jaclyn Vasenty, heir to Vasenty Cosmetics, her daddy’s multimillion-dollar company.”

All sets of eyes were trained on the striking young woman in the photo. Slyck spent an extra-long minute taking in her expensive business suit, and the sexy way it clung to her curves like a second skin. So prim. So proper. So human.

So not his type.

His gaze lingered on her pretty face, and he noted the way long lashes shadowed dark, tortured eyes, and he wondered what had made her so sad. Chestnut hair tumbled in waves over her slender shoulders, and her full pouty mouth was slightly turned down at the corners.

His focus shifted and fixed on her luscious, kissable lips. He aimed a longing glance and afforded himself a moment to devour the plush smoothness. He moved restlessly in his old wooden