He sighed tiredly and kissed her brow, a smile, both of sadness and of thanksgiving, curving his lips as
she purred for him again. A slow little rumble as she tucked herself tighter against him, her thigh sliding between his, her little fingers flexing against his flesh.
She was his. Now he had a find a way to save her.
“Sleep, baby,” he whispered as she muttered against his chest and tried to turn. “Right here, Dawn. I have you safe.”
She relaxed against him once more, her breathing light and slow, and a few moments later another little purr. And how he loved those purrs.
How he loved his Cougar Breed.
CHAPTER 13
The house came awake several hours later. The tragedy of the other night wasn’t forgotten, and the guests were filled with snide questions and brittle remarks concerning the deceased. It seemed there were few people who had truly liked Andrew Breyer aside from Seth, Dane Vanderale and Ryan Desalvo. The other guests, while outwardly shocked, some even appearing grief-stricken, were gluttonously excited over the fact that someone had actually died. Dawn could feel the excitement humming among the guests, which totaled nearly a hundred. Hell of a board meeting getaway, she thought as she followed Seth and watched how effortlessly he played the perfect host.
The evening’s festivities were yet another party. Despite her objections, the band that had been hired for the event had flown in that afternoon and set up in the huge ballroom at one side of the house. The many French doors lining the room were thrown open and crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over everything.
Drinks flowed freely, a buffet had been arranged for those whose hunger hadn’t been assuaged by the outdoor barbecue earlier, and many of the couples were dancing slowly in the center of the floor set aside just for that.
Dawn stood beside Seth, aware of his hand at the small of her back as he once again talked with the CEO of Foreman Motors regarding the vehicles they supplied Sanctuary. Timothy Foreman was also on the board of directors of Lawrence Industries and, Dawn knew, one of those who had been voicing concern over the gifts that the company was making to the Breeds. Dressed in yet another black uniform, she was aware of the looks the other women were suddenly giving her as Seth made no secret of the fact that they were now a couple. Dash’s orders to stay on his ass not withstanding, Seth seemed to want her at his side as well. She restrained the sudden need to fidget as the Foreman daughter looked her over once again, a moue of distaste on her lips.
Dawn stared back at her, lifting her brow mockingly. Patience Foreman didn’t stink of corruption, merely a small degree of selfishness. Her pale blue eyes were curious, a bit arrogant and definitely disapproving as her gaze flicked over Dawn’s clothing again.
“Would you like one?” She indicated her uniform. “I hear it’s all the rage with the teenagers this year.”
Unfortunately, that was the truth.
Patience’s look was one of supreme offense. “Not hardly. I would have thought Seth had enough money to actually buy you some clothes.”
“Why would he?” Dawn blinked back at her. “I make enough money hunting that I can buy my own.”
Patience’s eyes widened in shock as Dawn felt Seth’s hand press warningly against her back. She smiled back at him placidly, catching the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
“Patience is such a girly girl,” Mrs. Foreman said proudly. “She’s never had so much as a speck of dirt on her.”
Dawn gazed sympathetically at Patience. “I’m so sorry. I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
If she wasn’t mistaken, Timothy Foreman’s cough was completely faked and the clearing of Seth’s throat was more a muttered laugh than anything else.
Surprisingly, Patience’s lips twitched in amusement. “I would appreciate that,” she replied drolly. “And I’ll be certain not to tell anyone your taste in clothes leaves much to be desired.”
“Yeah, I’d hate for anyone to find that out,” Dawn replied. “It could be embarrassing in my line of work.”
At that moment the comm link at her ear beeped demandingly. Dawn reach up and activated it before turning away and flipping down the mic hidden in her hair. “I’m here.”
“Additional agents have arrived,” Noble reported. “We have four incoming. Your presence is requested in Dash’s suite.”
Dawn let her gaze rove around the room. Catching Styx’s eye, she indicated that he should take position at Seth’s back. With a quick nod Styx moved across the room, his powerful, bold presence receiving more than a few appreciative female looks.
“I’ll be right back.” She turned to Seth as he leaned closer to her, his gray eyes concerned now. “Styx will keep you company.” She shot him a grin as he grimaced at that information.
“If you’ll excuse me.” She nodded to the Foremans politely. She left the group quickly, made her way through the house and then to the upper floor. The place should have come with a map, she thought as she moved past the other guests then took the stairs quickly before maneuvering through the hallways to Dash’s suite. She gave the door a quick knock, then waited until it opened. She knew the moment she saw Dash’s expression, the compassion and sympathy in his eyes, that she wasn’t going to like what was awaiting her.
She stepped inside anyway, aware of the door closing behind her as she faced the two men she had
hoped to avoid, preferably indefinitely.
“Well, what an honor,” she drawled mockingly. “Pride Leader Lyons and his henchman, Director Wyatt. To what do we owe the pleasure? Or were you just looking for a really cool party to attend?”