Jana Leigh & Bryce Evans (6 page)

“
Let’s all meet back here tomorrow morning when the meeting is over and everyone has had a good night sleep and a fresh start,” Vander suggested. 

Everyone was dragging but they would stay and continue if they were needed.  They all had a vested interest in solving this case and getting Waverly back safe. 

Lex helped Jewel pick up her stuff and place it in her bag.  She went over to Benny and kissed him on the cheek then ruffled Vander’s hair as she started to walk out of the door.  Yelling, “NIGHT!”

“
Kane, you have the rest of the night off.  We will get Jewel here in the morning,” Lex informed Kane who nodded then started gathering his stuff.

“
I’m leaving too, guys.  I will see you in the morning.  I’ve got some stuff to do at home.”  Benny left behind Jewel and Lex. 

Vander watched as Benny left the office leav
ing Kane and him alone.  He blew out his breath as he turned around to face his computer not sure what to say when Kane spoke softly behind him. 

“
I’m cooking tonight at my place.  I really don’t want to eat alone.  Would you like to come to dinner, Vander?” Kane said and then held his breath waiting to hear what Vander would say. 

Vander
closed his eyes and continued to argue with himself, should they go somewhere alone or eat out?  When he opened his eyes to tell him he wanted to go somewhere alone, Kane had left his office.  Vander looked around then got up and looked out the door where other detectives were working but Kane had already left.

“
Damn, wolves,” Vander said aloud.  “Jumping to conclusions.”

He grabbed his bag and walked out of the office.  Vander got in the car and drove to the store that was down the street from Kane
’s condo.  He rushed in and got a twelve pack of beer then drove down the road to Kane’s.  He got out then went to his trunk and retrieved the bag of clothes that he carried in case he needed a spare, then slowly walked to the elevator and rode it to the second floor. 

Vander could smell something good as he exited the elevator onto Kane
’s floor.  He had never been inside Kane’s condo, when they hung out together, he picked Kane up, then they would go out.  He purposely tried to avoid being alone with him, going out was easier.  Yet, here he stood.  Vander knocked on the door and waited for Kane to answer it.  He could tell the smell was coming from Kane’s condo and it smelled great.  Vander knocked again but nobody answered the door.  Vander tried the door and found that it was unlocked.

He pe
eked in and looked around.  The condo was very clean and Kane was nowhere to be seen.  The condo surprised him a little, apparently Kane had the same taste he did.  The place was full of dark cherry wood and dark navy and brown colors.  All in all, the place looked like a man cave on steroids.  The huge television that hung on the wall was already turned on and tuned in to a football game.  The place had an open design so when you walked in the little entryway, it came into the huge living room.  To the right was the kitchen and dining area, with a glance he snorted, yep just like him, black countertops and stainless steel appliances. 

Vander walked
further into the condo and put his bag on the kitchen counter, then walked back toward the bedroom area looking for Kane.  As he started to enter a bedroom, Kane was walking out of the bathroom without any clothes on.  Vander stopped dead in his tracks like a deer caught in headlights as Vander got a good look at Kane’s muscled body and liked what he saw.  Never in his life had he been attracted to a man.  He loved women and they seemed to love him, but as he stared at Kane, he felt his pride and his lower region begin to flare.  It was betraying him as he watched.

V
ander’s gaze roamed over Kane’s body.  His eyes lingered on his chest as the muscles moved as he dried his arms, then moved the towel to run it over his hair.  His shoulders were broad and his chest was wide with tattoos that covered it.  Vander couldn’t move to see the designs of the tattoos but his gaze lowered further to his stomach.  Instead of the usual six-pack, Kane had an eight-pack and his chest was muscular and looked like it would be smooth to the touch.  Vander couldn’t help it, he looked further down and saw that Kane was not only built up top but he was not hurting in the man department either.

Kane finished with his shower, grabbing a towel on his way to his bedroom when the smell hit him.  His mate.  He tried for so long to get Vander to come
to his home but they always ended up going out at Vander's request.  Sure he knew it was just Van's way of not wanting to deal the connection between them, Kane didn't like it but he did see his mate needing the time.  However now, here he was, in Kane's bedroom.  A place where he would love to have both his mates. 

He paused after stepping through the doorway
leading from the bathroom and started running the towel over his body, pretending not to even notice Vander in the doorway to his room.  Kane had no problem allowing his future mate access to his body.  He felt Vander's eyes rake over him, the trail of heat that followed the motion had Kane wanting to grab the man and shake him.  Yell at him that they were mates, then plant himself balls deep in his ass.

Kane moved the towel to his head to remove the water there, doing anything
not to give away that he knew Vander watched him.  He needed Vander to make the choice his own.  Only he didn't know how much longer he could take the rejection.  His wolf wanted what belong to him. 
Come on, please choose me
, ran through Kane's head as he waited for Van's next move.

More seconds passed and nothing.  What was he going to have to do to get this man to accept him
, to accept they were to be a part of each other.  Well Vander either would or wouldn't, leaving Kane tired of playing the game.  It needed to end—one way or another.

Before Vander could say anything, Kane
moved the towel from his head and his eyes locked onto him.  Vander couldn’t speak or move.  He couldn’t take his eyes away from the beauty of Kane’s body.  Something about this man made him hard, made him believe they were meant for each other not just Waverly, and he made him want much more than Vander ever thought himself capable of. 

Kane
dropped the towel on the bed then walked over to Vander.  When he got close enough to touch him, he stopped.  Tiny drops of water dripped off the edges of his hair and face as Kane watched for any reaction of disgust from Vander and when he didn’t see any, he decided to go a step further. 

He
reached out and touched Vander’s face, slowly running his finger over his bottom lip.  Vander felt raw as Kane touched his lips.  His finger was rough but it didn’t stop the ache that rushed downward.  It was like he couldn’t stop his reaction as Vander stuck his tongue out and licked the tip of Kane’s finger.  Kane inhaled as he felt Vander’s tongue lick over his finger. 

Vander couldn
’t understand what came over him to do this erotic act.  He knew he had just started something.  He felt he couldn’t control his actions and this made him nervous.  He had never had any interest in a man sexually but when he was around Kane, he felt different.  Hunger slammed into his body as he watched Kane caress his lips.  This small act made him want with hunger.

Vander closed his eyes
, breathing in deeply, waiting for someone to make a move.  When he opened his eyes, Kane’s yellow eyes were staring back at him.  Vander could feel and smell, Kane’s sweet minty breath blowing over his face as he lowered his lips to his.  He waited, wondering if the act would change the feeling of need he was feeling, but it never came. 

As Kane
’s lips touched his, the feeling took him by surprise.  Kane’s lips were soft and wet as he closed his eyes, then leaned forward as Kane licked his lips making Vander open his, granting Kane entrance, which he took as he stuck his tongue inside tasting Vander.  Vander kissed him back using his tongue to explore a man’s mouth, something he had never done before.  He was excited as the flavor of Kane touched his system and made him groan.  Vander could feel Kane’s breathing getting harder, then realized it was his.  He was breathing harder, wanting more, but pulled back when he felt the need to reach out and pull Kane closer.

Vander staggered
back until he felt the wall in the hallway behind him, he touched his own lips, missing the feel of theirs together.  “I’m sorry.  I…didn’t mean that to happen,” Vander muttered.

“
Don’t apologize.”  Vander could see the hurt in Kane’s eyes.  He also couldn't stop his gaze as he looked down and saw how hard Kane had gotten from the kiss.  As Vander stepped back from the wall, he could feel his own hardness pushing against his pants.  He realized he was staring at Kane’s dick and quickly looked up to his face.

“
I brought beer.  We have a lot to talk about,” Vander stuttered, not knowing what else to say.     

Kane nodded
, turned, and walked into the bedroom, then reached down, grabbing for the clothes that lay on the bed and started pulling blue jeans on.  Kane looked up again as Vander continued to stare at him.  “If you could take the lasagna out of the oven for me, I will be in there in a few minutes,” Kane said quietly.

He felt
the loss when Vander pulled away, he needed Vander away from him so he could pull himself together, breathe a little easier.  Kane's wolf was clawing, wanting his mate, and the man wasn't far behind.  He knew it would take Vander time to accept him because of him being human, but it didn't help the feeling of rejection flowing through his body.  Kane thought at the Alpha's house they had made a small break through on being mates, now he wondered if he had only saw and felt what he wanted to.  What he knew, one taste of his mate would never be enough, he wanted it all.

Vander quickly left
, escaping into the kitchen.  He walked over to the stove, grabbed the potholders, and took the lasagna out of the oven.  He sighed knowing he just crossed the line with Kane, leading him on like that.  Vander shook his head knowing he couldn’t blame Kane.  He wanted that touch and that kiss. 

Vander looked over beside the stove at a liquor cabinet.  “
I so need a drink,” Vander muttered as he reached over and grabbed the bottle of tequila then grabbed the small glass sitting on top of the cabinet.  Vander poured the clear liquid of courage into the glass and threw it back.  He didn’t let the liquid settle before he poured another glass full then tossed it back too. 

Kane watc
hed from the doorway as Vander drank the tequila.  He knew Vander had never done anything with a man before and he felt sorry for the guy.  He knew he was questioning his manhood now.  Vander wasn’t the type of man that never ventured out.  He was a straight-laced man that only had sex with a woman.  Kane knew by the feel of his touch and the feel of his pants that Vander was in the moment but moments quickly fade and reality slams into you.  Kane didn’t want that with Vander.  He knew he was his mate but Vander wasn’t a wolf and he didn’t understand how quickly the bond forms with wolves.  “I didn’t mean for that to happen, Vander.  I really didn’t but…” Kane voice was hollow as he spoke.  Vander poured another drink then quickly drank it.  He was going to step back when his leg weakened and he started to go down, Kane caught him and lifted him back up.  Vander grabbed onto Kane’s arms trying to steady himself but the alcohol and the lack of food had made him unsteady on his feet. 

“
Hold on.  You need to sit down and eat,” Kane muttered and took the glass out of Vander’s hand and walked him over to the table and chairs sitting him down.

Vander didn
’t speak at first.  He watched as Kane took his glass to the sink pouring the rest of the tequila out, then grabbing two glasses down from the cabinet.  Silently Kane poured sweet tea into two glasses then took two plates down and cut the lasagna into squares, placing a big pile onto two plates.  Vander watched how quiet Kane was when he worked.  He had noticed it before but now it meant so much more.  He was taking care of Vander without saying anything.

When he turned back around, Vander could see how beautiful Kane was.  He never thought a man could be beautiful
—but Kane was.  He was a strong, masculine man, and he was beautiful. 
His face was clear without blemishes and his nose was long but fit his face well
, Vander thought.  His hands were gigantic.  His hair was dark and he kept it short like a cop’s hair.  Vander could feel the sadness inside him.  He didn’t know much about Kane except what Jewel told him.  He never even asked about his family or past when they had went out together.  He never cared enough to ask.  Vander felt the ache in his chest realizing that he never gave Kane an inch but Kane willingly gave his all.

Kane placed a plate and glass in front of Vander
, then went back to the counter and retrieved his.  He sat down across from Vander and never looked up at him.  He started eating his food without making a sound or looking up at Vander.

“
Say something,” Vander spoke before he realized what he wanted Kane to say. 

Kane stopped eating
, raised his eyes to look up at Vander and slowly put his fork down.  “Are you going to eat?  It is pretty good.  It’s my mom’s recipe.”  Kane smiled thinking about his mom.

“
That is what you have to say?  Are you going to eat?”  The silence was deafening to Vander while he waited for Kane to speak, but nothing was said.  “We just kissed and I’ve never kissed a man before.  I’ve never even wanted to.  But I wanted to with you.  Plus, I can feel you and Waverly inside me, like you are there with me all the time.  Dude, I am so fucking confused.”  Vander’s eyes were sharp but uncertainty was imploring toward Kane.

Kane swallowed then looked d
own before he spoke, “It’s the mating pull, plus Waverly is an Omega, we are already connected. Let’s deal with us first.  Waverly will contact us when the time is right, we can’t open up the connection only she can.  Look, Vander, I know you have never been with a man before, but I have, not a lot, but a few times.  So this…” Kane waved his hand between them, “this is nothing for me to be attracted to a man or a woman.  I don’t want to push you.  If you tell me that you never want me to touch you again.  Well, it will be hard as hell but I would do it for you because it makes you uncomfortable.  I…”  Kane’s emotions were starting to show if he continued to talk. 

Vander reached out and grabbed his hand that was lying on the table.  Kane looked at Vander
’s hand on top of his.  Then forced himself to look up.  Vander wasn’t frowning but he wasn’t smiling either. 

“
Listen…” Vander chuckled.  “I won’t say that this doesn’t freak me out a little but I can’t say that I don’t feel something for you or when you touch me…it’s like I feel when I’m attracted to a woman except ten times sharper.  I can’t tell you that I won’t freak out if we take this farther, but I will tell you that I have to try at least, and that is all I can give you right now.  I have this need to find Waverly.  I can feel it here.”  Vander pointed at his heart.  “She is still alive.  And honestIy, I can feel you here too.”  Vander could see the smile starting to form on Kane’s mouth. “I just want you to know that I will try to…” Vander blushed, then looked down at his food.

“
I must say that you do kiss good.”  Vander swallowed hard and hoped he could handle this.  He cocked his head, looking into the smiling face of Kane's.

“
Now let’s eat because I’m fucking starving and I need to crash after I eat.  I’ve got to sleep if I’m going to be of any use tomorrow.”  Kane nodded as he watched Vander pick up his fork and start eating.  Kane got up, went to the oven, and brought over the pan and put another pile on his plate and Vander’s.

“
Listen, do you mind if I sleep on the couch tonight?  I don’t want to drive like this and the alcohol has gotten to me a little.  And if Waverly contacts us, I want to be able to be together,” Vander explained.

“
Sure.  It’s a pull out couch.  While you take a shower, I will get it ready for you.”  Kane could see how exhausted Vander was when he blew out his breath and closed his eyes while he chewed his food.  However, Kane couldn't keep the smile off his face, the man was starting to accept him, whether he wanted to or not.  The mating pull was making Vander feel the need to be close to him.  Oh, he would let him sleep on the couch tonight, 'cause he would eventually be in his bed.  It just hadn't quite hit him all the way.  Kane was feeling much better now as he started to clear the mess.

**
***

“
You look like a happy wolf, Ret,” Marcus Grant advised as he shook Retten Wexford’s hand.

“
I’m the happiest wolf there is, Marcus, well except Lex.  I think he is pretty happy too,” Ret advised as he pulled out Jewel’s chair for her to sit.  Marcus sat down smiling at the happy couple.

“
So I’m always happy to eat with you and Jewel, but I take it you have some kind of information for me and didn’t want anyone hearing it.”

“
We have figured out the company that has been buying up the property before you could belong to Josh Campbell.”  Marcus narrowed his eyes at Jewel.  “You mean your ex-mate.  The killer.”

“
Yes,” Ret answered for Jewel.

“
I thought he was in jail for that, but how is it that he continues to buy up property?” Marcus asked.

“
He has followers and we believe one of his followers is in your pack.”  Jewel waited for the anger from Marcus, but it never came. 

“
Go on,” Marcus urged Jewel to keep talking.

“
Benny had narrowed it down between four people.  Only a few upper rank people would know what the Alpha is doing in business.  This person has to have your trust in order to know what your next step is.”  Marcus blew out a breath then leaned forward, putting his hands on the table.

“
I figured it was someone who was giving another Alpha information.  Who did Benny narrow it down to?” Marcus asked as he leaned back in his chair.

“
Well Flynn Mitchell and…”

“
Flynn? Come on, he is my Beta and best friend.  We grew up together,” Marcus growled.

“
Look, Marcus, they are trying to help you out.  So listen to Jewel,” Ret expressed his opinion.  He didn’t care if Marcus was an Alpha and a friend. If he ever spoke to his mate like that again, he would come across the table.

Jewel placed her hand on Ret
’s lap, calming him, as she waited for the testosterone to calm down before she gave the rest of the names.  She knew it had to be hard to hear that you had a traitor in your pack and one of your most trusted people.  “Janet Milligan, Orion Holder, and Jon Michaels are the four that Benny has narrowed it down to.”  Jewel leaned back in her chair as she watched Marcus process that information.

***
**

Flynn and Lex stood outside the door as the two Alphas spoke to each other.  “
What is this meeting about?” Flynn asked Lex.

“
I don’t know.  Ret said he wanted to have dinner with the Alpha before he left town again.”  Lex checked his watch as he lied to the Beta.  He hated lying to him too.  He knew Flynn wasn't the traitor.  Flynn was old school.

“
Dinner?  Yeah right.”  Flynn shook his head at the wolf.  He knew Marcus would tell him once they left the hotel.