A Beast For The Eyes: A Steamy Shifter Romance (A Ravenswood Romance Book 2) (2 page)

The detective seemed to recover quickly. “I am have to be clear here. I have severe reservations about using a psychic in a criminal case. I prefer straight facts and clear evidence.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

Callie finally spoke up, “Well in the past, I usually lead the detectives to evidence. I am not ridiculous enough to think you can convict a criminal based on my impressions. But I can help give you a lead if there is a lack of evidence.”

The Captain spoke up, “Callie has been invaluable in the past. In this case the only piece of evidence is a gold lighter with engraved initials Detective Michaels believes that the lighter belongs to the Bandit. It has no fingerprints, and the initials pulled up hundreds of hits from the police database. But it is still the main clue in the case.”

“I believe the Bandit dropped it, so far it has been his only mistake. I think it will be the thing that cracks the case.” Detective Michaels added.

“I think I can help. I just need to hold the lighter.” Callie suggested.

Detective Michaels seemed reluctant. The Captain spoke up, “Take her to an interrogation room, Detective. I will retrieve the lighter from evidence.”

The detective did as he was instructed and led Callie to an interrogation room. As soon as they were alone, the detective turned to Callie.

“I’m really sorry about the other night. I’m a wolf shifter and the moon does a number on me. I should have had better control. I hope you understand. It won’t happen again.” His tone was businesslike, but there was electricity in the air. Callie felt an intense attraction to this man. She was a little disappointed that he didn't seem to return it. He blamed the moon for their kiss.

Callie was equally businesslike, “I appreciate the apology.” She looked into his deep grey eyes and felt her heart skip.

The Captain returned with the lighter. He sat down across from Callie. He took out a notepad and pen. He handed Callie the lighter. Callie took it in her hand and focused all her concentration on the object.

She closed her eyes and felt the impressions coming.

“I see an expensive grey suit hanging in a hotel closet. Someone is reaching in the pocket, they pulled out the lighter.” Callie said aloud.

“Can you see anyone’s face?” The Captain asked her.

“I’m not sure, I can see the hotel stationary. It’s called the Bishop Hotel. Wait, yes, I do see a face. It’s a man. He has grey hair but a young face. That’s all I can get.” Callie put down the lighter. The Captain was taking notes.

Detective Michaels look unimpressed. “Well, everyone knows the Gentleman Bandit wears a grey suit. It was in the papers. Anyone can make up a hotel and describe a person. I don’t see how this helps us.”

Captain Merryweather dismissed the detective’s concerns. “Let’s get the sketch artist in and have Callie describe the man she saw. We’ll see if anything comes of it. You can check and see if there is a Bishop Hotel in any of the cities the Bandit hit.”

The detective got up and left the room with little more than a nod at Callie.

“I think he liked me.” Callie joked to the Captain after Det. Michaels left.

“He is a good detective and he wants to solve the case. He may be a bit gruff but he will follow up on any lead we get, no matter how silly it seems to him. Thank you, Callie. I think you gave us some great leads. I’ll leave you with the sketch artist. We’ll be in touch.”

Callie spent a half hour with the sketch artist and in the end they came out with a face that was exactly as Callie had seen it. Grey hair, high check bones, a strong jaw and piercing blue eyes. He was quite a looker.

Callie left the station while the sketch artist delivered the sketch to the Captain. She returned home and opened her shop. She was surprised when the traffic in the shop was fairly steady all afternoon. She kept the shop open late. It was almost nine 0’clock when Callie finally locked the doors and headed upstairs to her apartment. She poured herself a glass of wine and was just about to curl up on the couch with a movie when she heard the buzzer for her apartment go off.

Surprised, she headed to the intercom, “Hello?” she called out.

“It’s Detective Michaels, I need to speak with you.”

Well, well. This certainly wasn’t business hours. She buzzed him up.

As soon as he walked in the room she could tell he wasn’t happy. He had the sketch of the suspect she described in his hand.

“Where did you see this man before?” He demanded.

“Just from my vision.” She was starting to wonder if she should have let him up. He seemed agitated.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Who told you about this man?” His eyes flashed.

“I don’t understand. What is the problem?” She cowered beneath his stare.

“You know! This is Reginald Covington. I think he is the Gentleman Bandit, but I have nothing concrete to connect them. Did someone from my precinct in the city tell you this to mess with me?” He practically growled.

“What? No! I have no idea what you are talking about! That is the face from my vision.”

“I don’t buy this psychic crap for a second! Tell me who told you. You think you can get away with fooling with people because you are attractive?” He grabbed her arms and almost shook her.

“I don’t lie! Attractive? You said I was plain just yesterday.” She shouted at him. Maybe not the best tactic on an angry werewolf this close to the full moon.

“You want men to notice you. You want
me
to notice you. Is this what you want?” He grabbed her by waist and pulled her close, his lips descended on hers. She struggled against him. But he tightened his grip and kissed her more forcefully. His tongue forcing its way into her mouth. Her heart started beating faster with desire. She was practically panting now. Her breasts were pushed against his hard chest and she felt them get tender with desire as they rubbed against him. His kiss deepened and became more forceful. She felt her underwear get wet. She had never been in this situation before, he was so strong, she couldn't get away. Whatever he decided to do to her he would. She had to submit to him, she had no choice. Shifters’ libido shot up leading to the full moon and Thorne had lost control of his beast, lust had taken over.

He growled as he slid his hand under her dress and into her underwear. He felt her wetness and groaned. He shoved a finger into her hole and she gasped. He slid the finger out and slid back with two fingers. Then three. He pumped his fingers a few times. She felt herself getting even wetter. She stopped struggling and he moved his mouth down her neck. Her skin was hot from arousal. His pushed the wide neck of her dress down to her waist. With one flick of his finger, the front clasp of her bra opened, exposing her breasts. He slid his tongue down from her neck to her nipple and teased it with the tip of tongue. She moaned involuntarily. He sucked on her nipple while his fingers rubbed at her clit. She felt the tingle start in her sex that would build into an orgasm. Her knees got weak. He took his mouth of her breasts and pushed her back against a nearby wall. He went down on his knees and ducked under her dress. He pushed her legs apart and his tongue found her lips. He began to lick and suck with skill. He tongue now teased her clit. She felt the orgasm build and she longed for a release.

“Oh please.” She whispered.

He pulled his head up, “You want me to make you cum?”

“Yes.” She begged. “Please.”

He moved his head back down and began furiously working with his tongue driving her into a frenzy. She was on the brink of ecstasy when he sucked on her clit causing her orgasm to explode through out her body. She cried out, her legs gave way and she slid to the floor.

As the sexual haze fog cleared she felt the shame creep in. She quickly pulled on her bra and adjusted her clothes.

Thorne looked pained. “I’m sorry, I-I can’t seem to control myself around you. I didn’t come to Ravenswood to get entangled in anything. I am close to the Gentleman Bandit and my priority is to catch him and then I am going back to the city.”

“Excuse me? Did I ask you for anything? You just barged into my house! You accused me of lying and being involved in some sort of conspiracy, and you think
I
want to be entangled with you?!”

Thorne look embarrassed. “You’re right. I can’t seem to act appropriately around you. I should explain to you. I believe the Gentleman Bandit is a man named Reginald Covington.”

“Covington, as in
the
Covingtons? One of the richest families around? They own banks! Why would he need steal anything? “

“He doesn’t need to, I think he wants to. He gets off on the thrill. But the rest of precinct thinks I’m crazy. When I saw that sketch, which is the spitting image of Reginald Covington, I guess I flew off the handle.”

“I swear to God that I saw that man in a vision when I touched the lighter. But the initials on the lighter were E.L. not R.C. Why do you think it’s Reginald?”

“Reginald was engaged to an heiress named Ellen Lessings a few years ago, something happened and the engagement ended. I think the lighter is a token of hers.”

“But his family owns banks, why would he rob them?”

“That’s just it, none of the Covington Banks have been robbed!”

“How did you put this together? It seems a little out of left field.”

“I-I have these dreams and sometimes they come true. I dreamed I saw Reginald robbing a bank. The other cops would never let me live it down if they thought I had ‘crazy dreams’. I guess I tried to hide by being a skeptic. But I believe you, Callie. But I need more hard evidence that proves my theory. Dreams and visions aren’t going to cut it.”

“I understand that. But I did what I could! I’m not a cop.”

“We found a Bishop Hotel in one of the towns where The Bandit struck. We had cops canvass everyone in the hotel and several employees placed him at the hotel at the same dates as the robbery. It’s still circumstantial but we are getting closer and I think he is hiding out in Ravenswood.”

“I wish you luck, I do. But I don’t really think I can help you anymore, unless you have another object. And it’s getting late.” Callie looked pointedly at her clock.

“Right, I’m sorry about my behaviour, Callie. I’m under a lot of pressure. But it’s no excuse to take it out on you. Maybe I can take you to dinner to make up for it.” He smiled a charming smile that made Callie’s heart leap. But she didn’t want to be involved with this man, no matter how exciting he was. She wanted the real love of her soulmate. And she knew he was coming soon.

“You just told me you didn’t want to get entangled!”

“Entangled, no. But you do help me let off steam.” He winked at her. “And I think you can help my case. It’s just dinner. I’ll be good I promise.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Things get a little too hot around you.” She pushed him to the door.

“I thought you liked that about me?”

“I like nothing about you.” Callie pushed him out the door and shut it in his face.

“Oh, there’s
definitely
something
you like about me.” He called through the door.

Oh, the nerve of that man!

Chapter Three

Callie woke up the next day still unnerved by Thorne Michaels. She spent all day in her green house trying to forget about last night. She harvested some pineapple mint, which she would turn into a whipped foot cream.

But he kept invading her thoughts, well certain parts of him invaded her thoughts. She hadn’t been with a man for a long time. Now that she had let one in, she couldn’t get him out.

She checked her phone hoping maybe he would message her. Then she scolded herself for caring. She was the one who threw him out of her house in the first place! But still, he clearly just wanted to fool around with her. She had carefully made her life routine, waiting for the true love that would complete her. And now Thorne Michaels had blown through town and stirred everything up. But she had to focus on what really mattered. Her one true love.

She whipped up a fresh batch of foot cream and headed downstairs to open her shop. She was busy stocking the shelves when she heard the door chime, signalling a customer. She looked up and almost gasped. Her eyes went wide with surprise. It was him! Reginald Covington, the Gentleman Bandit in the flesh! So much for her routine life.

“Can I help you?” She managed to squeak out.

Reginald smiled a very charming smile, lighting up his already handsome features. “Well I am looking for something to make this poor mug I have better looking.” His eyes twinkled. “What do you use? It’s certainly working.” He leaned against her counter casually.

Callie couldn’t help blushing. The Bandit was flirting with her!

“Well, I think I have just what you need.” She said, trying to sound sultry.

“I’ll bet you do.” He said as his eyes raked over her body.

“I haven’t seen you before, new in town?” Callie wanted to pump him for information, but still seem like she was innocently flirting.

“Yes, I was only planning on a short visit, but just now I decided to extend my stay. Is everyone in town charming like you, Miss?”

“There is no one in town like me. Call me Callie.”

“Well, Callie, I am Reginald and I must see you again. Dinner? My place?” He gave her a look that she was sure melted most woman’s panties.

“I might be able to fit you in. Where are you staying?” She felt a rush of adrenaline. Hopefully he was mistaking her nervousness for attraction. She didn’t want any of his alarm bells to go off. She was so close to getting more clues for Thorne.

“A friend of mine owns the cottage at the end Whitebear Road. Shall we say 8 o’clock?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

He sauntered out of the store and Callie almost collapsed. Wait until Thorne heard about this!

Chapter Four

Thorne wasn’t as excited as she thought he would be. Actually, he was extremely angry that she had put herself in a dangerous position. She had rushed down the police station to tell him. He dragged her into an interrogation room and proceeded to yell at her. The carefree Thorne from the other night was gone, and the angry wolf was back.