A Stitch on Time 5 (15 page)

I didn’t even have a second to wonder what she meant before her Doberman vaulted into the backseat and started barking. I scooted along the seat to put some distance between myself and those big teeth, the whole time trying to convince myself I’d outgrown the stupid fear of black dogs Mauricio had instilled in me.

When I ran out of seat all thoughts of strange drivers and vicious dogs dissipated, because I was seconds from hitting the road. What was it Diana had said—
drop and roll?
I was going to do something better. I willed my dark patch to appear and when my butt hit the ground, it wasn’t gravel I landed on. I lay back on the soft surface, enjoying my triumph instead of letting the fact that Maya and some other dudes were still at the top of the street.

Thank you, Burr.
Had he known this would happen? Of course he did. Otherwise, why would he bother to teach me this neat trick tonight of all nights? Was this new ability a consequence of coming into my power? Then again, I did get him and his kin back to their land.

“Sierra, what the hell’s going on?”

I sat up and nearly rammed my head into Saul’s face. He was leaning over me, even though the dark patch remained active. “Oh, it’s you.” He might be good, but he was still a demon.

“Why’s it so dark all of a sudden?” Papan stood behind Saul, peering around. The demon was glaring at me, waiting for a response.

Seeing Papan made my control quiver, until the darkness collapsed around us to reveal we were on my front lawn. One of Saul’s vans was parked in the driveway, and the lights in the house were on.

“Fox?” Papan looked confused but still held out a hand. “Where did
you
come from?”

“What do you mean?”

“You dropped out of nowhere,” he said.

“Didn’t you guys see the car that dropped me off?” I took Papan’s offered hand and got to my feet. I didn’t fight when he pulled me in for a hug and kissed me.

“There was no car,” he said.

I pulled out of Papan’s embrace long enough to meet Saul’s blue eyes. He dipped his chin but didn’t say anything. I took that as a cue not to say any more about the mysterious Terraplane and its driver. “Never mind. Did you guys just get home?”

“Yeah,” Papan said. “It’s been a tough night.”

I studied him and he seemed pale, worn at the edges. Whatever he’d had to deal with tonight had been too much too soon after waking from a coma.

“I think I need a drink,” I said, because I really did. After what Gareth and I found at the Council, saving the trapped spirits who turned out to be the Tailors, finding out the awful truth about Mace, and then the surreal drive home… Yeah, a cold drink was the only thing that would help me forget what happened with Maya & Friends.

Even after my resolve to deal with the
Obscurus
head-on and my determination to get out of the car to confront them, would I have done it? I couldn’t lie about being happy it hadn’t come to a clash tonight. As ready as I was for a fight, there were other things I needed to do first. Starting with helping the imprisoned catchers, and dealing with the spook energy beneath the Tower.

But first, I needed to get that drink. “Hey, you guys need some alcoholic relief?”

“After what we’ve been through tonight, yeah we do.” Papan squeezed my hand as we headed for the front door. The street was deserted, so at least Diana’s dogs had done a good job at getting rid of the freaks.

“Did you guys meet with the other members of the pack?”

Papan shook his head. “Nah, it was worse. We had to deal with paperwork!”

I decided not to ask any more. I knew he was dealing with his father’s will. When we reached the front door, I turned to find Saul standing in the yard. “Aren’t you coming?”

He shook his head. “You guys go ahead.” Saul was staring at the road. “I’ve got to head home. I’m meeting Lavie.”

“Are you two going hunting again?” I teased.

“I’ll speak to you tomorrow, Jason,” he said, ignoring my question. “I know it’s Sunday, but you need to deal with your outstanding cases. Don’t risk ruining your reputation.”

Papan snorted. “Yeah, yeah, being in a coma is a real career killer.”

I watched Saul closely for a moment but he avoided my eyes and instead headed for his van. “Good night,” I whispered, and then yawned.

“See ya.” He climbed inside and backed out of the driveway, tires squealing as if he was in a rush.

I watched until I couldn’t see the car anymore. What was he hiding?

“Is everything all right?” Papan asked when we reached the house.

“Yep, everything’s fine.” As I closed the front door, I could’ve sworn I saw a herd of black dogs running past the house. The unmistakable sensation of receiving one of Saul’s notes itched at the back of my left hand, but I ignored it while Papan was in the hallway.

“You go and sit down, and I’ll get the drinks.”

“Thanks, Papan.” As I made my way towards the couch, I pulled the scrap paper from my pocket and read it.

Those dogs didn’t belong to Diana, they belong to Hecate.

Chapter Eight

“This is it.” I stared at my reflection in the gilded full-length mirror. I was about to put on a hell of a birthday show. Excitement coursed through my body, making me hum with anticipation.

Papan had woken early and I’d planned to drop him off at our office block when Saul rocked up and insisted he needed to chat with Papan about something important. That was a few hours ago.

The demon was acting strange, but I had a feeling he knew all about my plans and was actually helping in his own weird way. That they were sorting out Hugo Papan’s will and testament, plus had plenty of pack business to deal with, provided a good cover. At least Papan had a close friend by his side while dealing with the legal issues. I was thankful to Saul for that because last week, Papan hadn’t wanted anything to do with Hugo’s responsibilities.

His father had left him everything—including the role of pack alpha. With so many wolves now dead and their homes destroyed, I couldn’t help but wonder what Papan would do after the dust settled and my problems were dealt with.

No point fretting about it now. Not when I felt refreshed after soaking in the bath long enough to soothe my weary body and spice up the scent of my skin. I’d noticed several bruises from being thrown by Burr, but they weren’t an issue. Besides, Papan wouldn’t be focusing on bruises this morning.

While soaking in the bath, I’d decided to handle the influx of information by letting everything stew in the back of my brain.

I smiled at myself in the mirror as I twisted my hair into a tight bun and tucked it into the fedora. The classic double-breasted trench coat fit well, highlighting my curves and showing just enough leg to entice a man—especially one with this particular fantasy. I’d debated lingerie, but since he’d wanted me in just a coat…I decided to forfeit it.

Besides, as soon as we were done, I could head downstairs to my office, where I’d stashed underwear, a bra, jeans and a sweater just for this occasion. I was prepared.

“You’re going to knock his socks off,” I whispered. I was also going without my blades and gun. It seemed like a stupid move after what happened the night before, but I wanted to forget about everything and everyone for a few hours.

This morning I was going to deliver a very special birthday gift to my wolf.

I slipped my feet into a pair of red stiletto heels, which matched my lipstick. I wasn’t much for makeup but today I’d applied eye shadow, mascara and eyeliner—enough to make my eyes appear smokier than usual.

The butterflies in my stomach urged me forward. I tiptoed downstairs and into the hallway, careful to avoid Willow and Oren—who were chatting in the kitchen. I slipped out the front door and rushed to my car, surveying the street. No suspicious vehicles parked where they shouldn’t be, no black dogs watching from the shadows, and certainly no Goth girl waiting at the curb. Maybe everyone was sleeping in.

I jumped behind the wheel of my Fairlane and left the house for raunchier pastures.

As I suspected, none of the other people with offices inside the blocky, brick building were working today so I found a great parking spot out front. The entrance was closed but unlocked. I let myself in and wandered past what used to be Benita’s accountant office. The To-Lease sign pasted on the door, as well as the windows facing the street had been there for months.

I took careful steps up the stairs and paused long enough to glance at the door with my name on it, before heading to the top floor. The large corridor window still had cracks on the surface which extended along the wall to match the ones inside my office. My demon-possessed ex had caused them, but I wasn’t going there either.

Not now, not ever.

When I hit Papan’s floor, I let my heels clack along the wooden floor loud enough to echo my approach. I took my time, drawing out the stimulation. Papan never failed to get my blood pumping, but this surprise was making me antsy.

I stopped in front of his office door—which happened to be directly above mine—and knocked twice.

“It’s open!” he hollered from the other side.

My spine tingled at the deep sound of his voice. I pushed the door open and stepped inside his office. The blinds behind his desk were open, welcoming the overcast day. I closed the door and stood there while assessing his barebones office. He had a desk, two visitor chairs, a low bookshelf and several filing cabinets. Some of his furniture had been replaced after he was attacked by a werewolf hunter, other pieces were scuffed.

“I won’t be a sec.” Papan was busy writing something down in his notebook, and took a few seconds to look up. As soon as he did, the pen slid from his fingers, his jaw dropped and he sat up straighter. His green eyes twinkled and darkened with lust. “What have we here?” He seemed to regain his composure long enough to give me his best teasing grin. “Can I help you?”

I cleared my throat, never losing eye contact. “Yes,” I said. I wasn’t much of a performer, but I was going to play this out. “I think you’re the only one who can, but I need to make sure.”

“In that case, why don’t you sit on my lap and state your business?” He winked and it made my stomach flutter.

He’s good at this.

I took a deep breath, not wanting to screw up the corny lines I’d practiced all morning. “I hear you’re the best private dick in town, and that’s just what I need.” I found it hard to keep the smile off my face, so I tried to turn it into a sexy grin. Not sure if it was working, I stepped farther into the office.

“I’ve got just what you need, down here.” Papan pointed towards his crotch.

When he made a move to stand, I shook my head. “No, don’t.” I took my time to reach him, running my fingertips over the edge of his desk on the way over.

“Okay, what do you need me to do?” He seemed to be enjoying this, which made my skin burn.

I stood before his chair, gazing into his mossy green eyes. A quick glance at his lap confirmed he
definitely
liked the show. “I need you to sit back and enjoy the ride.” I pushed a hand against his chest until he leaned into the leather chair.

“I’m already enjoying it.”

I pulled the fedora off and whipped him with my hair. “You haven’t seen anything yet.” I placed the hat on his head and undid the waist belt on my trench coat. “You do the rest.”

Papan unfastened the coat buttons in record time and spread the fabric. He sucked in a sharp breath and I felt weak at the knees. “Ah, yeah. This is definitely what I’ve fantasized about, for years.” His fingers dipped past the fabric and grazed my waist, but I stepped back.

“No, not yet,” I said. “You can’t unwrap your present yet.”

“Why not?” His jaw was clenched, hard. As though he was already struggling for control.

“Because I’ve got something to do first,” I said, keeping my eyes on his as I kneeled and unzipped his jeans to release his erection. “I have to make sure you’re the right guy for what I need.” I was already running my fingers up and down the length of him, enjoying how hard he felt and how he reacted when I touched him. Leaning closer, I sucked him into my mouth, teasing the tip with my tongue. He murmured as I kept a nice pace, tugging and sucking at just the right intervals until a growl reverberated through him and he bucked his hips.

“Fox…”

I didn’t stop, and instead sucked him deeper.

“Foxy, you’re leading me down the path of no return.”

I slowly pulled back until he slid out, but kept a hand tightly wrapped around his girth as I stood and pulled the square packet from my coat pocket. I tore it open and glided the condom over his erection, taking my sweet time.

“Fucking hell,” he whispered. “This is even better than my fantasy.”

I couldn’t help but smirk as I tugged him some more, watching his eyes flash amber.

“If you don’t stop doing that, I’m going to—”

“You’re going to what?” I tugged him harder, daring him.

He gritted his teeth, but I leaned in for a kiss. He cupped my face, pushing his tongue into my mouth, taking my breath away. His erection slid from my grasp as I stepped between his legs.

Papan pushed the fabric of the trench coat aside enough to make it slide down my shoulders, and wrapped his hands around my waist. “You smell so good.” His mouth was suddenly everywhere—on my belly, my breasts, and even dipped between my thighs—and the fedora slid off his head. “And taste so much better.”

I stopped him, because this was all about him. I leaned even closer, my breasts skimming his chest. “So, can we close this deal?” I nibbled on his earlobe. “Because I’m sure you’re the right man for the job.”

He didn’t respond, instead propped me up until my knees were pressed against either side of him. He pushed my hips down and I was so ready that he slid inside. He raised and lowered me onto his lap, so I could feel every inch of him fill and leave me with excruciating precision. I’d been wet and ready to go since this morning, but now I was close to the breaking point.

I ran my tongue down the side of his neck before returning to his mouth.

Papan tensed his fingers around my hips and pumped inside so fast every sensation made me wish this would never end. The mounting friction rubbing against my most sensitive spot, and the feel of his every thrust made my breath catch. I came with a fervor that tore a scream from my throat a split second before he climaxed.

My scream and his growl blended together, echoing around the office.

“Happy Birthday, Papan.” When I looked at him, not only were his eyes glowing amber but his nose had transformed into a snout. He shook his head and was back to being Papan.

“You’ve set the birthday bar really high, you know that?”

“Whoa,” I whispered, running my fingers over his brow. “Did you just partly shift?”

He shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.”

I pressed my forehead against his. “It didn’t scare me, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He didn’t say anything, but kissed my lips lightly. “Shit, maybe. I was so worked up…”

I ran my hands over his blond hair, so grateful that we’d gotten to do this. Only a few days ago, I’d been sure he would never wake up from a coma.

“Sierra, I love you so much.” He pushed a strand of my hair away from my face.

“I love you too, Jason.”

“This was the best birthday surprise I’ve ever gotten.” His heart beat against mine. “I want to make you scream like that every single day of our fucking lives together.”

“And I hope that’s not the only time I make you growl like that.”

We sat in each other’s arms for several quiet minutes.

“Ready for round two?”

A lopsided grin curved the edges of his mouth. “I’m curious, what’s the second round involve?”

I leaned into his ear. “Me, bent over the desk and you—” A loud noise from downstairs interrupted my flow. “Did you hear that?”

“Sounds like someone entering the building,” he said. “But tell me more. Is there a round three?”

I nodded. “Yeah, that’s when we head downstairs to my office.” It was time to replace the bad-tasting memory of office sex with my ex, and replace it with the right one.

“I like the sounds of both rounds.” Papan nibbled my bottom lip. “I’ve wanted to bend you over my desk for a while.”

I chuckled. “Sounds like your head’s full of sexual fantasies.”

“Oh yeah, and you’re always the star of the show.” His nibbling moved to one of my nipples and I couldn’t wait to get started.

I was about to stand when the door was thrown open so hard the glass panel shattered against the wall.

“What the fuck?” Papan slid the coat over my shoulders.

We both turned as a handful of men with drawn weapons rushed into his office.

“Jason Papan, you pathetic hack!” shouted the gruff leader of the pack. “I’m here to do something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

It took me several seconds to identify Detective Shapiro standing in the doorway with his partner Burns, and two uniform cops flanking him.

I stuck my arms deeper into the sleeves of my coat and secured the belt clumsily.

“What are you on about, Shapiro?”

“Don’t play stupid, because it’s not going to save you this time.” Shapiro scoffed and took another step into the office. He was a short, stocky man with messy, balding dark hair. A scowl darkened his features and he looked like he hadn’t shaved for weeks. He might even be wearing the same baggy jeans and white button-down shirt he had on the afternoon I’d first met him in a back street. This detective seemed unkempt and hardened by his years on the force.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Papan said with a shake of his head.

We were still on the chair, and straddling him felt wrong while these inconsiderate jerks interrupted what was supposed to be a memorable moment.

Shapiro’s demeanor changed when his focus shifted to me. “Ah, what have we here? The freak is putting on a show, huh? I would’ve thought the cemetery was better suited for your tricks.” He crossed his arms and waited. “Please, don’t let us stop you. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

A growl echoed inside Papan and I pressed a hand to his shoulder, urging him to stay calm. The last time this detective provoked him, he’d come very close to losing control, and I was sure that’s exactly what Shapiro wanted.

One of the uniforms said, “Sir, we should step outside to give them a minute.”

“No, I don’t think so.” Shapiro didn’t budge.

“But sir—”

“I’m not letting these weirdos out of my sight.”

I stood, making sure nothing was showing while Papan discreetly cleared away the evidence of what we’d done and zipped his jeans. Luckily, the desk was wide enough to conceal and keep our modesty intact. I couldn’t believe the timing. Actually, what the hell were they doing here? Shapiro mentioned something about Papan being under arrest, but he hadn’t said why.

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice shakier than I’d intended. I stood my ground behind the desk. I preferred to keep them at a distance until we found out exactly what was going on.

“We’re here for Papan,” Shapiro spat. “He’s under arrest.”

“What? You can’t be serious.” This couldn’t be happening. “Why?”