Scott winced as Billy Trosclair told him about another incident with his deputies. Two young men of the pack had argued about who would pay for the coffee, showing off to the young female barista. One thing led to another, and punches were thrown. It took Billy and another deputy to pull them apart and an hour to note the damages they’d done to the coffee shop.
“How did you manage to stay out of it, Billy?” Scott looked the young man over. Although only twenty-seven, over the last four years he’d proven a good officer and more levelheaded than some of his older deputies.
Billy shrugged. “Someone had to. Guess I’m just used to keeping myself under control.” He gave a nervous smile.
“Good job.” Scott exhaled and leaned back. “What the hell is up with the men? It’s like the pack is going crazy.”
“Can I speak freely, sir?” Billy shifted from foot to foot.
“Sure.”
“It’s been building for months. Each full moon has been worse than the last. I’ve been keeping track of the incidents involving pack members, and they’re skyrocketing. If we don’t do something soon, we’re going to blow our cover.”
Scott leaned forward and clasped his hands together. “I think you’re right, but damned if I know what’s going on.”
“It seems to me, it’s the men closest to mating age that are involved. It’s like they’re on hyperdrive or something.”
“But not you.” Scott arched an eyebrow at the officer. Billy was a good-looking boy, clean cut, blue-eyed, and had a cleft in his chin, just like his father.
“I didn’t say that. Besides, I’m only twenty-seven, a little young for mates.” He shook his head. “But I’ve had my moments, only none of them have been public.” He sat down without asking, but Scott let it slide. “It’s the urge to mate, sir. It’s so damn powerful.” The guy actually shuddered.
“I understand, trust me, I do.”
“But what are the chances of all the men acting like this? Has this ever happened before?”
“Not to my knowledge.” Scott had an idea. “But maybe I can ask someone who might remember. Thanks, Billy. You’re doing a great job.”
“Thank you, sir.” He stood to leave but paused. “And sir, I’ll stand by you against Wyatt.”
Scott regarded him. “Thanks. Have you heard anything?”
“No, but most of the guys back you. Wyatt’s an asshole.”
“Yeah, well, thanks for the support.”
Billy nodded and left.
Scott wondered if he’d have the men’s support if the spell couldn’t be broken and he brought Ted before the pack as his mate.
Not fucking likely.
»»•««
Ted pushed the crawfish etouffee around on his plate. He knew it smelled great and tasted better, but his stomach felt like a ball of knots trying to unravel itself.
Darcy had pulled Peter away from Ted as soon as they’d walked in the restaurant, and that had been fine with him. From the looks of it, it had been fine with Peter also.
Ted didn’t feel jealous, just protective of the kid. Darcy was older, more experienced, and in Ted’s opinion, just not right for the younger man.
Peter needed someone his own age. Someone he could fall in love with and experience that first blush of true love.
Ted’s chance at the blush of true love had long passed. The closest he’d ever let himself get had been with Douglas. He’d fallen hard for his good-looking, kind, and open-minded patrol partner. And because of all the pain he’d felt when Douglas died, he’d never let anyone else into his heart.
Until now.
Damn Scott Dupree.
“You haven’t eaten a thing,” Kirsten said. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Just tired. Had a bad night and didn’t get much sleep. Now I’m paying for it.”
“Well, you can catch up on your sleep tonight.” She smiled at him, with what looked like affection in her eyes. Despite the fact she was his subject, he’d grown fond of the young woman.
“Right.” He gave her back the smile he trotted out for such occasions. Damn, he might just go back to the Bayou End and take a nap before Scott came by.
And just like that, he was thinking of his wolf.
Stop right there, buddy. He’s not my wolf.
And after tonight, both Ted and Scott would be free to go on with their lives, just like before the voodoo spell, the lightning strike, or whatever the hell had possessed them.
And that was fine with Ted. Loving someone just hurt too damn much.
Anonymous bar fucks and blowjobs had been enough before, and they’d be enough again.
Liar.
»»•««
Ted lay on the bed watching the hands of his clock move around the dial. He’d tried to sleep, but his mind just kept spinning.
What the hell would happen tonight? He’d heard stories about voodoo ceremonies, seen a few late-night B movies, but all he could remember was a squawking chicken, drums, and a painted voodoo priestess.
Scott didn’t seem like the kind of guy who had a voodoo priestess for a mother. He seemed like a straight arrow, pun intended. Honorable, sincere, a natural leader, but that was probably due to his alpha wolf status.
If this had been another time and place, and Scott had been gay, Ted would have been all over him. Scott had the same characteristics he’d believed Douglas had until Ted had learned the truth about his “hero.”
No way could he ever see Scott in that same light. Douglas had been dirty, and it might have been the worst decision Ted had ever made to sacrifice his career for Douglas, but he’d done it for the wife and kids.
They’d deserved more than having a husband and father who was a dirty cop.
And Ted had deserved more than unrequited love.
He deserved the real thing.
And damn it, if he hadn’t thought he’d felt it last night with Scott. When Scott took his face in his hands, touched him so tenderly, he could have sworn he’d seen more than lust in Scott’s eyes.
He rolled over and groaned.
Just a figment of his imagination, that’s all. He was seeing what he wanted to see. Scott didn’t care about him, not really.
Oh, Scott’s wolf thought he was hot shit; the animal practically drooled all over him, but the man? He’d backed off so fast, it had spun Ted’s head around.
He got up, grabbed his clothes and headed to the shower. Might as well get clean and dressed. He’d go downstairs and wait, maybe read a magazine or a book until Scott got there.
He went over the case he was working, what little there was, to keep his mind off Scott while he soaped up in the shower. He didn’t let his hands linger on his cock and balls and quickly slipped over his chest and nipples before he rinsed off.
Once dry, he stared at the mirror. He really needed a shave, so he got to work, taking care not to nick himself. Then he dressed and headed downstairs.
He checked his watch. Ten o’clock. An hour left to go. The living room was empty. He supposed everyone was upstairs sleeping, or maybe they’d gone out. Ted went to the window and looked out, spotted Kirsten’s car, and relaxed.
He went back and sat on the couch, picked up the local newspaper and opened it to the hunting and fishing section. Read the tides, read the weather forecast, even read the obituaries, and only another half hour had passed.
Marie came through, carrying a fresh tablecloth in her arms. “Hey, you. Got a date?”
“Just waiting for Sheriff Dupree.” He tried to be as nonchalant as possible.
“Scott? Good man. The woman that catches him will be a lucky girl.” She went into the dining room and got to work changing the cloths and resetting the table.
“Uh-huh,” Ted replied.
“Nice man. Took over after the previous sheriff Bobby Cotteau, when he retired. How do you know Scott?”
“Mutual friends.” Ted kept it vague, and it seemed to satisfy her, or maybe she just knew when not to ask questions.
“That’s nice. Well, I’m done here. Have a nice night, Ted. If you’re back late, the key is under the mat, you can let yourself in. We leave the porch light on all night, by the way.”
“Thanks.” He waved at her as she headed into the kitchen.
Then he sat back on the couch and counted the minutes until he saw Scott again.