Chapter 1

Tempest Kincaid sat at her desk staring at the telephone, her mind engulfed in memories of another time... another place. A sharp knock on her office door suddenly bringing her back to the here and now, she looked up to see her supervisor standing in the doorway.

Dr Mark Barden was not only her boss, but her friend and mentor. In his early sixties, he was of average height, with soft brown eyes and steely grey hair. His skin was smooth fair, if not a little wrinkled. His fairness attributed to being closeted indoors his days spent pawing over test-tubes and reports. Science had always fascinated him, enough so that it became his life’s work.

Mark smiled at the woman he hoped would one day take his place. The head of the forensic section of the New South Wales Police Force was a huge job, one he knew his protégé was up to.  He smiled softly concern written across his face, they’d had some god awful days in the past few weeks and the work they did would take its toll on anyone. “Tempest, are you all right dear?”

Tempest blinked several times before she was able to answer. “I’m fine Harold what is it you need?”

“The body, do you still wish to do the autopsy?”

Tempest came to her feet and moved towards him, resting a hand on his arm in friendship. “Yes, of course, but it’s likely to be an all nighter. Go home and spend the evening with your wife. I’ve got this one covered.” She smiled, giving his arm a squeeze, “Your tired Mark, it’s been a rough week. I’m sure Sue will enjoy having you at home. Go.” She smiled

Mark gave her a nod, sighed then kissed her on the cheek before leaving.

Tempest watched as he left, closing the door and returning to her seat when he was out of sight. Damn it! This was not a situation she had ever counted on having to deal with. Picking up the phone she quickly dialled a number committed to memory, not wanting to give herself a chance to reconsider what her actions. Her heart beating rapidly, she waited, the call being picked up on the third ring and for several moments her heart stop beating.

“Hello?” There was utter silence on her end of the line, except for the fact that a Were had answered the phone and could hear Tempest’s erratic breathing. “I know you are there, either speak or hang up!”

That kicked her mind back to what was needed and she was able to speak. “My name is Tempest Kincaid. I need to speak to the Alpha.”

“Tempest? Is it really you my sweet?”

“Jacob?”

“Hold on, I’ll get Braedon,” he sent a silent message to his friend and Alpha, telling him he was needed in his office and why. “Temp, are you all right? We haven’t heard from you in some time. We’ve been concerned about you?”

“I’m fine Jacob. Is he there yet?”

“He just came in the room hold on.”

Jacob put the phone onto speaker and looked to Braedon to take control.

“Tempest,” began the Alpha, “are you well?”

On hearing his voice she sighed, ran a hand through her hair as if in comfort. “Yes Alpha. I am well.” She sighed, an indication to both men that they would not welcome what she was about to say. “We have a situation here that I thought you should be aware of.”

“Just so you are aware,” Braedon stated, “I have you on speaker. This way I won’t need to repeat our conversation to Jacob after we’ve hung up. I can hear the worry in your voice, please, tell me what’s happened?”

“I have a body in the morgue.” She shuddered at the thought of what she had to tell him and forced herself to continue. “It’s a Were.”

Tempest waited a moment, knowing that both men would need to digest what she’d said. “He was brought in a few hours ago. I’ve managed to arrange things so that I’ll be doing the autopsy, but I thought you should know first.”

“I’m happy you called Tempest, but why didn’t you contact the local Alpha?”

“I don’t know him and at the moment he doesn’t know me… or what I am.”

“How is that possible if you’ve been living in his territory? Surely he would know there was a stray Were…”

Braedon ignored Jacob. “How did the Were die?”

“He was badly beaten and there are several stab wounds. I can’t be certain, but I’d say he was stabbed with a silver knife. Alpha, no one here knows what I am and I’d like to keep it that way, at least for the time being.”

“So you managed to do it then?” He laughed, “of course you did. I would expect no less from you.” He cleared his throat, as his mind shifted to the seriousness of the situation. “The local Alpha’s name is Wade Benning. I’ll contact him, let him know what’s happened.” He sighed, “Wade’s likely to arrive on your doorstep, first thing in the morning. He’ll need to view the body and make arrangements for burial. How are you intending to handle this?”

“As I said, I’ll be doing the autopsy. I’ll run consecutive tests, one set for general access and one for myself. I’ll keep you and Mr Benning posted in regards to what I find.” She waited knowing that the Alpha would have more to say.

“Wade’s a good man; I’ll make sure he knows you’re a friend. So long as you keep him up to date, he’ll leave you to do your job. Call if you have any problems. I have a few contacts that might be of use.”

Tempest sighed and when she said nothing in response, Braedon felt a tight knot in his gut, “What else?”

“There have been several other deaths, all female.” She heard him growl softly. “They were mauled by some kind of animal. My supervisor believes it was some kind of rabid dog.”

“And what do you believe?”

“I believe we may have rogue on our hands, one that is trying to create a mate.”

“Son-of-a-bitch!” stated Jacob.

“Indeed!” Braedon spoke to his Second before continuing the conversation with Tempest. “You may well find yourself having to work with Wade and his men. At least until this problem has been eradicated. If this rogue is after a mate, there’s a possibility you’ll be targeted. Wade will want you protected”

Tempest knew what ‘protected’ meant and wasn’t happy at the prospect of being shadowed by a Were. “I work in a building with several Police Officers; I’m already well protected. Besides I can take care of myself if I have too.”

Braedon laughed. “You forget what a determined Were can be like Tempest. I’ll call Detective Gregory and let him know we have concerns.”

“Jax?”

“You know him?”

“Yes, he’s kind of taken me under his wing since I started working here. Does he know about our world?”

“He has his suspicions. I fear one day soon he will need to be informed. He is also a good man Tempest, for years he was a surrogate father, to my mate. I’ll let him know you’re a friend.”

Tempest sighed. “Wonderful, I’ll have two lots of protectors surrounding me!”

Braedon laughed. “I know you want your independence my dear, but you need to be cautious. I would never forgive myself if you came to harm.”

“Yes sir, and as I said I’ll keep you posted. After all you’re still my Alpha and it’s you that I answer to.”

Braedon smiled, “It was good to hear from you Tempest. I’m just sorry it was under such circumstances.” He looked at Jacob and tried not to laugh. “My dear, Jake is chapping at the bit to know why it is that you are living in the midst of Were territory and no one knows what you are. Will you permit me to explain? I promise you, it will go no further?”

Tempest couldn’t help but laugh, “Of course, I trust Jacob as I trust you. I’ll expect a call from Mr Benning, sometime tomorrow. Tonight I need to process the body. If I don’t, my supervisor will take control and we can’t afford for that to happen.”

Braedon’s next words were calm, serious. “He won’t call Tempest. As I already said, Wade will show up on your doorstep first thing in the morning. Do what you must. I trust your judgement and please, call me Braedon; I believe you’re old enough now to do so.” He hesitated before continuing, “Shall I mention you to your mother?”

“No!” she replied before she could think. “No sir. It would only upset her if you do.”

“Very well, but she misses you. I know she’d appreciate a call.”

Tempest sighed, “I miss her too but…”

“Call me when you have more information.”

Tempest hung up the phone and realised she was shaking. It took several minutes to calm herself enough that she could return to the body and prepare for the autopsy. Then making sure the doors were locked and got to work.

It took most of the night for Tempest to finish working on the body and was able to start writing up her preliminary reports. She’d accessed another body, a human body and running dual tests was able to put together two reports, one that would be utilised for police records, the other for her personal use, containing relevant details of the deceased Were.

When she was done, Tempest locked both reports in her desk draw and sat on the couch in the corner of her office. It was late, exhausted was setting in, so she pulled the rug off the back of the couch and laid down pulling it over her. She would sleep for a few hours then shower and change before the local Alpha arrived. And he would arrive; there was no doubt in her mind that he’d show up, most likely at the crack of dawn.

                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Late nights happened often in her job, so she made a point of having extra clothing on hand. Tempest also had her own special brand of soap and shampoo. A brand she’d developed for her own personal use and if used over a period of time, would mask her scent. If she was going to meet with an Alpha, she needed to make sure he wouldn’t pick up on what she was.

As she sat down at her desk, fresh from her shower she looked up to see Daryl, one of the Police Officers assigned to the forensic section. He had a grin on his face and a tray in hand with a large coffee and what she hoped was a cherry Danish.

“Hey sugar. I’m guessing you pulled another all-nighter, so I got you breakfast.” He placed the tray on her desk and turned to go, “enjoy Temp and next time, you’re in late get one of us to drive you home.”

She laughed, “Okay Daryl, and thanks for breakfast.”

Tempest checked emails as she ate her Danish and sipped her coffee. She had to smile; Daryl remembered she liked hazelnut syrup in her morning coffee. She’d just tossed her empty coffee cup in the bin when her phone rang. She looked at the time on her computer noting that it was just after seven thirty.

“Hello, this is Dr Kincaid?”

“Good morning Dr T. it’s Rob, from security. You have visitors. A Mr Benning and two others, he said you’d be expecting them. I need your go ahead to send them in?”

“Yes Rob, I’ve been expecting them. Please have someone bring them down.”

“Will do, Dr T.”

The line went dead and Tempest braced herself to face the Alpha, and his two companions. A memory of the last time she’d faced her own Alpha, raced through her mind. Braedon was a strong man, stern at times, quite capable of doing whatever it would take to protect his people. She had no doubt that Wade Benning would be made of the same stuff.

Tempest unlocked her desk drawer, taking out copies of both reports and waited. A few minutes later there was a knock on her door. She took a calming breath and answered it. “Come in.”

She came to her feet as three men entered her office, two of them immediately checking the room for hidden dangers, as well as any other exits. Tempest also noted that the man in the centre didn’t take his eyes off her. She forced herself to remain calm; no way was she going to let this man intimidate her.

Wade Benning was a tall man, build like most of his kind, graceful in his movements, muscular but not overly so. He had a strong jaw and a mouth that looked like it had almost forgotten how to smile. He was handsome, more so than most men you’d come across. His skin lightly tanned, hair a light brown streaked with blond as if bleached by the sun.

Tempest got an immediate sense of strength from him. This man was loyal to those he was responsible for and he had been responsible for the man she’d spent most of the night working on. Tempest was drawn to him in a way she couldn’t explain, he was an Alpha, a man who would do whatever it took to get what he wanted and right now his entire focus was on her.

His eyes were a deep dark blue, eyes a woman could drown in if only they’d soften just a little. But as they looked upon her they appeared so hard so devoid of emotion that they may well have been made of diamond.

 “I’m Dr Kincaid,” she began. “Please take a seat Mr Benning. Braedon said you’d probably be here first thing. I gather he explained the situation?”

The man nodded. She watched him, taking only a few moments to realise why he hadn’t spoken. He’d lost a Pack member, a man he was responsible for and was angry that he hadn’t been there to save him. A stray thought came to mind… God help whoever killed this Alpha’s Pack mate.

As they sat down her eyes fell to the two folders on her desk. “I’m sure Braedon also explained that I’d be making two separate reports on what I found, one for the office and one for myself.” She placed a copy of the unofficial report in front of him. “I made a copy for you as well. I thought you might want to go through it before you view the body.”

She waited for the Alpha to give the go ahead and when he nodded she continued. “I don’t wish to be disrespectful to the deceased, but as I don’t know his name…”

“Henry Jensen. He’s the only one unaccounted for, so I’m fairly certain it’s him.”

“Okay then. Mr Jensen was found just outside Hyde Park badly beaten and with several knife wounds. For a Were, he wasn’t injured badly enough that it would have kill him.”

The Alpha raised a brow but remained silent. “The knife wounds had a slight burn along the edges so I assumed they were made by either a silver or silver tipped blade, still not enough to kill. I had my suspicions and they were unfortunately confirmed once I’d completed the autopsy.

“One of the wounds was close to the heart causing him a great deal of pain. The knife used to inflict that wound was definitely silver tipped. The tip must have caught on bone and snapped off. I believe Mr Jensen tried to shift, so he could heal. That’s what killed him. When he tried to shift the shard moved and embedded itself in his heart.”

She waited quietly as the Alpha took a minute to look over the report, before folding it and placing it in the inside pocket of his leather jacket. “I’d like to see the body now.” He came to his feet and waited for her to lead them to his lost Pack member.

Tempest remained seated, folding her hands in her lap so he wouldn’t see how shaky she was. “I’m not finished.”

Wade looked down at her, anger blazing in his eyes. He was an Alpha; people did what he told them to do, not the other way around. He remained standing a full minute before realising that she wasn’t going to budge. He growled softly, a warning no more, then took his retook his seat.

“The department has kept things fairly quiet, but it won’t take long before word gets out. There have been several murders over the past month, all female. They were all young, petite, women, all mauled by some kind of rabid dog.”

The shock showed clearly on all three men. “I managed to do the autopsy on at least two of the women. I would have done them all, but my supervisor is somewhat protective and didn’t want me to have to deal with what happened to them. I eventually convinced him that I’m a great deal stronger than he believed and he let me assist him.”

“You don’t believe it was a rabid dog?”

“No, I don’t. I discussed this last night with Braedon and Jacob. They both agree with me. You have a rogue on your hands. One who seems determined to make himself a mate.”

The colour drained from Wade’s face. “Are you certain of this?”

“No. But it fits. The attacks were made by a Were and all the victims were petite, young females, too small to fight back even as a Were.”

“Who’s working the case?”

“Detective Jaxson Gregory. Braedon seems to trust him. So do I.”

He nodded, “We’ll need to be kept in the loop. How much does Jax know of what truly happened?”

“Jax is a smart man Mr Benning. Braedon believes he’s already suspicious and that he may eventually have to be told of your world. He trusts my judgement and if in the end there is a need then…”

“That is not your call!” Anger engulfed him, giving him a look that scared the hell out of Tempest. “This is my territory! I’m the Alpha here and if Jax needs to be told, it will be me who makes the decision to tell him, no one else!”

“Of course,” she replied. “If you still wish to view the body,” she got to her feet and moved towards the door.

A few minutes later Tempest left the three men standing in the viewing area and went to have Henry’s body put in place. She took a moment to get her thoughts together before returning to Wade and his men. She waited for the Alpha to give her the go ahead then pressed the button opening the curtain for them to see their fallen comrade.

She watched, waiting for him to react. It was subtle but there, his eyes widened slightly, his jaw clenched, but he didn’t utter a sound. Neither did the two men with him.

When he finally spoke, “When can we have the body?”

“I’ll arrange for Mr Jensen to be released this afternoon.” She lifted her hand and held out a plastic zip bag. “I thought you might want Mr Jensen’s possessions. There’s not much here, no wallet or I.D. To be honest if he wasn’t a Were, he’d still be listed as a John Doe.”

Wade accepted the bag with Henry’s possessions giving them a cursory look before returning his gaze to her. “How is it exactly that you know of our world?”

This was a question she was hoping not to have to answer. “Braedon has known my family a long time.” Then she changed the subject, “If you’re done, I’ll finalise the paperwork so you can have your Pack member picked up later today.”

Tempest turned, stepping towards the doorway and waited for them to follow. Wade was not used to being led away, let alone told what he should do, especially not by a woman, but he let it pass. There was something about this woman that made him want to please her.

He pulled a card from the inside pocket of his leather jacket and offered it to her. “Call me when everything is in place. I’ll have someone collect Henry and take him to our Pack house on the outskirts of the city. I’d also appreciate you contacting me should you discover anything further.”

“Of course Mr Benning.”

“Please, call me Wade.”

Tempest nodded, wanting only for them to leave then moved towards the elevators. She stood quietly waiting for the elevator and when it arrived turned to him. “It was nice to have met you Mr Benning. It’s a shame it was under these circumstances.”

He lifted his hand as if to offer it to her, but she’d already turned, first to one then the other of the men that were with him. “I’m sorry; I didn’t catch your names?”

They looked to their Alpha and when he nodded, “I’m Trae O’Neil,” said the one on the left, “and this,” he indicated his friend, “is Mitch Davis.”

She smiled a genuine smile. “It’s nice to have met you both as well. I’m sorry for your loss.”

All three men nodded then stepped into the elevator. Tempest waited a full minute after the doors closed before she returned to her office. As she sat down she could feel herself shaking and it took a full half hour before she was back to her normal self again.

Tempest hadn’t had any contact with Were’s since  the day she graduated from University. She smiled at the memory. Braedon had been her strength that day and she’d never forget it. She wouldn’t be where she was now if not for him.

She closed her eyes and recalled the day she had last seen her parents. Braedon had all but shamed her father into letting her go to university. She wanted to study medicine, but more than that, she wanted to leave the Compound.

Tempest’s mother though not a submissive, was subservient to her father. A situation that would never change, but Tempest was made of stronger stuff and all too often stood her ground against him. He had wanted a son, an heir, but was given a daughter. He believed he needed a son to prove himself as a man and when he was denied it he placed the blame with his mate.

Over the years he became violent and as she got older, Tempest often put herself between her mother and her father’s anger trying to protect her. He was careful in his punishments, never leaving a mark where anyone could see it and the fact that Were’s healed so quickly prevented anyone from catching him out.

When she was old enough to apply to university, her father denied her the right to do so, stating that she should be looking for a mate not wasting his hard earned money. In desperation she spoke with her Alpha, asking if he would allow the Pack, to cover the costs of her education. Once she graduated and found a position she would reimburse the Pack and hopefully start a life of her own away from her family.

Braedon had agreed, but her father discovered what she’d done and felt he had no choice but to pay for his daughters’ education. His only stipulated was that once she’d completed her training, she return to the Pack and work there. She had no other choice but to agree.

Tempest worked extremely hard, taking on as many classes and extracurricular activities as she was able. She didn’t return to the Compound during university breaks, she would volunteer or take on a position to earn extra money.

It was during this time that she developed the solution that masked her scent. She tested it a few times to make sure it worked, after that, she made it a point to steer clear of Were’s in general, just to be on the safe side. She wanted her own life, without the complications of a Pack.

Graduation day should have been a wonderful memory for Tempest and in part it was. She’d completed her courses had established herself in several medical areas during her time studying and had been offered a permanent position working in the forensic area for the New South Wales Police Department in Sydney.

Tempest remembered her excitement as she opened the letter of offer and the terror at the possibility of having to reject it. She’d called her Alpha and discussed the situation with him, hoping he’d help her come up with a solution and he did. He transferred more than enough money to cover the costs of her education into her father’s bank account and made sure Tempest got a copy of the bank receipt to hand to him as proof.

When they all met on the green after graduation Tempest’s father didn’t want to stay and celebrate, he wanted to head back to the Compound. He wanted to make sure Tempest stuck to their agreement. What he didn’t expect, was for her to tell him she wasn’t returning to their home. She told him she’d been offered a position and handed him an envelope with the bank receipt showing the money he’d ‘wasted’ on her had been deposited in his account with interest.

He was more than angry and tried fighting her on the issue, but once again, her Alpha stepped in, telling him he now had no right to rule his daughter’s life. She was of age and able to support herself. He also promised that he would remain in contact with her in case she was in need of anything. This did nothing to ease her father’s anger, but a great deal to placate her mother’s concern for her.

Tempest missed her mother and wanted nothing more than to have her there with her, but she knew her mother would never leave her father. Had she remained at the Compound, the situation between her and her father would have escalated. She didn’t want to cause her mother any more pain than she’d already gone through.

Since graduation she’d been working in forensics, she’d made a few friends and slowly began to make a life for herself. A somewhat lonely life at times, but it was hers. She made her own decisions and didn’t have to deal with Pack politics whenever she wanted to go somewhere, or do something out of the norm, for a female Were.

Tempest sighed and leaned back in her seat. She had been very careful about staying out of the way and not being noticed by any of the Were’s in the city and now… now she was likely to have one or two of them shadowing her every move.