Chapter 2

Two days had passed since Tempest met with Wade Benning and thankfully in that time there had been no other murders. She sat at her desk checking the messages and reports left for her. As she read the final report on the blood samples she’d taken from Henry Jensen, she froze!

“Damn it!”

She pulled out the business card she’d placed in her desk drawer and dialled the number listed. It was picked up on the second ring and she was surprised at how calm she was, considering she was about to speak to the local Alpha.

“Benning!” She heard and her heart immediately picked up a beat.

“Mr Benning, its Dr Kincaid.”

“Wade, please, call me Wade. What can I do for you?”

“The final test results came back on the blood work I did on Mr Jensen. I ran it as an afterthought because I honestly didn’t believe it was necessary. He was drugged Mr Benning. The type of drug found in his system is usually used to secure large animals, very large animals. I’m talking about elephants or rhinos.”

“Does anyone else know about this?”

“No, the report came directly to me and I’ve placed all the evidence concerning Mr Jensen in my office under lock and key.”

She heard him sigh and knew something wasn’t right. “You know something about the use of this drug?”

“Possibly. There was an incident the last time Braedon was in town,” he sighed. “His brother Nicolas was drugged. We were unable to prove it at the time, but whatever was used knocked him out long enough for someone to attempt to kidnap his mate.”

“So what do you want to…” she heard a noise coming from the hallway and looked up. “I have company; I’ll have to call you back.”

Wade heard the phone click off in his ear, but couldn’t actually believe she’d hung up on him. He wasn’t angry, which confused him. If anything his pride was wounded. Damn it! He got to his feet and stormed out of his office.

Trae and Mitch were in the outer office and followed behind as he left. They made their way to the garage and Wade took the driver’s seat of his Jag. Trae took shotgun, “Where are we headed?”

Wade didn’t answer and when Trae saw the expression on his face he gave Mitch a concerned look then kept his eyes on the road. Fifteen minutes later they pulled into a parking area in back of the forensics building. Trae raised a brow, but kept his thoughts to himself as they made their way to the front of the building.

Rob was on security and recognised them. “Here for a follow up?”

“You could say that. Please contact Dr Kincaid and let her know we’re here?”

He gave a nod and got on the phone. “Hey, Dr T. those visitors you had the other day are back for a follow up, is it okay to send them on down?”

Damn it! What the hell is he doing here now? “Send them down Rob; I think they’ll remember the way.”

“Will do!”

Several minutes later Wade and his companions arrived at Tempest’s office. They stopped in the doorway, Wade somewhat surprised as Jax turned to greet him.

“It’s been a while,” Jax said as he got to his feet and offered his hand to Wade. “What brings you to see my favourite girl?”

He took the hand offered and they shook. “I had no idea you were stationed here?”

Jax waited for Wade to answer his question. “One of my colleagues passed on. Dr Kincaid was kind enough to notify me. I in turn, wished to invite her to lunch or perhaps dinner, to thank her for her kindness.”

Jax nodded acknowledgement then turned back to Tempest. She came out from behind her desk to give him a hug and he kissed her on the cheek. “Keep me posted honey and don’t forget; you need anything give me a call and no more going home alone late at night.” He paused for emphasis. “Get Daryl or one of the others, to either drop you off, or follow you home.”

“Will do Jax and don’t forget lunch on Thursday. My treat!”

He laughed. “I won’t forget the lunch, but I will forget you wanting to treat me. A gentleman doesn’t take a lady out for a meal and expect her to pay.” then he looked at her all seriousness, “Call me okay.”

“Okay.” She gave him another hug before he left.

Wade looked to his men and they left the room to give him privacy. He smiled at Tempest, “He is the reason you hung up on me?”

“Excuse me?” she asked a little confused.

“You did, hang up on me didn’t you?”

“As I said on the phone, I had to go. Jax had just walked in and I didn’t think you’d want to finish our conversation with him in the room. He has very good hearing, as well as a vivid imagination. Besides, Braedon said he’s already suspicious of all of you.” She returned to her seat and sat down wanting nothing more than to punch the arrogant man in the nose.

“So,” Wade smiled as he walked towards her desk, “dinner tonight?”

“I already have plans.”

“Lunch then…”

“I’m swamped, I’ll be lucky if I’ll have time to ask Daryl to grab me a sandwich.”

Wade was not happy. He was a good looking man, some would even say handsome and yet this woman was thwarting his every attempt to spend time with her. He took a deep calming breath not wanting to appear perturbed. “Then perhaps you won’t mind stopping now, for a quick cup of coffee.”

Tempest looked up at the Alpha standing on the other side of her desk and realised he wasn’t going to give up. “All right there should be coffee in the break room…”

She sighed when he started shaking his head. “Fine, but I can’t be gone long.”

Wade smiled as she came to her feet and moved into the hallway. She locked her office before leading them back to the elevator and out of the building. They entered the café next door and sat at a table that gave all three men easy access to both exits, as well as a view of all those moving around the outside of the premises.

They ordered coffee and Tempest grinned when their server, Shay, brought her a chocolate croissant. “You got in before we opened, so I figured you wouldn’t have eaten yet?”

“Thanks Shay,” her stomach grumbled, as if on cue and all three men lifted a brow as if to say ‘you should take better care of yourself.’

Shay looked at the men. “Umm, would you like a croissant or Danish?”

Trae got to his feet “Come my sweet, let us have a look at what’s available.” He indicated that Mitch should join him and a moment later Tempest and Wade were alone.

“You are not the easiest person to get to know Dr T.”

Tempest couldn’t help but smiled at his use of the pet name Rob and some of the others had for her. “I’m something of a loner Mr Benning. I enjoy my work and to be honest, don’t have time for lunch or dinner with those outside my immediate circle of friends.”

Tempest sighed, wishing she didn’t have to explain herself; “I’m a person of habit Mr Benning. I’ve worked hard to get where I am and I don’t wish to be distracted. I’m not looking for a relationship or even a dated. I simply don’t have time. If I’ve given you the wrong impression, I apologise.”

Wade looked at her somewhat gobsmacked. She had in two sentences told him she wanted nothing to do with him other than what pertained to her work. He was an Alpha, a man always in control and here he was unsure of what now to say to this woman.

He simply smiled and sipped his coffee as he tried desperately to quell the inner turmoil he was experiencing in regards to this woman. “Perhaps, Dr T, I may one day become part of your inner circle?”

He watched as her face flushed and was comforted in the knowledge that she was also a little flustered. His companions returned to the table carrying a range of pastries. Tempest spotted a Cherry Danish and was tempted to take it, but she didn’t want to give herself away. As a Were she could eat a great deal, as a human she needed to be careful, at least in public and in front of three Were’s.

They stayed almost an hour before Tempest got to her feet, “I need to get back to work Mr Benning. Thank you for the coffee.” She turned to Trae and Mitch, “I think you’ve both won a heart,” she smiled and indicated Shay with a nod of her head. “Be gentle with her, she’s a very sweet girl and I’d hate to see her get hurt.”

Wade stood giving Trae a nod. Tempest watched as Trae and Mitch approached the counter to pay for their order. They made small talk with Shay, but didn’t try to take advantage of her interest in them.

“If you are correct in what you’ve said, I’d like to have someone shadow you. At least until we’ve caught the person responsible for what’s been happening.”

Tempest knew it would be useless to argue with him. She’d already been warned he’d most likely want to have her watched. She lived in his territory, making him responsible for her safety. She didn’t like it, but was mature enough to realise it was necessary. She nodded, “Just so long as whoever it is doing the shadowing doesn’t get in the way of me doing my job.”

Wade was surprised that she’d accepted so easily, he’d been prepared for a fight or at least an argument. “You’re okay with having someone shadow you?”

“Braedon warned me you’d probably want to have someone keep an eye on me,” she shrugged. “I trust his judgement.”

Her words did nothing to ease his ego. “I’m glad to hear it. I’d appreciate you contacting me with anything further regarding the case.” He moved towards the door, opened it and waited until she came through before moving again.

Wade walked her to the front door of the building she worked in and waited until she entered the elevator before turning towards his men. “Both of you are responsible for her safety. Work in shifts.” Then he turned leaving them both standing there watching as he left.

As the car came around in front of the building Trae spoke to Mitch, “Go with him, I’ll take first watch.” He grinned and indicated the café behind them, “Besides I like the coffee and the company.”

Mitch raced for the curb and got into the Jag. He didn’t speak to Wade; he kept his face forward and couldn’t help wondering what was going on with his Alpha. He seemed on edge and that wasn’t like him at all. He smiled to himself. It looks like we’re in for some interesting times.

Wade didn’t go back to his office. Instead he drove out to the Pack’s Compound discretely located in one of the suburbs of the Blue Mountains. At one time in the past the place had been a private school run by the Catholic Church. The nearby chapel still had an active congregation.

Wade had an apartment in the city, but his home was here at the Compound. It had a good sized piece of land with homes scattered throughout and backed onto National Park land, giving them the freedom to run when needed.

The houses were mainly for mated couples and their families, giving them a sense of privacy. There were several buildings in the main area, one held offices, the Pack school and library was in another, which was also attached to a small hospital or clinic. There were rooms on the upper levels of the building that were utilised for housing single males and females as well as several larger suites set aside for visitors. The Alpha’s home or Pack House as some called it, sat several hundred yards away from these buildings, leaving an oval shaped area in the centre that was made into lawn with benches and picnic tables placed at intervals.

There were designated play areas with relevant equipment for the young, as well as a gym that had been turned into a training centre for the men and juvenile males. It was the training centre he made his way to after he’d parked his car. He glanced around as he moved noting that all was well.

The entire Compound had been fenced off, with men patrolling at intervals both night and day. The brick walls set out front facing the access road were tall enough that the public had no way of seeing what took place within the and even less chance of ever gaining access.

Wade spent a good hour or so in the training centre working out, by the time he made his way home he was ready for a shower, food and bed; in that order. The trouble was he didn’t fall into an exhausted sleep as he’d hoped. He lay for some time, his mind going over the events of the past few days and funnily enough his thoughts kept coming back to one thing… that is to say one person; Tempest.

Wade was drawn to her, but she seemed to deliberately keep her distance with him. She was more relaxed, more welcoming with Trae and Mitch than with him and it irked him. She was a professional and wanted to keep things on a professional basis. He couldn’t blame her for that, but hell! He was a good looking man, the ladies tended to gravitate to him so long as held his Alpha tendencies in check.

He sighed, either someone had really hurt this woman or there was more to her than she let on. Either way he fully intended to get to know her and discover her secrets. A smile crept onto his face as he relaxed enough to drift off to sleep.

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

Tempest had a fairly slow day and was able to finish up by four thirty. She’d skipped lunch and was starving. With this in mind she headed out of the building and towards the car park in back. She wasn’t the least bit surprised when Trae stepped up beside her making his presence known.

“Finished for the day?”

Tempest smiled, “I was wondering which one of you I’d end up with today. Have you been sitting in the café all day?”

Trae grinned and his entire face lit up, “They serve great coffee!” he laughed, but as they reached her car he became more sombre. “You didn’t come out for lunch and I don’t think I saw anyone take any in for you.”

It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. “I sometimes get caught up in my work and forget to stop for lunch. Daryl usually grabs me a sandwich if he’s around, but I don’t think he was in today. In any case I am hungry and since you’ve been so vigilant in watching over me, why don’t you join me?”

His grin returned, “I think that’s a great idea Dr T. Did you have any particular restaurant in mind?”

“Not really. Normally I’d go home and order in, but I’d love a good steak and since I’ll have company anyway.” She shrugged, “Do you have any suggestions?”

“I know a place, the foods good and the prices aren’t too high. Besides I know the owner and even without a reservation, he’ll make sure we get a seat. It’s a little early though?”

“Yes,” she began, “I was going to go home and freshen up first.” She smiled up at him, “That way you’ll know where I live and can pass the information on to Mitch. I take it he’ll be relieving you at some stage?”

Trae laughed and nodded without a bit of embarrassment. “I’ll get Mitch to meet us after dinner. I’ll need to know your schedule before I leave you with him.” He saw the confusion on her face, “what time you leave for work in the morning and if you have meetings elsewhere, that kind of thing.”

“No problem.” Tempest looked at her four wheel drive, it was fairly new and so far she’d been the only person to drive it. She sighed, took her keys out and turned to Trae holding offering them to him. “I don’t usually let anyone else drive her, but since I have no idea where we’re going?” She gave the keys a bit of a shake and he took them.

“I’ll drive with the utmost care.” And he did.

After a short stop at her apartment so she could freshen up and change, they headed out, Trae at the wheel once more. Tempest was surprised at how relaxed she was with Trae, decided not to over analyse why and just enjoy the evening.

The restaurant was close to Circular Quay, tucked away in a little side street which thankfully had underground parking. Tempest thought she knew the city well, but had never noticed this restaurant before – ‘The Den’, “What kind of restaurant is this?”

Trae parked the car and turned off the motor before answering, “It caters to most tastes. They get a lot of hungry men in here, so tend to serve lots of big hearty meals, like roasts, lamb shanks, ribs and steak served with plenty of vegetables or salad. It has a pretty good dessert list as well.”

Tempest nodded, the food sounded good, she just hoped it tasted that way. If it did this may well end up being her new restaurant of choice.

Trae handed back her keys once it was locked and she let him lead her up the set of stairs into the restaurant. It had been so long since she’d gone out to a meal with a man. Jax was more like an uncle or big brother, so he didn’t really count. She’d kept to herself over the years, not wanting to get caught up in a relationship she wasn’t prepared to be in.

As they entered the restaurant Tempest tensed, she looked around and did her level best to keep her breathing under control. The place was full of Were’s! The Den. She rolled her eyes, a wolf den. I should have known.

The restaurant had a warm quality to it, one that made patrons feel comfortable and although it was fairly busy, they were quickly ushered to a table and greeted by a man she assumed was either the owner or the manager.

“Trae, it’s about time you brought a beautiful lady to dine here.” he smiled, a wicked gleam in his eye. “Although had I been forewarned, we could have organised a table in a more private area” He turned to Tempest before Trae could answer, “My name is Stephan. I both own and manage The Den. Please, let me know if there is anything I can do to make your evening more enjoyable.”

“Thank you Stephan. I’m Tempest; Trae’s keeping me company for a few days. I skipped lunch and he suggested your restaurant. From what he’s told me, I’m very much looking forward to sampling your food.” She smiled sweetly as did he.

Trae’s jaw almost hit the table. Never before had he seen anyone wrap this temperamental old Were around their finger. Tempest was a force to be reckoned with all right and if she kept Stephan in a good mood, he’d most definitely be eating there more often.

They ordered steak and vegetables. Stephan also sent out a complimentary Greek salad for them to share as well. The dressing was unusual and seemed to enhance the flavours of the vegetables.

The steaks when they arrived were huge, Trae ordered medium rare and Tempest medium well done. Each mouthful was a delight and Trae couldn’t help smiling as she unexpectedly made several mmm type noises as she ate. “It’s good isn’t it?”

“Very good, I believe I can safely say that I’ll be eating here again.”

Just as they were ordering dessert Mitch arrived. Tempest figured he’d be taking the next shift watching over her, so didn’t comment on his appearance. They ordered chocolate cake with choc-mint frosting and clotted-thick cream. It was sweet and moist and so, so chocolaty. Tempest enjoyed every mouthful.

Trae insisted on paying for their meal and she didn’t fight him on it. Stephan approached as they were about to leave, his entire focus on Tempest. “I hope everything was to your liking? If not, you must return so that...”

“The meal was excellent Stephan, I will most definitely be returning. I like your menu and I’m fairly certain I could drum up more business for you. That is if you don’t mind a restaurant full of Police Officers from time to time?” 

“So long as they enjoy the food and the ambience they are welcome.” He surprised Tempest by pulling her in for a hug then escorting her to the door. Trae and Mitch moving ahead of her making sure the area was clear.

As they returned to the car, Trae caught Tempest’s attention. “I’ll see you in the morning; we can have breakfast in the same café we had coffee in today. I’d also appreciate a copy of your schedule as soon as possible after that.” He gave her a slight nod of his head then walked away, leaving her with Mitch.

This time she didn’t offer up her car keys. Mitch had his own car parked right alongside of hers and followed close behind all the way to her apartment. She felt badly about him spending the night watching over her from his car, but didn’t want him in her home.

Tempest made her way to the building, looking over her shoulder at Mitch before she entered. She had become security minded since moving to the city and was grateful she lived in a building where you had to tap in a code to get in the front door.  Her apartment was on the third floor, but rather than taking the elevator she opted to utilise the stairs. Tempest spent a great deal of her time indoors and looked at this as a small form of exercise.

Once in her apartment she showered and dressed in a pair of flannel pyjama pants with a matching tee-shirt. It was early, so she tried to read, but couldn’t take in the words, she turned on the television on hoping there’d be something on that would catch her interest, unfortunately her mind kept wandering to broad shoulders and intense eyes, making her even more restless.

She found herself wandering through each room, as if she were looking for someone. There were times loneliness seeped in, but she preferred being alone. If she were completely honest with herself she was afraid not to be alone. Relationships were no on her to do list, they would cause hurt and anger on both parts and she was not prepared to suffer through anything of what her mother had… still was living through. This apartment wasn’t just her home; it was her sanctuary, her fortress of solitude.

This was Tempest’s home, the one place that was hers, the one place she didn’t let anyone in. She’d found the apartment listed on the notice board in the break room at work, took a chance and found herself moving in a few days later. She’d taken her time furnishing each room, wanting everything just so. It had taken time, but she’d loved searching and finding what she wanted for each room.

Tempest found herself standing by the window overlooking the front of the building. Glancing towards Mitch’s car, she found him looking directly at her. It was unnerving, making her shudder. She’d forgotten what it was like to be around Were’s, taking a step back from the window she turned, making her way to her bedroom and rest.

Rest didn’t come easily, thoughts of the past few days coming back to her in flashes. Discovering the dead Were, calling Braedon and having to face the local Alpha then having to meet with him to explain the facts of what had happened to his Pack mate.

Closing her eyes with a sigh, Tempest couldn’t help the memory of broad shoulders and intense eyes, eyes that couldn’t hide the pain of losing one of his own. There was more to Wade Benning than the gruff, controlling man that had walked into her office. She gave herself an internal shake, “Enough! He is not the kind of man to lose myself in though over, in fact he’s not the kind of man I want to get too close to period!” With that final thought Tempest snuggled down further into her bed and drifted off to sleep