Mika was getting impatient and wanted the damn thing sorted out. “According to our sources, there’s a big surge of power just outside the city on the east side. Cross went there to investigate a couple of times, and he says there’s definitely mage activity. He couldn’t get too close without blowing his cover, but he says it should be our next target.” Unless they had the Alpha’s permission, they couldn’t just mobilize a force and attack the mage hideout. It was a rule set up long ago to prevent clans from invading or encroaching on another’s territory.
Julianna pursed her lips. “Damn. Ivanova’s playing hard to get, and I know she wants something but won’t tell me.”
“It’s vital we get her on our side.” And she was eager to get this Russian situation behind her. But Natalia Ivanova had been making the negotiations difficult from the very beginning.
“I know. We haven’t failed yet, and I’ll be damned if I let this one get away.” She let out a yawn.
“What time is it there?”
“Too damn late … or early.” A loud wail made her wince. “Sorry.”
“Kieran’s still not sleeping?” Much like most of the couples who had found their True Mates, Julianna and Duncan had recently welcomed their first pup, a son. He was only a couple of weeks old but was probably the most well-traveled infant in the world since his parents toted him around wherever they went.
“The kid doesn’t seem to have any concept of jet lag. Duncan’s with him now, but that cry means he’s hungry.” Julianna got up from her chair and turned to her right. “Yeah, yeah, hold your horses, Kier! Your milk factory’s coming.” She let out an exasperated sigh. “I’ll talk to you soon, Mika.”
“Later, Julianna.” The screen went dark, and Mika reached over to turn her monitor and computer off.
She had recognized the tired look on her cousin’s face but also saw the happiness behind those weary eyes. To think that while growing up, Julianna always said she didn’t want to have babies, but now, she too had found her True Mate and had a pup.
Soon, she told herself. In a few months, she would have a baby of her own to keep her up at night with pooping, peeing, and feeding. And she would have the happiness that eluded her all these years.
She was glad for the work that had to be done today because otherwise, thinking about tonight would have driven her crazy. Or make her lose her nerve. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was time to leave if she wanted to have time to check into the hotel room before Delacroix arrived at eight. She closed up her office and went down to the garage.
The drive to the hotel was a blur from the moment she got into her car until she handed her keys to the valet. After checking in, she left one set of keys with the front desk in an envelope with Delacroix’s name on it. She hadn’t thought to get his phone number so she could text him the room number, but she knew he’d be smart enough to figure it out.
Mika had never stayed in this hotel, but she had a friend visit her once who had stayed here. It was the first place that popped into her mind when Delacroix asked her where to meet, and she figured it was as good a place as any. She couldn’t very well invite him to her place or go up to his room at HQ. This hotel room was comfortable enough, but also coldly impersonal. Just like what this night would be like.
Anticipation, nervousness, and excitement all swirled in her stomach. She wasn’t inexperienced, but it had been so long since she’d last had sex. She attempted the one-night stand thing a few months after Joe died figuring it was time, but aside from a couple of torrid kisses, she couldn’t go through with it. It felt like a betrayal at that time.
And now?
She mentally shook her head. No, this wasn’t about Joe. Never had been. He was gone. This was about moving on with her life and finally getting what she wanted after her life had been torn apart.
A knock made her startle. Checking the clock, she realized she had been standing there longer than she thought and padded toward the door. She took a breath, knowing that once she opened this door, there would be no turning back.
“Hello, cher.”
Her heart stopped for three beats when her gaze landed on his handsome face. She swallowed hard as she took in the sight of him dressed so casually in a black T-shirt stretched tight across his wide chest, tapering down to his slim waist. The moment she got a whiff of his scent, her wolf let out a low, longing yowl.
“I didn’t have time to get ready.”
His eyes moved along her body, and heat pooled in her belly at the lazy admiration. “You look ready enough.”
“I mean, I should get showered and dressed.” She had planned to at least get cleaned up and change out of her usual office attire of a blouse and pencil skirt and into the little red dress she had brought. Not like she needed to seduce him further, but she thought it would be a good incentive in case he changed his mind.
“Dressing up would seem unnecessary, though I appreciate the thought.” He cocked his head to the side. “Aren’t you going to let me in?”
Wordlessly, she stepped back and gestured for him to come inside. “Do you want a drink? Or food? I can order—”
“Non.” He
