Chapter 14 — Tempting Trouble

~ KILLIAN ~

I prance down the hall, trying to relax and get my throbbing member under control.

Talk about a complex female. Of all the dumb fucking luck.

The woman who'd walked into my building was all attitude with a fuck-with-me-and-regret-it glare, a lithe frame, and an intriguing face. The little minx had gotten my blood pumping the moment she'd opened that hot mouth of hers. My dick had instantly hardened to the point of pain. As a male wolf, I can't resist the challenge she'd issued. There is no give in her, zero softness. Even if she'd been aroused by my flirting, she'd blown me off good and proper.

She'd be a hellion in bed, giving as good as she got.

Stop thinking with the wrong head, Killian! Simply Tess has to wait, I berate myself.

Another visitor has thrown a wrench into what could have been a very good time. Fuck if it doesn't piss me off. Just once I'd like to relax and unwind without having to do the right thing.

Goddamn Selene. What is the soon-to-be ex-wife of Magnus Dusk doing here? I can’t help but frown.

It was bad enough dealing with Astrid the evening before. The woman is beyond annoying and after Ronan like a hare looking to mate. Talking to the obtuse female before I'd even settled into my routine yesterday had burned out all the patience I had for bothersome females. Hopefully, Selene isn't here to irritate me too.

"Killian," Selene calls with her usual cold purr as she turns from the rimmed tattoo on the wall.

She’s dressed to intimidate as she always does with her leather skirt and long golden hair hanging in bouncy curls down her back. Fortunately, werewolves have higher body temperatures and can handle the cold. Otherwise, she'd be freezing her balls off.

She shifts on her feet, her high heels clicking on the floor as her full, cherry-red lips dip into a frown. "You don't look happy to see me."

That's the understatement of the fucking millennium.

"I'm never happy to see people who come in without making an appointment."

"Then I'll make this quick."

As she approaches, a frown mars my features. Is Selene trying to come onto me, or am I reading the signs wrong? What is she really doing here?

She shifts her hips from side to side, making her legs flex with each step. She moves closer to me and stares me in the eye.

"I went to see Ronan this morning, but he wasn't home. Do you know where I can find him?"

I frown. "I'm second-in-command, not his secretary and babysitter."

"Oh, come on. Everyone knows Ronan tells you everything. That's why you're his Beta." She stops at the counter and leans over it, revealing huge breasts that strain to escape the leather material confining them. She is definitely trying to seduce me. I’ve noticed her looking at me during inter-pack meetings, but I never expected her to actually act on her hints, especially since she’s already married. But now that she’s getting a divorce... "There is a very important matter I need to talk to him about and you are not helping."

"What on earth would the wife of our rival pack have to tell our Alpha that her husband hasn't already said? Whatever you have to say to Ronan, you can tell me and I will pass the message on. If not, then please take your wanton self to your husband." As soon as the words come out, I want to kick myself in the ass. I don't want to start a pack war by insulting a pack Luna, but I just can't help myself sometimes.

Thankfully the insult doesn't land. "That's you, always making a joke of things. This isn't a joking matter, Killian."

I shrug. "I agree. So why don't you tell me what it is?"

"It's a matter between Alphas." Selene's dark brown eyes lift a shade as her lips thin into a serious line. "That's why I need to talk to Ronan. Once he understands what's at stake, he'll understand why speaking to me on this matter is very critical and time-sensitive."

I lower my arms and slide my hands into my pockets before looking straight at her. "As I said, I'm not his secretary. If he wasn't home, he probably had things he needed to do. Call his cell and leave a message. I'm sure he'll get back to you when he's got a minute to spare."

Whatever Selene's issue is, I'm sure it’s not going to be good news for the pack. Selene Dusk is trouble, but she’s a trouble Ronan will have to deal with.

"Well..." She frowns and glances around the parlor. "What if I waited here? He's bound to show up sooner or later." She looks down at her bare arm. "You could work on my arm while we wait. I've always wanted a tattoo anyway."

"As tempting as that sounds, I'm booked."

I peer down the hall, thinking about the fiery temptress with wild strawberry hair and eyes the color of the morning sky. I wonder if she's stayed where I put her. A part of me hopes she hasn't so I can make good on my threat.

"In fact," I continue, "you interrupted me while I was speaking to a client. I need to get to work."

"Tell him I'm looking for him." Her voice takes on a harsh edge, becoming even more serious and I can't help the worry that prickles my skin. "I'm sure you are aware of the little issue I'm having with my husband. Unless Ronan wants to piss me off, he'll make sure he finds time to see me. It won't bode well for him if a war were to start because he refused to hear me out. And one more piece of advice—it would be wise for your pack to consider Astrid's proposal before it's too late."

Shit.

I keep my mouth shut, knowing my smart-ass remarks will no longer be welcome. I watch as she walks across the room and leaves the building. It isn't until the door closes that I release the breath I've been holding.

Fan-freaking-tastic.

The pack already has enough going on dealing with a forced arranged mating, and now this? Ronan is going to hit the roof when he finds out about this. It seems Astrid has managed to get Selene on her side and this is not good news in any way. Add that to the fact that Astrid's father, Edric Shade, isn't the most easygoing werewolf in the area, and everyone knows he worships his only child.

Shaking my head, I head back down the hall. At least there is one thing to look forward to. I’m about to discover if my unexpected guest did as she was told. I growl when I open the door. Not only is she not where I left her, but the little hellion has given me the slip.

I don't bother looking out the opened window, rushing back down the hall instead. I hear a car start followed by the sound of grinding gravel. I run across the sitting area and open the door, knowing I'm already too late.