The thing about being a private investigator that Cassie adored was the way each unique case highlighted the complexities of human nature. The mystery, the intrigue, the ridiculousness, and the excitement that went with the chase fed her natural curiosity. That said, some cases brought nothing but anguish. Like her simple honeypot case with Dillon that morphed into the worst kind of nightmare and ended in the man's death. He totally deserved it though. She had never worked an asset investigation but knew that if the situation warranted it, the asset investigation was more like stealing back something that had already been stolen. So, in this case they'd likely be stealing an alpaca.She sighed, audibly, with annoyed intent. "Alpacas," Cassie repeated to Randy who turned his attention back to his laptop. "Umm. Not much." She tapped his shoulder, waiting for the rest.Randy turned to her and smirked. "So, this client acquired a prize alpaca before separation from her husband and

The need for answers accompanied by a desire to taunt Bolton brought Cassie back to the forest. Safe in her tree, she stared down into his glowing blue eyes and noted they appeared to mock her. He released a puff of annoyance, much like a sigh, that left a plume of heated air floating through the frosty winter breeze. In the near distance, another wolf howled, and this became her focus. They should be alone. This dreamscape she created was just supposed to include him. That howl belonged to someone else. Lifting her head, she searched the distance, until she saw it.Another wolf approaching, a red one, and it wasn't alone.It can't be.How did they get here?Focusing hard, she attempted to will away her unwanted guests, but they wouldn't disappear and continued their approach. Annoyed but curious, she waited while she wondered how she had suddenly lost control of this world.A man walked beside the wolf but was too far away to be identified. The red wolf left his side and

The problem with too easy is that nothing ever really was too easy. It's like saying the words brings on bad juju, but you never realize until it's too late. In the dark, they trapsed through the muck and biting wind to come from behind the barn, through a door, to the barn that opened to the paddock. Most of the sheep had entered the barn for the evening to take cover behind some bales, but Antonio rested in the open paddock, the donkey snuggled up against him."Great," Cassie hissed, rolling her eyes in the dark."What?" Randy whispered."The donkey?" She turned to look at him as if he might understand and then turned away rolling her eyes again because she knew he didn't get it. Sighing, she tilted her head to assess the situation while trying to mentally prepare. "Do you know why farmers have donkeys with their herds?""Nope.""Because they're assholes. That's why. They're basically guard dogs that help protect the herd from predators and coyotes, and if they're proper

As she climbed into the Jeep, Randy turned to glare at her. "Really? You had to make a scene?""I needed to chat with Bolton." She shrugged, trying to sound casual."Are you insane? You gave him an advantage.""No. I let him know I was up to the challenge.""Jesus Christ," Randy hissed, raking a hand through his hair in frustration. He sighed, fired up the Jeep, and turned to her, eyeing her with concern. "You're in enough danger. Don't go poking the bear, looking for extra." On any given day, she knew her antics irritated him, but since they hooked up, the irritation didn't last, but she was sure he wondered just what the hell he got himself into.She giggled, but he was serious, so she sobered. "I'm not afraid of him.""Maybe you should be." Grunting, he punched the Jeep into drive and took them back to the hotel. They just entered the room when he grabbed her arm, spinning her to him and then slamming her back against the wall as his lips took hers, stealing her breat

The door to the room opened and everyone filed in. Dad rushed to greet Cassie with a hug, and Cassie looked towards her sister who stood off to the side, arms crossed, eyebrow arched, looking as if she anticipated an apology.Randy offered Sara a chair and she took it, looking uneasy. Cassie eyed her perfect bombshell sister. Sara looked amazing, rocking her almost pregnancy figure with a cute grey maternity sweater and jeans. She glowed, radiantly, and Cassie was sure she had never seen her sister look so beautiful. "So, what's so important that you just had to see us?" Sara asked not even trying to disguise the fact that she felt put out.Dad pulled away, noting Cassie's worn appearance, and turned to address Sara. "There is much to discuss, Sara. I need you to promise to listen carefully to all that is said. Do you trust me?""I mean, you've only been my dad for like five minutes." she said, eyeing Cassie for confirmation so Cassie nodded. "I guess," Sara said. The fact