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Chapter 9

Regan peered up at the huge glass and steel building that loomed over her. In the end, finding Caleb had been easy. Or at least so she’d thought, but this hardly looked like the lair of a werewolf. Maybe she’d hunted down the wrong Caleb Stone.

She was in the heart of the city of London, right slam in the middle of the business district and at the headquarters of Stone Enterprises, a private security firm that provided services all around the world. And according to her research, Caleb owned it.

The glass doors slid open, and Regan entered the reception area. Glancing around her, she couldn’t help but be impressed. The place was opulent, ultra-modern, with loads of stainless steel, marble, and lush, green, potted plants. In the center of the room was an actual pond with fat, orange carp swimming lethargically and a waterfall at one end. Caleb was obviously doing all right for himself.

Across the huge expanse of floor, a perfectly made-up blonde sat behind the reception desk. Regan stalked up to the desk, ignoring the dismissive glance the other woman gave her. “I want to see Caleb.”

The blonde looked her up and down, clearly unimpressed. “I’m afraid Mr. Stone doesn’t see anyone without an appointment.”

“Look”—Regan leaned across the desk and read the name label pinned to the woman’s left breast—“Gretchen, just call him up and tell him Regan’s here to see him.”

Gretchen smiled—it didn’t reach her pale blue eyes. “I’m sorry, but that’s not company policy. If you would like to leave a name and number, we’ll contact you if Mr. Stone wishes to see you.”

The tone implied it was extremely unlikely.

Regan pursed her lips and contemplated which spell to use. She’d always had a preference for the toad one. She glanced at the pond, it would be so convenient—the toad wouldn’t even have to leave the building—perfect. Of course, while personally satisfying, that wouldn’t help her get to Caleb, so she settled on a simple compulsion spell. She opened her mouth to speak it when the phone on the reception desk rang.

Gretchen picked it up, listened, and a flicker of annoyance flashed across her face. She put the phone down and looked at Regan.

“You’re to go up—top floor.”

“Thank you, you’ve beensohelpful.”

Caleb’s top floor office was bigger than the reception area, and it took her a few seconds to locate him. His back was to her. He was standing in front of one of the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring down at the city below, looking unfamiliar in a dark business suit that fitted him to perfection.

He didn’t turn as she entered; made no indication he even knew she was there. But his shoulders were stiff, every line of his body radiating tension.

She moved to stand beside him. Breathing in deeply, she smelled that musky, almost feral scent she had come to associate with him, and inside her, wolf stirred to life, sensing his presence. Wolf was pleased to see him. She’d been lonely and was willing to admit it, even if Regan was not.

Pleased or not, coming into his presence was like coming home. A sense of peace washed over her, stilling the restlessness that plagued her spirit. The reaction brought her up short.

She might have gone through periods of emptiness during her long life, but she’d never been lonely, never needed anyone else. Or so she’d believed. Now she realized she’d been lying to herself for just about her whole life.

She’d always been lonely. Two thousand years, and the burning guilt of what she’d done still plagued her. Deep down, she’d never considered she deserved anyone of her own. So she pretended it didn’t matter and kept her distance from anyone she might come to care for, but she had never really been tested. Never met a man she couldn’t easily turn her back on. Until Caleb.

She shook her head, banishing the memories. Her feelings were irrelevant anyway. Caleb had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her. And that was fine. Once he gave her the information she needed, helped her find his father, then she would exit his life forever.

Finally, he turned to her. He appeared tired, dark shadows under his eyes, his mouth held in a stern, uncompromising line. It didn’t matter; he was beautiful, and Regan’s heart rate picked up as she looked at him.

“How did you find me?” he asked.

She raised an eyebrow. “I am a witch.”

“You used magic?”

She shrugged. “I did consider it, but then I thought—what the hell, let’s use the phone book instead. You weren’t hard to find.”

“I’ve never been hiding. I never needed to, until I met you.”

A flash of irritation shot through her. “You can’t blame me for what your father did.”

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Where have you been? I’ve phoned Catrin every day—she said she hadn’t heard from you. I thought—” He broke off and scowled.

“Were you worried?” She hadn’t meant to sound sarcastic, but it obviously came out that way because annoyance flared in his eyes.

“I thought maybe you’d found my father. Or he’d found you.”