UnexpectedFind by Nancy Corrigan Page A

and captured Kade’s gaze. “This case is no
different. Tony’s autopsy was canceled and false reports made to stop the
humans from investigating in our affairs. That wouldn’t have been possible
without our sources.”
    Kade ran a hand through his hair and glanced back at the
house. “And sometimes I wonder if it is the right thing to do. Tony’s killer is
likely long gone and justice will never be meted out, yet the human’s family
thinks differently.” He shook his head. “Just because we are the prized
offspring of the gods, it doesn’t give us the right to act like them.”
    And it was that belief that had caused so much discontent
between the single animal shifters and the royal class. Shifters had lived
among the humans for millennia but they were stronger, lived a couple of
centuries compared to the several decades humans did. They’d used those traits
to dominate their weaker brethren. The gods intervened and birthed the royals
to bring the single animal shifters to heel. It worked. Balance returned, but
there were those who despised the royals for their link to the gods. Calum had
been one, only they’d never known of his deep hatred.
    Rafe gave a single nod. “I agree, but it’s better for the
humans’ peace of mind. If they aren’t given closure they’ll always wonder and
worry that danger might find them again.”
    Kade grunted and faced him. “We’ll wait a few days before we
decide what to do with Josh and Jasmine.”
    Relief swept through him. He settled back against the tree
trunk to watch the house. Kade leaned close and whispered, “If I’d said
anything different, you would’ve fought me, taken this goddamn job off my
shoulders. Am I right, brother?”
    Rafe slowly turned his head and faced Kade but didn’t
answer. They stared at each other and the silent battle of wills neither of
them ever won raged. Finally, they both turned away and Kade shifted into his
jaguar form. He trotted off and Rafe focused back on the home.
    With his attention on Jasmine working in her kitchen, he
allowed Kade’s words to replay in his head. Maybe Kade was right. The woman had
crawled into his mind and taken up residence there, not something he had
planned on or wanted, but he couldn’t walk away. And it was taking everything
he had not to think about why.

Chapter Seven
     
    Jazz stood in front of her bedroom mirror and groaned.
Nothing looked right. She yanked the cute baby-doll shirt off and tugged the
halter top back on. Similar to the one she wore last night, the lacy neckline
showed plenty of cleavage and the loose waist offered enough room to slip under
the hem and explore. She shook her head at the naughty thoughts filling her
mind, but it didn’t stop her from choosing a pair of loose shorts either.
    Underneath the outfit she’d chosen with Rafe in mind, she
wore simple black panties and a strapless bra. She’d debated over running into
town and picking up something sexier but didn’t have time. Besides, she hadn’t
decided if Rafe would be getting her completely naked. Just because she wanted
to have sex with him didn’t mean it had to happen tonight.
    She glanced at the clock. Five minutes to six. She grabbed a
brush and ran it through her hair one last time. The doorbell rang. She jumped.
With shaky hands, she placed the comb on the dresser and hurried down the
stairs into the living room. A date. She was actually going on a date, her
first in three long years. There was no reason to feel nervous, but her heart
raced. Sweat dampened her palms. She scrubbed them against her shorts, took a
calming breath and opened the door.
    Rafe stood on the other side with his legs slightly spread
and his head dipped so a lock of hair fell over one eye. His lips lifted in a
lopsided smile. He swept his gaze over her body from her feet to her face. Heat
spread in the wake of his lazy perusal.
    “Beautiful, my Jasmine. So damn beautiful.”
    He reached forward, took her hand and tugged her close.