Page 24 of The Secret Mate Society

While no further evidence was found, this report will remain on file, pending any similar sightings in the area.

Case Status:Closed—Unexplained Wildlife Encounter

Filed by:Sgt.Daniel R.Hughes

Date:October 18, 1998

Chapter11

Calder

Thanks for the ride, handsome.:-) So… when’s our next date?

Ethan’s message stared back at me from my phone screen.I’d woken up to it earlier that morning and throughout the day I’d revisited it over and over again.I couldn’t help myself.Every time I looked at those words, they made my heart sing.

I'd tried to tell myself that meeting with Ethan was a mistake, that getting involved with a human, especially a journalist, was asking for trouble.But now, staring at his text message for what must have been the twentieth time, I couldn't deny the warmth spreading through my chest.

My thumbs hovered over the keypad as I sat in my office, surrounded by invoices I should have been processing hours ago.The garage was unusually quiet today, with Trevor and Patrick both out on a tow job.The silence gave me too much space to think about those green eyes and that dimpled smile.

"Fuck it," I muttered, finally typing a response.

Tomorrow night.Dinner?I know a place.

I hit send before I could overthink it, then immediately tossed my phone onto the desk like it had burned me.What was I doing?The Secret Mate Society would have my hide if they knew I was pursuing a human without going through proper channels.Not to mention the fact that I still didn't understand why my wolf responded so strongly to Ethan.

The phone buzzed almost immediately.I snatched it up, ignoring the flutter in my stomach.

It's a date!Pick me up at 7?I'll text you my address.

Another buzz followed with his address.It was from an apartment complex on the east side of town.I knew the area.It wasn't the best neighborhood, but not the worst either.However, it was affordable and considering Ethan was new to town on a journalist salary, I figured that was his reason for choosing it.

I'll be there, I responded, then added,Dress warm.It's outdoor seating.

I set the phone down, rubbing my face with my hands.This was reckless.Dangerous.And yet, I couldn't stop the smile tugging at my lips.I just wished I understood why he made me feel this way.And why now?After all those years of chasing women and being so sure of myself, why did Ethan Murphy make my heart flutter every time he smiled at me?

The bell at the front of the shop jingled, pulling me from my thoughts.I straightened up, composing myself before heading out to greet the customer.

"Be right there," I called, grabbing a clean rag to wipe the lingering grease from my hands.When I pushed through the office door, I froze.

Elias Ageratum stood in the lobby, his tailored suit looking absurdly out of place among the motor oil displays and tire advertisements.His violet eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my wolf bristle.

"Alpha Thorne," he said, his voice smooth as silk."I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

My mind flashed to Ethan's text message, and I fought to keep my expression neutral."Just catching up on paperwork.What can I do for you, Elias?"

The demon adjusted his cufflinks, a gesture I was beginning to recognize as a nervous habit."There's been another incident.More severe than the cattle."

My stomach dropped."Human?"

Elias nodded once, his expression grim."A hiker.Found this morning in the woods near Greer's farm.The Council wants all Alphas on high alert."

"Same...signature?"I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Exactly the same," Elias confirmed, lowering his voice though we were alone."Heart and liver missing.But this time, there was something new."

I tensed, my wolf immediately alert."What?"

"A message."Elias reached into his jacket pocket and produced a folded photograph, handling it with gloved fingers."Carved into the victim's chest."