Page 69 of His to Possess

“Your father doesn’t like me very much.” Kathleen’s voice held no animosity, merely a sadness that I hadn’t anticipated.

“My father doesn’t know you and he’s very old school.”

“Meaning I’m not part of the community.” She sighed and her façade seemed to fade as she sagged against the table. She seemed more forlorn than before, exhaustion furrowing lines into her lovely face.

I knew what my father was saying was difficult for him but necessary. We couldn’t have any outsiders. If she learned too much or couldn’t accept my answers, decisions would be taken out of my hands.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, walking toward me.

I held out my hand, shaking my head. “Nothing. Just…”

“Just what? You’re angry. Don’t be. Your father has every reason not to trust me. Law enforcement hasn’t necessarily been a friend to Roselake.”

I grabbed my drink before moving toward the front of the house, staring out the window at the display of colors splashed across the sky. The sun was setting and my gut was telling me that time was running out. The guilt sweeping through me was tremendous, unearthing far too many emotions. I’d been able to protect her from a murderer, but I wouldn’t be able to keep her safe from the big, bad wolf.

“What’s wrong, Max? What did your father say to you?”

I could feel her presence far too close and I pulled the glass to my forehead. “As I told you, my father is a part of the city council in Roselake.”

“Yes, you told me that.”

“He came to tell me that the city isn’t prepared to help us with our investigation.”

“Um. I’m not certain what they could do. The murders weren’t committed here and from what we’ve been able to tell, there is no actual connection to Roselake, no matter what the fucking M.E. said.” She inched close enough I could see her reflection in the window. “What aren’t you telling me?” she continued.

“There are things about Roselake that you don’t understand.”

“I know there is a significant Cherokee population. What else?”

I half smiled. Of course she’d check on the city. How could I expect any less? “Yes, but there’s more.”

“Some spiritual grounds?”

I tipped my head in her direction. “How do you know that?”

A warm flush swept up her face and she looked away. “I found a book while you were asleep.”

I shifted away from the window, a cold chill shifting down my spine. “What book?”

“The one written by a priest.” Kathleen took a step back. “Don’t worry, I didn’t read very much and I’m sorry if I did something wrong.”

If she read almost any portion of the book, she must have read about the Wolfen. “What else did you read, Kathleen? This is important because we need to talk.” I hadn’t realized I’d moved toward her, gripping her arm until fear crossed her face.

“You’re scaring me, Max. Is this about the secret you’re hiding from me? Some ancient custom? Is this why fingers are being pointed toward Roselake?”

“You don’t understand, Kathleen. This city is… special, the people who live here different.”

“Then talk to me,” she hissed, jerking her arm away. “What are you trying to tell me?”

“You need to sit down.”

“Oh, hell, no. I’ll stand.”

There was no time to waste, no holding back any longer. I’d inadvertently crossed a line that couldn’t be altered, but I refused to fuck up her life forever. “I’m not who you think I am.”

“That much I gathered,” she whispered then took several steps away from me. “Who and what are you?”

“Look…”

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