Page 99 of Claimed By Prince Daddy

My mouth fell open. The little minx had played me. A low growl erupted in my throat, and I threw open the passenger door, slipping into the seat. Sasha eyed me, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. I flung myself back in my seat and folded my arms. She threw her head back and laughed.

Damn wolves.

CHAPTER SIX: ON THE TRAIL

DAMON

The blood of those slain remained in the air, the scent faint but still pricked my nose.

Sasha dropped into a crouch on the trail we stood on, her nose wrinkled as she sniffed. Her eyes darted up to the hillside.

“The killer must’ve hid behind those trees over there,” Sasha said. “They’re the only group of trees that would provide concealment to lie in wait.” She pointed at the other trees to my left. “Notice how those are sparse and far apart? The werebear must’ve hid over here and waited till the humans were right at this bend in the trail. Then he struck.”

I took in the surrounding landscape. The trail wound through a clearing, the bend nearby a cluster of pines packed together. As I stepped over to the group of trees, I kneeled and sifted the dirt at my feet. Someone had disturbed the soil. I raised my fingers to my nose and inhaled.

Werebear.

My inner bear rumbled in dark satisfaction. The female was right. They had laid in wait in that exact spot. Sasha walked up behind me, lips thinned, eyes hollow. Her sadness burned my nostrils, hitting the back of my throat. I whirled and glanced up at her. She fixed her focus on the path further ahead, where crime tape still sectioned off the area.

With my mouth open, I dragged in the odors. Sunshine and nutmeg wafted my way, along with the underlying scent of a werewolf. The grounds looked familiar. I could’ve sworn I’d seen this place before, but knew I never stepped foot there.

One look at Sasha told me all I needed to know.

Her eyes were wet with tears, and she blinked, trying to keep them at bay.

Shit... someone murdered her pack mate here..

It all clicked together. The news segment I’d seen on TV about the discovery of the body of a little girl mauled by a bear. She belonged to Sasha’s pack. I clenched my teeth. The essence of her tears had my stomach twisting. My inner bear groaned, clawing at my mind. He pushed against my skin, wanting to comfort our mate.

I pushed to my feet and approached her, keeping my movements slow. Sasha wasn’t aware of my actions, as her gaze lingered on the crime scene ahead. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her against my chest, burying my nose into her hair. This was about comfort. Werekind thrived in touch, and hugs could give one strength to endure. Though, fuck me, if she didn’t smell like peaches and cream. Delectable. Soft enough to nibble on or lap the hollow of her throat.

Easy,I cautioned my bear.

She placed her hands on my chest and shoved, scrambling out of my embrace. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

I dropped my arm to my side. “You know what touch can do for our kind… ground our emotions and bring them to stable measures.”

She laughed, the sound bitter in my ears. “So, now I’m unstable?” A deep growl sounded from within her. “You knownothingabout me. Keep your pretentious thoughts to yourself.” Her eyes fell to my hands. “And your grabby hands.”

I narrowed my eyes and studied her. Her anger and grief were a potent mix, thickening the space between us. She glanced away from me. Her hands trembled. Hell, her whole body shook. She bit her lower lip hard, and the sharp tang of blood hit me.

She’s unraveling.

I heaved a sigh.

“Wow,” I ventured, shaking my head.

Sasha slid me a cool look, but remained silent.

“I knew you wolves were uptight as fuck, but never thought you’d turn down comfort.” I grimaced, giving her an imperious stare. “What? Too intimate for the weres? No wonder you’re a virgin.” A wild guess, her virginity. But by the way her face reddened, I’d guessed correctly.

Sasha stiffened. The sharp look she’d sent my way turned icy. “You pompous ass!” She whirled, baring her fangs, and took a threatening step toward me. “First off, how the hell do you figure I’m a virgin?”

“You’re as uptight as one. Prickly with touch.”

She threw her head back and scoffed. “Yeah! Touch from a bear! No one wants your meaty paws on them. I sure as fuck don’t!” She made a show of shuddering.

The way the fire flashed in her eyes, I knew I’d stoked her fury—and it was near boiling. My inner bear gave a smug grin and a flash of fangs. The female would stop grieving now that she had a target to focus on… me. Though, I might have only delayed the investigation. The little wolf was as stubborn as sin when she was angry. She may turn down working with me.

---