Page 19 of Feral

“You frightened her,” Director Dearborne said, her voice chiding.

“No. This office did.”

“Ah, I see,” she looked around the Dragon and smiled. “It’s alright, dear. I need your expertise. Please come in.”

I expected a weary eyed agent that looked like they’d been traveling. Or even another creature like myself. Instead, when Trey finally moved into the room, there stood a short, bonny lass with the greenest eyes I’d ever seen. She stared at the director, bow shaped lips open just a little and her pale cheeks flushed. I told myself it was the surprise of finding such a young hen standing there that had me staring, speechless. But the animal in me knew differently. Especially when she stepped up to the desk, a mere three feet away from me and her scent hit me full.

I couldn’t help it, I breathed her in deep. Most people think that Werewolves only smell the physical; your sweat, your arousal, your fear. And that’s true for almost every being, whether we want to or no. But there are times, after we’ve formed strong bonds with another, or mated with them, when we can smell the soul, the deep shadows and hidden parts. It’s rare, and very personal. We usually don’t do it unless given permission.

Which was why, when her scent filled my nostrils, I was almost knocked back on my heels.

She smelled of the highlands under a full moon, of heather in the spring and the brine of the ocean. There was the yearning to know things there, the curiosity of a child and the strength of spirit that spoke of a stubborn nature. It stirred deep things in me, and I found myself inching closer. Who was this creature? What was she that she could illicit such an instant response? Was she a Were? Perhaps a Fae or something else? Her soul had touches of something ancient, or what others referred to as ‘an old soul’, so perhaps in her past she’d been a witch, maybe a Druid?

I couldn’t explain why I suddenlyknewin this way. It was far too intimate for strangers, and I felt like a creeper as I stared at her. How had she done this? Why did it happen? And how could I get the scent of her out of my mind?

All of my confusion must’ve shown on my face because the Dragon eyed me and moved the woman away.

How dare he!

Before common sense could ground me, before I could stop the instincts of my animal side, I growled a him, low and long in the back of my throat.

She jumped, her eyes becoming even larger as she took me in.

“Oh, I…uh…I am sorry. Did I do something?”

Aye, she’d done something alright. But what exactly, I couldn’t say. I had to get a hold of my primal side or I’d lose control, and that was a very, very bad idea.

I stepped back and leaned against the wall, far enough away that her scent didn’t intoxicate me as it had before. Whatever this creature was, she was only here to give information. Once she’d given it, she would leave and I would settle once again.

The thought brought a pain to my chest and a deep frown creased my forehead as I tried to find the reason for it.

Maybe it’s just nerves or…I didn’t know. Best to ignore it, get what I need and leave. The clan needs me.

She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, pale cheeks flushing.

“Mr. Fraser MacDonald, this is Ms. Daphne Reynolds,” Director Dearborne said, “our expert in artifacts that could cause this sort of problem.”

She gave me nervous smile and I simply nodded at her.

“What sort of problem is it?” she asked timidly.

“The kind that makes us think an artifact from your department might be involved,” Trey answered with more than a little humor in his voice.

“Oh,” she whispered, biting her lip.

The flush deepened, once again her gaze slid over to me.

It was a simple thing, a normal thing considering.

And yet, it sent heat coursing through me, and I grit my teeth to keep back a whimper.

What the hell is wrong with me? I haven’t been this unsettled by a woman…well, ever. Maybe Lowell is right, maybe I do need to get my cock seen to.

My younger brother could be a libidinous twat but sometimes he hit the nail on the head.

“If you’re uncomfortable with Mr. MacDonald’s presence, we can have him wait outside,” the director offered, glancing in my direction with more than a little judgment.

I braced myself for the woman to agree. It wouldn’t be the first time I’d made someone uncomfortable, but for some reason the thought of her sending me out was especially awful.

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