The Beast in Him
Page 15

There hadnt been many places in this big wide world that Bobby Ray Smith hadnt been able to charm his way into. Especially when there was an unattached female manning the front doors. But the pixie-like brunette with the adorable squeaky voice could not be charmed. Never rude, she still would not let him simply head to the boss offices.
Im so sorry, sir, but youre not on the list, shed told him in no uncertain terms. No, cant call. Theyd put you on the list if they wanted to talk to you, shed insisted. I am sorry, sir.
All said with a big grin and perfect white teeth.
Of course, Smitty wasnt the kind of guy who ever gave up. He was still trying to convince her to let him head on up when the elevator doors opened and a bleeding, battered Mace Llewellyn had to be helped into the lobby by one tiny little She-dog and several of her tiny little Pack.
What the hell happened?
It was an accident! At least she looked distressed by the situation. Even better, she looked like the Jessie Ann he remembered. Gone was the polished, pristine, boring Jessica Ward hed seen on Friday and Saturday, and in her place was the geeky, Im still wearing my hair in ponytails beauty hed always liked. We forgot he was coming up for the final check.
Smitty stepped in front of them, stopping their progress, and grabbed a handful of Maces hair. He lifted the big cats head and examined him closely. Not completely knocked out, but Mace was damn close with blood oozing down his face. Well, good Lord, woman. What the hell did you hit him with, anyway?
Jess cleared her throat. A skateboard.
Excuse me?
She shook her head and kept moving forward. You need to get him to a hospital. He was definitely out cold for a couple of minutes there. She stepped outside the building and glanced around. Wheres your car?
There.
Thats a no parking space.
Youre going to argue that with me now?
Smitty remotely unlocked the doors. Grabbing hold of Mace by his jacket, he lifted him away from Jessie and shoved him into the car, causing the man to moan a bit.
Jessies Pack quickly retreated to the warmth of the lobby, watching them from behind the glass doors, leaving only Jessie standing outside in the cold. She twisted her hands in front of her. Im so sorry about this. She looked at Mace. God, you dont think hell have permanent brain damage, do you?
Youd never be able to tell if he did.
She scowled at Smitty. Is this time to joke?
If youre that worriedhe opened the back passenger doorcomewith us.
Huh? She glanced back at her Pack before shaking her head. No. No. Thats not necessary.
You want him to pay the bills for this?
Of course
Cause personally Id like to avoid any legal problems stemming from this little episode.
What? Youd sue
Now, now, darlin. Lets deal with Mace first. He gave her his best earnest look. Hes all that matters right now.
But
He pushed her into the truck and closed the door, enjoying his good luck. True, his best friend had been wounded, but sacrifices sometimes had to be made.
Chapter 5
Hes not quite sure how it happened. One second he was in an elevator heading up to a dog den for the final check from his companys recent job, secretly enjoying the fact that Smitty couldnt get past the front desk. The next he was flat on his back looking up at a bunch of dogs staring at him, horrified.
Two hours later, he had a face full of stitches and a raging Desiree, who had somehow backed a predatory male wolf into a corner.
Mace had to admit he was enjoying the show.
Well, where the hell were you?
Uh... Hands in his front jean pockets, Smitty glanced over at Mace. His big dumb dog eyes pleading for help, but Mace only grinned, ignoring the pull of stitches.
When Dez looked at Mace over her shoulder, his face dropped into an expression of pure pain.
Look at him! She shoved Smitty by the shoulder. Look at that face!
Itll heal in a couple of days.
Oooh. Wrong answer.
Dez turned those gorgeous gray-green eyes on the wolf, and Mace watched Smitty do what any sensible predator would do in a situation like this...
Plot to run away.
Hell heal? Is that what you said to me?
Well
Because what if this wasnt some simple facial lacerations? What if someone had pulled a gun or put a knife to his throat?
Yeah, but
She took a step closer. At least five inches shorter than Smitty, she still would make any male wary. After the baby had been born, Mace really worried that side of his Dez had gone away. But one day back at her job and she was tougher. More dangerous.
Mace found it so hot.
When he goes to work, Im assuming youre protecting each other. That youre protecting him.
Yeah, but hes king of the jungle.
Mace watched those eyes he loved so much narrow dangerously. Her hand curled into a fist. And Mace knew Dez had at least two guns on her.