Rafael Read online

  Rafael sighed. “She’s already threatened me through Willow, so yes; I will give her a call. Do they have any clues to who is behind the killings?”

  “Magnus Flanagan is the missing twelfth delegate, so speculation is his brother at this point.”

  “Fucking Gordon Flanagan. It’s been a while since he surfaced. I guess Magnus would bring him out of hiding though. Okay, go do your job little brother, and I will see you tonight at the family meeting.”

  “Later.”

  Rafe picked up his office phone and asked Willow for the phone number to the police chief. Over a hundred years had passed since Rafe allowed himself to become openly involved with a police investigation. It was risky to the family, but Gordon Flanagan was not going to stop killing until he found what he was looking for: his child. If he indeed kidnapped his brother, he could be one step closer to finding his daughter.

  Rafe dialed Kaya Kane’s number. Miss Kane might be a woman, but she was more than capable of doing the job of chief of police. Rafe kept tabs on whoever was in office, assuring his city was kept as safe as possible where humans were concerned. He and his brothers stepped in when the non-humans were involved. The prison they built was filling up with the dregs of society, mostly those cloned experiments gone wrong.

  “Kane.” That one word coming through the airwaves sent a wake-up message straight to his cock. What the hell?

  “Miss Kane, this is Rafael Stone.” No niceties, no pleasantness.

  “Ah, Mr. Stone, thank you for returning my call. We have a situation at one of your properties, and I’d like to ask you a few questions.”

  Another twitch in the groin area. “Proceed.”

  “I would rather do this in person, if you don’t mind.”

  A full blown hard-on. “I do mind, Miss Kane. I am a very busy man. If you have questions, ask. If a face to face is necessary, one of my associates should suffice.” What in the name of the gods was happening? His dick was straining against the zipper in his jeans as if he were in the presence of his mate. Since this woman was a human, that wasn’t possible.

  “Mr. Stone, do you have something to hide?”

  At the moment, he did: a throbbing erection. “Miss Kane, I assure you I am an open book. If you insist on speaking directly to me, come to my office within the hour. I will postpone my other meetings until I have satisfied you.”

  “I look forward to it. I will see you soon.” The phone disconnected.

  His body was willing to satisfy her any way she pleased. “Are you out of your fucking head? The woman causes this type of reaction over the phone, and you invite her to your office?” Rafe didn’t understand how only a voice could cause his body to betray him. Goyles were not easily affected. It took the nearness of their mate to produce that type of sexual arousal, and she could not be his mate. Could she?

  The Stone Society was a family of Gargoyle shifters dating back hundreds of thousands of years. Rafael’s family, the Di Pietros, migrated from Europe over four hundred years ago, right before the civil war broke out. When his father was slain in a coup to take over the throne, Rafael became King since he was the oldest son. Once King, he took on the less formal name of Stone. Their Clan was the largest in the Americas with Rafe having several brothers and cousins living in New Atlanta with him. He regarded those closest to him as his inner circle and called them all Brother.

  The females of his kind were almost extinct. It had been years since a new shifter was born; fifteen to be exact. Mason, a distant cousin, was a teenager in human years, but Gargoyles aged at an accelerated rate causing Mason to appear to be in his twenties. Once the shifters reached maturity, the aging process all but stopped. This was the main reason Rafael remained hidden. You could only explain your youthful good looks with plastic surgery for so long.

  Julian and Nikolas were the faces of Stone, Incorporated. They could pull off being thirty something for several more years, then they would have to change cities and take on new identities. Rafael, being King, stayed out of the public eye so he could remain in New Atlanta indefinitely.

  There were no appointments to cancel since he did not actually attend meetings. What he did have was time on his hands until Miss Kane arrived. If he couldn’t handle talking to her on the phone, how did he think he could manage being in her presence? However, he needed to know if that had been a fluke. Rafe hadn’t been with a woman in a very long time. The near apocalypse thirty years earlier caused so much destruction that he spent those years helping to rebuild their city.

  Modern high-rises were replaced with ornate stone structures. Sure, it might take the city back to a time of long ago as far as architecture was concerned, but it was the style of his people, and the buildings were easier to secure. To keep up the façade of having canceled meetings, Rafe changed from casual jeans and an untucked button-down to a pair of slacks and a dress shirt. Just as he exited his private apartment, the desk phone rang. He didn’t have to answer it to know Willow was calling to announce Kaya Kane. He could feel her heart beating in his own chest.

  Chapter 3

  Kaya called Dane to tell him she would be meeting Rafael Stone before she came to the hotel. She didn’t waste any time heading to the tall, gothic building. Stone, Incorporated was the largest architecture firm in the South. Ironically, the brothers specialized in stone structures. Kaya was always amazed whenever she saw one of their buildings. She hadn’t traveled much in her thirty-six years, but she had visited Europe just after college. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to take time off once she began her career, Kaya spent a couple of weeks abroad. The buildings in New Atlanta would rival any of those she saw on her trip.

  Rafael Stone was a genius when it came to design, assuming he actually was the designer in the family. He could just be the face behind the name. One of his brothers could be the true talent. The directory in the lobby showed the office to be on the top floor.

  The elevator doors silently opened, and she stepped into a plush outer office. The furnishings were as opulent as she expected. A very pretty younger lady was sitting behind the desk. She stood as Kaya approached, offering a warm smile along with her hand. “You must be the chief; we spoke earlier. I’m Willow.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Willow.” She shook the younger woman’s hand noticing a genuine face. Kaya met all kinds in her line of work and was pleasantly surprised that Mr. Stone employed a nice looking young lady, not a bleached blonde bimbo. Why do you care who he hires?

  “I will let Mr. Stone know you’re here, if you would like to have a seat.” Willow gestured to the plush chairs in the waiting area. Kaya chose to stand. Hopefully, he wouldn’t make her wait long. She strolled along the office, taking in the paintings and photos on the walls. She recognized some of the local buildings in the photos as those constructed by the brothers. Some appeared to be really old but just as spectacular.

  Willow spoke directly behind her, “Mr. Stone will see you now. If you will, please follow me.”

  Kaya walked behind the assistant until they reached the first office on the right. Willow waited for her to step through and then silently closed the door, leaving her alone with the man of the hour.

  Kaya often imagined Rafael Stone would look similar to his brother Gregor. Her imagination was nowhere close to the man standing before her. Where Gregor was closer to her height of five nine, Rafael was well over six feet. Longish black hair was styled away from his face. Dark eyes stared at her. From this distance, she couldn’t tell if they were brown or blue. A short beard covered his jaw.

  The sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled up to his elbows, showing off well-defined forearms. His shoulders were broad. This man was thick. Dress slacks were straining across the muscles in his thighs. He stood unmoving, hands in his pockets, head slightly cocked to one side. As she was taking in his features, he was doing the same to her.

  Why hadn’t she changed out of her uniform? Wait, why would you? You’re here on official business. Get your head out of y
our ass, Kane. “Mr. Stone, I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me.” She walked forward holding her hand out. At first she didn’t think he was going to take it. He lowered his gaze from her eyes to her hand then took it in his own, shaking firmly. The current she felt radiating through his skin into hers took her by surprise, reminding her of the time she was stunned by a taser.

  “Can I offer you something to drink, Miss Kane?” Kaya preferred to be addressed by her title of Chief. After all, it was a title she had earned, but she was not going to press the matter with this man. “No thank you. If you don’t mind, I’ll get right to the questions so I don’t waste either of our time.”

  “Spending leisurely time with a beautiful woman is never a waste, Miss Kane.” He motioned to an empty chair then proceeded to his own behind the desk.

  “Flattery is not necessary, Mr. Stone, but I do appreciate the sentiment all the same. Now, can you please tell me your whereabouts the last twenty-four hours?” Instead of taking notes in her notepad, she took advantage of the closeness to study his face. She would probably never have the opportunity again. He was not Hollywood good-looking. His face, while handsome in a rugged way, appeared weathered like he spent a lot of time outdoors. An olive complexion hinted at an Italian or Greek heritage. He had thick eyebrows, the left having a deep scar traveling down to the corner of his eye. Nostrils were flaring in a slightly wide nose as she waited for an answer.

  “I drove straight here from my home. I remained here until five-thirty at which time I returned home, not stopping until I arrived. It’s a rare occasion I go anywhere else, Miss Kane, unless my presence is required on a jobsite. I have witnesses that can attest to my whereabouts, if you need to verify what I’m saying is the truth.” His nostrils flared again. Was he smelling her? She’d used a spritz of vanilla lavender body spray after her shower, but surely it had worn off by now. His intense scrutiny was causing her to become uncomfortable. She uncrossed her legs then crossed them to the other side.

  Kaya was pretty good at reading people. It was a requirement in her line of work. The vibe coming from Rafael Stone was that he was not someone to be messed with. No, this Mr. Stone was as intense as his brother. Powerful. Why would an architect be built like a Mack truck?

  “I will need to verify that. While I am certain you wouldn’t lie to me, I hope you won’t take offense that I prefer to do my job properly. I need to ask you about the abandoned property on Oakley Industrial Boulevard. When was the last time you were there?” He didn’t blink, didn’t flinch. That was a good sign.

  “I’ve never been there, Miss Kane. Do you mind telling me what this is about?”

  “You own the property yet you’ve never been there? Do you buy a lot of property sight unseen, Mr. Stone?” There was a slight twitch to the right side of his mouth. He was not enjoying this.

  “As a matter of fact, I do. Unseen by me anyway. My cousin Julian handles all property purchases in our family, Miss Kane. As I previously stated, I rarely go anywhere other than my office or home. I am a very private person.”

  Private people usually have something to hide. What was he hiding?

  “Do you have any type of security on your properties? We didn’t find cameras when we searched the premises.”

  “Under what circumstances did you find yourself searching my property? Did you have a search warrant?” She was losing ground instead of getting any useful answers.

  “Are you familiar with the World Council Delegation?” How could he sit so still? Other than an occasional blink of the eye, Kaya could detect absolutely no movement at all.

  “Of course I am. The Delegation is being held at one of my properties. What does my warehouse have to do with the Delegation?” He was cool. No, cold. Stone cold. Just like his brother.

  “Twelve delegates were kidnapped. Eleven of them were found on the dock of your warehouse, Mr. Stone. Dead.”

  Chapter 4

  Rafael had perfected his stony facade over the years. He could pass any polygraph test given. Gargoyles were capable of slowing their heart rate at will, allowing them to maintain a level head in any situation. “Dead? Miss Kane, I assure you I know nothing of these deaths nor did I have anything to do with them. I’m not sure how you think I can help you. There are no security cameras at any of the abandoned warehouses we have purchased. Our intent with these properties is to raze them and put beautiful buildings or parks in their place.”

  Rafe rose from his seat and walked around the desk to settle directly in front of Kaya. So far, he was able to keep his dick in check. Now that he was closer, he may have made a mistake. Her delicious scent was enticing him like a raw steak would a ravenous lion. He was a starving man, and this delicious meal sitting in front of him was going to cause him to totally blow his celibacy diet.

  Her face flushed as his legs brushed hers. He could smell her arousal mixed with her shampoo, her soap, and her perfume. Miss Kaya Kane was no more immune to him than he was her. Most women were easily turned on by a strong male, but he should not be having these stirrings. She was a human. A feisty, beautiful, strong human, but a human none the less. Rafe may just have to break his own rule and bed this creature.

  “Who knows you own these properties, Mr. Stone? Is it possible someone is trying to set you up?” Kaya shifted in her seat causing her leg to brush his. Once again, his cock stirred to life. Crossing his hands in front of his groin, he told her, “Property purchases are public record, Miss Kane. I am an architect. I have no enemies. I strive to provide New Atlanta with beautiful buildings to replace those that have been lost over the years. The economy has not recovered such that the warehouses will be used for their former purposes. Also, I am a philanthropist. The only reason someone would want to pin this on me is to direct attention away from themselves. Now tell me, Chief, who would do that?”

  Rafe pushed away from the desk and braced his hands on either side of her chair. Leaning in to her, close enough that he could smell her minty breath, he whispered against her ear, “Tell me, Kaya. Do you think I am a killer?”

  Her heartbeat was speeding, her breathing getting shallower. His proximity to her was causing chaos. “I, no… I don’t know you well enough to make that assumption, Mr. Stone.”

  Calming his own racing heart, Rafe leaned away from her. Of course, she wouldn’t know whether he was a killer or not. He hid from society, a mystery man. “Then, Miss Kane, if you have no more questions, I have business to attend.”

  Kaya stood from her seat. With him still standing in front of her chair, she was close to him. Too close. If he didn’t get her out of his office, he would be doing more than answering questions. Looking up at him, she replied, “Yes, Mr. Stone, I do have more questions, though they are for your alibis. If you would be so kind as to provide the names of the people who can verify your whereabouts for the last twenty-four hours, I would greatly appreciate it.”

  Rafe was getting light-headed at the nearness of this woman. He had to get away from her and get to the archives. Surely there was something written about human bonding. There was no other explanation for the effect she was having on him, unless she herself was a shifter. There was no way a female could have slipped into New Atlanta undetected. Both Gregor and Dante spent time with Kaya and neither suspected that she was anything other than human. Female Goyles put off a pheromone of sorts that was detectable only by males of their species.

  Speaking of his brothers, they should have already arrived, and he needed her gone, for more reasons than one. Even though she was standing, she was not making her way to the door. Oh yes, she wanted a list of alibis. “If you stop by Miss Bridges’ desk, she can provide a list of names for you.”

  There was a look in Kaya’s eyes that hinted of jealousy. Her scent morphed from one of arousal to annoyance. The good chief definitely felt something for him, but then the few human women he encountered reacted the same way. Why did it puff up his pride that this particular human felt it?

  “Thank you, Mr. Ston
e. I will do that. You have my phone number should you think of anything that could help us find Magnus Flanagan.”

  “Wait, did you say Magnus Flanagan?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “It just seems odd that a man who has stayed hidden for over thirty years should surface now. I would think his brother Gordon would be your number one suspect, not me.”

  “He is a suspect but then again, so are you, Mr. Stone. Now, if you have nothing further for me?”

  Oh, I have something for you all right. “No, but I do have your number, Miss Kane, and I won’t hesitate to use it.”

  Kaya once again held out her hand for him. Instead of shaking, he turned her smaller hand over and kissed her knuckles, inhaling her scent as he did so. Her gasp was audible as his lips touched her skin. He lingered a moment longer than was appropriate, but he wanted her scent tattooed on his brain.

  He released her and stepped away from the desk, dismissing her. She folded her unused notepad and slid it into her jacket pocket. Getting in the last word as she reached the door, she looked back over her shoulder, “It was a pleasure.”

  When she was down the hall, Rafe muttered, “That was not pleasure. That was pain, pure and simple.” He was in trouble. Her scent was imbedded in his nostrils and would remain in his subconscious for a long time to come. Noticing the lateness of the day, he made his way to the conference room where his brothers should already be waiting.

  Chapter 5

  Gordon Flanagan disappeared into the building. With barely any light filtering through the dingy windows, it took him a few seconds to adjust to the dark. Not seeing the man, he stepped further into the dimly lit warehouse. Hanging from a rafter was the twelfth missing delegate; his mouth covered with duct tape, hands bound with thick rope. Both his body and head were hanging limp.