Chapter 18

Lia closed the book she was scanning and pulled another one from the big pile n the table. She'd gathered several volumes from the research section and carried them to a table in the main area of the library. If she sat there, she could watch for Jamie Volka whenever she came into the general area plus establish her presence as a diligent researcher. Maybe Jamie would come over and question her about the books she was studying and they could open a conversation that way.

After two days, she'd discovered what a busy place the library in Calderwood was. Between reading hour for the toddlers, book clubs looking for new titles, people of all types looking for reference manuals, and the general population checking out books to borrow, people were always coming and going. A good thing because that way she didn't stand out too much.

She hoped.

And she loved the place. It had all the library smells that tickled her senses - wood gleaming with lemon polish, the richness of leather bindings, and the sharp scent of ink. You could tell it had been here for a long time. But it didn't skip a trip to modern times. One section was fitted out with carrels that had outlets for laptops and another had a row of computers that those without could come in and use. Often the clicking of the keys was a nice counterpoint to the muted hum of voices.

The first day Jamie spotted her and came over to welcome her.

"I see you're making use of our library." She smiled.

"I am." Lia nodded. "I'm fascinated by your book and decided to do some research of my own."

Jamie quirked an eyebrow. "I don't mean to be rude, but did you drive all the way to Calderwood for this? I'd think they had libraries where you live."

"They do." Lia pulled out a polite smile of her own. "But I came here specifically to meet you and hear about your books. I'm still hoping we can get together and talk about Wolf. You know, how you came up with the idea and where you got your information."

"I see." She studied Lia carefully. "I'm sorry, but I promised the people who helped me that I wouldn't discuss that with anyone."

The people who helped her?

"Maybe you could introduce me to them," Lia suggested.

Jamie's smile stayed in place but a look of - something...suspicion? - flashed for a brief second in her eyes.

"I'm sorry. They prefer to remain private. But, of course, feel free to use the resources of the library."

"I'd still like to spend some time talking to you," Lia persisted. "The offer for lunch is still open."

"Thank you for the invitation, but I just don't think that would work. Let one of my assistants know if you need help finding something."

Jamie turned and headed back toward the front desk. If the vibes she gave off were any indication, she wouldn't be having lunch with Lia any time soon.

Well, damn. Had she pushed this too hard? Been too insistent? Why wouldn't the woman discuss her research with Lia? Or at least have lunch and answer some questions? Most authors liked spending time with their readers, so what was wrong here? Jamie was obviously protective of her sources for her book. Lia didn't think authors were usually that secretive. That had to mean something. If she had based a lot of Wolf on the book, that was a good reason why she was avoiding the issue.

Today was Lia's third day at the library, plowing her way through the books she'd gathered. She was actually putting her time to good use, digging into the history of shifters and legends that had sprung from this area. She knew, had a gut feeling, the connection she was hunting was here, and she didn't intend to leave until she discovered it.

She hoped by her being there every day, Jamie would feel more comfortable with her. Maybe she'd finally sit down and chat when she saw Lia doing some serious research. But the woman seemed intent on avoiding her. If Lia couldn't make something happen soon, she'd have to try approaching her again and cross her fingers.

She also wanted to figure a way to get another look at Mike Volka. Maybe she could find out a way to take a picture of him and compare it with the old one she had of her father. Obviously, she couldn't hang out around their house, and asking around town about where he worked didn't seem like the best idea. Talk about a way to get people's suspicions up. She had to find some way to discover if the man was friend or foe.

She had just finished entering some notes into her iPad when a prickle of awareness raced over her skin. She looked up, and there he was, standing at the front desk. God! The most gorgeous man she ever remembered seeing, at least in a long time. Not wolf. Her own lupine detectors would have gone into full-alert mode if he was. No, he was 100 percent delicious human male. Thick brown hair cut short and so dark it was nearly black framed a face with a square jaw and high cheekbones and a compact body, lean like a runner's. The dark jeans and vivid-blue soft, collared shirt he wore outlined every delicious muscle.

A sudden heaviness developed in her breasts, her nipples hardened and, between her thighs, her cunt pulsed with unexpected need. One thing she had learned long ago - shifters had a very strong sex drive. She'd had to work long and hard to develop self-control.

Mate!

Not now, she tried to tell herself. You have other things to do.

Mate!

The word would not fade from her brain.

The man leaned on the front desk, talking to the assistant on duty, then turned when Jamie came out of her office and hurried over to him. From the grin and the hug she gave him, it was obvious they were good friends.

They chatted for a few minutes. Then Lia saw Jamie glance and nod in her direction. Mr. Gorgeous also glanced then he nodded and started toward her table at an unhurried pace. Uh-oh. Lia could smell trouble before the man had taken two steps. Who was he, and why had Jamie felt impelled to call him about her? She hadn't been bothering anyone, sitting here doing her...research. Her stomach knotted, and her pulse ratcheted up.