Wolf Born by Ann Gimpel Page A

back room. No one cares about the electorate. Politicians want to keep those special interest donations rolling in. They have a pretty sweet life, and they’ll do damn near anything to hang onto it.”
    Johannes stood and wandered to the door. “I can hear everything on the other side without standing right next to it,” he grumbled.
    Max frowned and shook his head, shooting a meaningful glance at his friend. “You only think you can.”
    Johannes winced, obviously realizing his error in case anyone had been listening. “Of course. You’ve got me dead to rights, sir.”
    Max turned his attention back to the vid feed screen. Johannes didn’t spend much time in public. He needed to take care not to reveal he could hear and see things beyond the ken of human senses. Max’s wrist computer vibrated. He glanced at it. Joy whooshed through him; his cock leaped to attention. Audrey was ready to come to work. He texted that he’d send a car immediately.
    Stop it! He told himself. When she gets here, I need to look like her boss, not a besotted adolescent. His fingers hovered over the computer to call the Capitol security team and ask them to get Audrey, but then he had a better idea. “We’ve been at this for a few hours.” He grinned at Johannes. “Let’s take a break. We can swing by, pick up my secretary, and get something for an early lunch while we’re out.”
    Johannes cocked his head to one side. His eyes narrowed. “You sound awfully excited about something you could send one of your many underlings to do.”
    “Do I?” Max aimed for neutrality.
    “You forget. I’ve known you for a very long time. Sure. Let’s go. I’m looking forward to meeting whoever’s got you all hot and bothered.”
    Max stood and moved to the coatrack to get his jacket. “I am not—”
    Johannes hissed in a stage whisper, “You can’t fool me. Remember, I can smell…things.”
    Max shrugged into his suit coat. He did not want the conversation to go any further where someone might hear. He dragged his jacket over his erection and buttoned it. Of course Johannes would be able to smell arousal.
    “After you, sir.” Like a proper manservant come bodyguard, Johannes held the office door open.
    “Thank you.” Max inclined his head.
    Loren and another guard Max didn’t recognize snapped to attention. “Where are you going, boss?” Loren asked. Max peered at him; the man looked exhausted. Riding on intuition, he glanced at Johannes. “Get the car from the garage. I’ll meet you out front.”
    “Where are you going?” Loren asked again. “We should go with—”
    Max crooked a finger and stepped back into his office. Loren followed him and closed the door, understanding Max wanted privacy. “Did you find your men?” Max asked without preamble.
    Loren’s eyes turned to ice chips. “Yes. Dead.”
    Max laid a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry.”
    “Thank you, sir. One of them was my son-in-law. Daughter’s pretty busted up.”
    Max exhaled slowly. “If there’s anything I can do—”
    “Appreciate the thought. Brady knew what he was getting into when he went to the police academy. So did Hennet. Way things seem to be heading, it will be a miracle if any of us survive. When that governmental directive about shifters was codified, I was grateful I was less than 50 percent.”
    Max tried to keep quiet, but the words slipped out. “Why did you tell me that?”
    “Because now I wish I had access to shifter magic. Hell, I’d take any edge I could lay my hands on. Murdering human scum have the run of the streets.” His blue eyes held a haunted edge. “Sorry, boss. No reason to lay my worries on your doorstep. Hell, they tried to kill you yesterday.”
    “Tried is the operative term. I’m still here.”
    Loren stood ramrod straight. “Now, about your destination with your bodyguard—”
    “If it makes you feel better, you can trail us with a car. We’re just going to pick up Audrey and get something to eat. She was