Deadly Encounters

By Christy Poff

Dylan Hawke enjoys his quiet life as a musician in a hot local band, though a friend of his has other plans for Dylan's future. When he meets his friend's daughter, Julia, sparks fly but not in a good way initially. Despite this, they learn they are destined mates when new emotions grow. But, one man wants everything they have and will go to any length to get what he desires. Will their deadly encounters rule their world? Or will they bask in what is truly destined to be theirs?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Torrid Books
• Release date: Dec 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781611601435

Book preview

Prologue

What’s the latest? Enriqué Millisonta demanded.

So far, nothing, Rico Calderone answered. According to our sources in the police department, there have been no new leads in any of the cases.

And there have been no additional disappearances?

Not on the American side though we understand there are several unsolveds in the rural areas along the border.

Have they connected the cases?

They have not but in doing some cross-checking, your analyst has found several connections.

Which are?

In human form, they are males who are loners and seem to have no obvious relationships with others—no girlfriends, co-workers or friends they hang out with, the like. As lupine, they are beta males and perfect for whatever they are being used for.

I see, Millisonta said. Any from my region?

Unfortunately that’s another similarity—they all are.

Damn it! Millisonta cursed. I don’t like the implications.

Your wishes, sir?

Keep on it. If what I believe is happening is indeed coming to pass then we’ve got a hell of a lot of work to do plus damage control.

How can I help?

Dylan Hawke—I need to see him immediately.

Hawke? Why him?

All in due time, Rico, Millisonta said. Right now, it’s better that you don’t know.

But what should I tell him?

My wanting to see him will be enough.

Yes, sir.

Calderone left, leaving Enriqué Millisonta alone and angry.

Having watched the ongoing strife between the Mexican red wolf packs and the gray wolves, he realized what had to be done. Whoever had been causing the numerous disappearances north and south of the border between the United States and Mexico had been doing it for—to say the least—a nefarious reason like mounting an army. The personality profiles he’d read backed this up which meant one thing.

We are at war!

* * * *

Dylan Hawke and the members of his band Top Gear finished their last set for the evening. The club they played at had always proved to be one of their best venues. The crowds big and very approving of their music, it’d become one of the things making their careers in the music business worth it.

Placing his guitar on its stand, he stood with the others taking bows before they headed backstage to their dressing room.

A young woman ran up to them begging for their autographs. Followed by her girlfriends, she patiently waited while they signed the promo picture then, after thanking them, the girls left. Another night on the circuit…

Pulling back his long hair, Dylan sat down on the couch in the dressing room then put his feet up on the coffee table. Jeremy Bolt, their bassist, handed him a glass of orange juice before sitting down across from Dylan.

How did we do tonight? Dylan asked.

Had to be one of our better ones—the place seemed packed to capacity, Jake Freeman said.

Good, Jeremy said.

What? Dylan asked.

I thought I imagined wall-to-wall people.

It seems we’re becoming popular.

They heard a knock on the door.

Come in, Jeremy called, expecting their visitor to be either the club’s owner or their manager. Instead, a stranger entered the room.

Yes, sir?

"Mi nombre es Javier…"

I’m sorry but my Spanish is limited, Jeremy said.

"Lo siento, the man said. I’m sorry. I said my name is Javier."

What can we do for you?

I’d like to hire your band for a party I’m hosting, he said, getting straight to the point of his visit.

Where? Dylan asked.

At my home across the border.

No can do, Dylan stated, the others nodding in agreement. We don’t have work permits in Mexico.

I can get around that, the well-dressed man said.

There are reasons why we don’t have them, Dylan said. "Lo siento, señor."

And if I can help you with these reasons?

You can’t, I’m afraid.

I’m sorry, the man said. It’s my loss.

The man turned and left, the members of the band looking at each other while Dylan sat deep in thought. What does this man want?

* * * *

Juliet Mills had endured a long day at the office. As a consultant for a real estate developer, she spent most of her time on her cell phone setting up appointments and locating properties of interest as her boss called them. At the end of the day, all the hard work she’d put in proved worth it as she had been able to gather much-needed information for her father.

In his special position, he needed to know if any developable properties touched the area under his control—especially if any outside entities encroached upon it. When she looked at a map of the area surrounding Carlsbad, she sighed. Between Fort Bliss and the Lincoln National Forest, the US Government owned two-thirds of the available acreage while her father owned a sizeable portion of what remained.

Since she’d started at the firm, she’d successfully steered deals away from that area keeping peace between everyone involved. In most cases, it had been easy but every once in a while, she ran into a stubborn developer like the one she’d be dealing with in the coming weeks.

A man who went by Javier—no last name—desperately wanted to stake his claim in the area. Research into his background told her he’d been in the process of acquiring a massive amount of acreage in New Mexico, Texas and south into Mexico. At first, she didn’t think anything of his advances believing him to be a bit overzealous but when he set his sights on the Carlsbad area, it became personal to her as the land he wanted threatened her father. What the hell is this man up to?

To the outside world, la Casa Segura had been known as an elite and very private retreat and spa open to members only. Those who knew the truth appreciated the reason behind its creation and existence, and felt honor bound to keep its secrets.

La Casa Segura had been her home and she vowed to protect it at any cost—even her job. Some things in her life could not be bought, la Casa Segura at the top of the list. Now, how do I protect this?

She pulled out her cell phone and pressed a number on her speed dial list.

Yes?

Dad, we need to talk.

Very well, come by in an hour and tell me what’s wrong.

I’ll be there, she said, regretting she’d had to call him. It’s not right!

Chapter 1

Rico Calderone walked down the hallway leading to Top Gear’s dressing room. Moving to the side, he tried to step out of the way of a man who obviously hadn’t had a good evening. Or has he been meeting with…

It struck him how closely the person resembled a man named Javier—the one who had been a constant source of worry to Enriqué Millisonta. But why would he be…

He knocked on the open door to what looked like a party room or hospitality suite and took a deep breath.

Can we help you?

I came to speak with Dylan Hawke.

Why? a man with tinted glasses and what appeared to be very long jet-black hair asked.

I’m sorry but it’s a private matter, Rico said as he realized he spoke with Hawke.

These are my band mates and the tall unusually quiet man is our manager. It’s all right.

The man I represent wanted me to speak to Mister Hawke in private.

And he is?

Enriqué…

"Guys, it’s all right. This is a private matter."

They waited as the others left the room, the last one leaving closing the door behind them. An awkward silence prevailed in the room.

Thank you, Rico said.

What does he want?

He needs to see you immediately. He said that his desire to see you would be all I would have to tell you.

He’s right about that, Dylan said. What is the definition of immediately?

Right now would be preferable.

Let me take care of two things and I’ll go over…

He would like you to use the limo.

That bad? Hawke asked.

I’m afraid so.

And you can’t tell me anything or give me a clue…

Señor Millisonta said it would be better if I didn’t know.

Then it is bad if he’s keeping everything this close to the cuff.

Yes, sir.

I’ll be out in ten minutes, fifteen at the most.

Yes, sir.

Rico left Hawke and headed straight to the limo where he would wait for Hawke to join him.

He thought back realizing he had no real reason to not like Dylan Hawke but he did. The fact the regional pack leader saw fit to confide in the musician made him a bit jealous but respect for Millisonta overtook his dislike for Hawke. What is going on?

* * * *

No sooner had Calderone left then Jeremy, Jake and the others returned.

Are you okay? Jake asked.

I’m fine but I need two favors.

What? Jeremy asked.

The guy who just left is waiting for me out front either by the limo or inside it. If you could distract him…

Sure and… Jeremy asked.

I need the keys to your Jeep.

Jeremy pulled the keys to his Jeep Wrangler out of his pocket and tossed them to Dylan.

Dylan did the same with his so Jeremy could go home.

I’ll get it back to you as soon as possible.

I trust you, Jeremy said. What’s so damned important that you need to borrow the car?

I wish I knew but this is a summons I can’t refuse. I just want to have a way of escaping if I feel the need.

You got it, friend.

The others agreed as they watched Dylan collect his things and head out the back door of the club. They left as well making a big deal of it then went directly to the limo where they placed themselves between the long stretch Cadillac and the club’s exit.

Here goes nothing, Jeremy muttered.

* * * *

Dylan slipped behind the wheel of the Jeep and started it, grateful Jeremy had the hard top on it. He drove out of the parking lot at a normal speed to avoid suspicion then when he’d lost sight of the club and the limo sitting outside it, he shifted gears and sped away. Thank God for good friends…

Instead of driving up the main driveway as well as dealing with the guard on the gate, he pulled into a rarely used service entrance and drove up to the rear of one of the guest cottages. Parking the Jeep, he hid the keys then went up to the back of the house careful to stay in the shadows. Being close to a full moon bothered him but he’d do his level best to ignore yet another strange thing about the night.

Making sure none of the patrolling guards had been nearby, he hurried to the house then slipped inside. Once he had, he went directly to the study where he knew the man he came to see waited.

What do you mean? the man said, his back to the door. If he doesn’t come out in a few minutes, go find him. This is important…

The man hung up and muttered a curse, Dylan Hawke smiling.

Your man has a problem since my friends are distracting him which gave me the chance to leave the club without his knowledge.

I sent the damned car for a reason.

Which tells me you are in deep shit.

You have a wonderful way of cutting through things to get to the heart of the matter.

So talk to me.

The pack is being threatened. I need your talents in order to stop it.

You’ve got men—why can’t you?

I have to remain separated from it until there is no longer any other way. I cannot openly act without hurting my family or the pack. Your covert talents will work perfectly.

Enriqué Millisonta explained everything to Dylan Hawke then waited for Hawke’s answer.

Who do you suspect?

A man who goes by the name of Javier.

What did you say?

The man’s name is Javier, Millisonta said.

Have you met him?

Not yet—why?

A man named Javier came backstage to the dressing room after our last set and wanted to book us as entertainment for his party in Mexico at his house. I gave him the usual answer about the entertainment licensing and he offered to fix things but we refused. Needless to say, he left unhappy.

Millisonta stood looking out the window deep in thought—one thing that always bothered Hawke because he couldn’t read the man’s silence. While he waited, he poured himself a drink.

That’s not good for your vocal chords, Millisonta quietly commented.

Right now, I don’t care because I have a feeling my music is going to be put on hold for a while.

Could be and I regret having summoned you here but you are needed. The pack will not survive if you…

I’m still here, aren’t I?

Yes, but for how long?

You know me—as long as it takes.

Excellent, Millisonta said, obviously pleased and relieved.

Now, tell me what you want me to do.

* * * *

Half an hour later, Rico Calderone walked into the study obviously distraught. Going straight to speak with Millisonta, he failed to notice the man sitting in the shadows.

That damned idiot…

Who, Rico? Millisonta asked even though he already knew the answer to his question.

Hawke, Rico replied. He didn’t come out of the club but he sent his friends out instead. I knew he’d prove unreliable.

I’ve been here for a while, Hawke said as he came into the light.

What? Why did…

"I knew if you intended that I believe things to be dire, they had to be worse considering el señor never sends a car for me. The fact you came with it told me a great deal which is why I purposely eluded you."

Rightly so, Millisonta agreed. I should never have sent the car and as usual, I underestimated you.

It’s rude, if you ask me. What harm…

If you’d picked up a tail then you waiting for me created a diversion that might have bought us some time. Javier’d just left the club so it stands to reason that he more than likely left someone behind—if it had been me, I would have—meaning the limo would have been followed telling him of my involvement in whatever the hell is going on. Because I gave you the slip, he has no clue I’m here and I personally don’t want this Javier guy knowing what I’m up to as I am sure Enriqué doesn’t either.

Again, correct.

The phone rang as Rico stepped to the side.

Yes? Millisonta said. Come by in half an hour and we’ll talk.

Hanging up, he looked at Calderone then Hawke.

What? Hawke asked.

We may have an even bigger problem.

What do you mean?

I don’t know but this person only calls if she worries about anything she learns in the human world. She’s very good as deciphering threats—credible ones—and only calls this late at night if she feels it’s important or an emergency.

I see… Anybody I know?

Maybe, though I’m not sure.

You’re talking in riddles, you old matchmaker.

Am I? Millisonta asked with a devilish glint in his eye.

Dylan Hawke groaned. I don’t need this at this moment or any time soon…

* * * *

A half-hour didn’t give Juliet a great deal of time to change clothes before she went to la Casa Segura. Considering who she intended to meet with, she decided to run home, change after cleaning up then head to the massive estate located between the military reservation and National Forest west of Carlsbad. He’ll understand and if he doesn’t, he’ll have to get over it…

Locating her Audi A6 in the lot where she’d parked it earlier, she locked her attaché with the files she needed in the trunk but not before she slipped one of them—the one she actually needed for her meeting—into a hidden compartment she’d had built into the trunk of her car. Feeling a pistol case sitting inside the compartment eased her mind.

She drove home then ran inside her townhouse after locking the car. On her way upstairs, she stripped out of the business suit she wore then, after putting her clothes in the hamper, she stepped into the shower. Taking a quick one, she felt better—the dust of the desert property she’d looked at earlier now gone.

Considering the time of the month and the closeness of the full moon, she decided to wear a feminine dress—one she favored because of its long flowing skirt and comfortable top. Grabbing a pair of sandals with stiletto heels, she brushed her unruly hair then left. She locked the front door, turned to go to her car and groaned.

Running to the rear of her car, she found the trunk lid had been popped open, her attaché gone. Fortunately, the hidden compartment had not been tampered with meaning the thief did not get what he came for. She called the police then Enriqué Millisonta.

I’m going to be late, she said before explaining why.

Now, to come up with a story to protect us while I wait for the cops…

Approaching sirens told her how long she had before the police arrived and she would have to answer their questions. Make sure you keep it together…

* * * *

An hour later, she walked into la Casa Segura with the file she intended to show Enriqué Millisonta. She shivered since it made no difference how many times she’d been in the house over the years, because what it stood for always made her nervous.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she began looking for Millisonta before finding him in the living room of the huge mansion.

Julietta, how are you? You’re not hurt, are you?

No, the break-in happened after I went inside my townhouse.

Did they take anything?

My briefcase which I had locked in the truck. I had a file in there that I worry about falling into the wrong hands.

Why?

I had done some preliminary work on a property we’re supposed to be working on in the next few weeks. It isn’t much but it’s not something that is public knowledge yet.

Oh?

"The thing is—whoever did it stole public information, so to speak. Everything in that file had been gathered from public record, the Internet, the like. The real file he more than likely wanted is right here," she said as she held up a colored file folder.

Go on.

It seems a man named Javier…

Juliet froze when she heard someone stir behind her. Turning, she faced a man who’d been hiding in a darkened corner of the room and now slipped a handgun into a spot at the small of his back.

Do you mind? she asked. This is a private meeting.

Juliet Mills, meet Dylan Hawke.

She gazed at the tall man with incredibly long jet-black hair who wore tinted glasses after sundown. His jeans fit his lower body like a glove in contrast to his shirt which appeared to be several sizes bigger than he more than likely wore normally. Their eyes met despite his glasses and she felt strange emotions begin to course through her.

Dylan, my daughter—Julietta Millisonta.

A pleasure, Hawke said. Did you say daughter?

She and her sister Selena both have variations of their given names in order to protect them. Thanks to a very good lawyer, it would take someone an extremely long time to figure it out. You are the only one outside the attorney, my daughters and their mother who knows the truth.

Then why did you tell him? Juliet demanded to know.

For now, let’s leave it at the fact that I have.

Why…

Trust me, Julietta… Please…

All right, but he’d better be trustworthy or it’ll all blow up in your face when the proverbial shit hits the fan.

Hopefully, it won’t, her father said.

I hope you know what you’re doing, she reiterated. And you, Mister Hawke… I hope you know the meaning of the word discreet.

I do, Dylan Hawke said. I have my own secrets to worry about.

Then we understand each other…

* * * *

Thwarted in his attempt to engage Top Gear for his party, Javier left the club though he refused to show any emotion—he couldn’t afford to. With his plans, timing meant everything and lately, it had been working against him.

By accident, he’d learned about Dylan Hawke and his special talents. Yes, Javier had to admit that Hawke had impressed him when he sat in the club listening to a very talented musician and singer. To learn of the man’s other attributes made Javier more interested—in many ways.

Javier had come out years ago when he admitted to being gay. Until then, he’d overworked to make sure others saw him for being the powerful man behind most of the high-powered dealings in the southeastern corner of New Mexico, western Texas and his beloved Mexico. Because he had, the fact he’d admitted to had been taken in stride. Of course, being an intimidating bastard didn’t hurt one bit.

Walking into the club and seeing Dylan Hawke in person made his heart race. If he could get this beautiful man into any aspect of his life to begin with, he’d work on the relationship later. Lost briefly in Top Gear’s music, he felt all his senses go on full alert as he took in every amazing aspect of Dylan Hawke.

Never had another human being drawn his attention as Hawke had but the man did. His muscular body, rugged good looks and his waist-length jet-black hair turned Javier on like no other. I will have him…

He paid off the guard at the door to the group’s dressing room in order to try to sign them to perform at his home in Mexico. Once he got Hawke to the house, he would meet with him and discuss the musician’s future in the scheme of things according to Javier.

He knocked on the door and waited.

Come in…

Javier entered the room seeing the group and one other man scattered casually around it.

Yes, sir?

"Mi nombre es Javier…"

I’m sorry but my Spanish is limited, Jeremy Bolt said.

"Lo siento, Javier said. I’m sorry. I said my name is Javier."

What can we do for you?

I’d like to hire your band for a party I’m hosting, he said, getting straight to the point of his visit.

Where? Dylan Hawke asked.

At my home across the border.

No can do, Hawke stated, the others nodding in agreement. We don’t have work permits in Mexico.

I can get around that, Javier assured them.

There are reasons why we don’t have them, Hawke said. "Lo siento, señor."

And if I can help you with these reasons?

You can’t, I’m afraid.

I’m sorry, Javier said. It’s my loss.

Just being in the same room with Hawke set all his senses going. He wanted this wolf and Javier always got what he wanted—one way or another.

* * * *

Hector?

"Si, Señor Javier."

I am not able to engage the band as I wished. Find me some way of getting them to the house.

Any way? Hector asked, wishing to clarify Javier’s request.

I don’t give a damn if you kidnap them on the road or what happens to them except Hawke—I want him brought to me in one piece. Do you understand?

"Si, señor."

"¿Y Hector…"

"¿Si?"

"I want him