Free Cougar's Victory by Moxie North Page B

percent sure it would be a night to never forget. But a chance to replay and download her day with Cass might be a good idea too.
    “Tomorrow is good, but I get to take you somewhere,” she said, rubbing her forehead against his.
    “Where are we going?”
    “It’s a surprise, casual dress and you might want to bring earplugs,” she said smiling up at him.
    “Earplugs huh? Sounds like fun, and just so you know, I’ll follow you anywhere.” He gave her another quick kiss then opened her door.
    Dax drove her home and walked her to her door, never commenting on her shabby home or suspect neighborhood. He did plant a panty melting kiss on her before taking the keys and opening the door. Giving her one last peck he waited for her to close and lock the door, he had to force himself to turn and walk away from her, at least until tomorrow.
    As he walked down to the street Dax was regretting leaving her alone. Reaching his car he spotted a man across the street, leaning against a building, smoking a cigarette and looking generally shady. Taking a sniff, Dax marked his scent and made a note to ask Effie about the man tomorrow. Something about him made Dax’s cougar growl and hiss. He always listened to his cat.

Chapter 16
     
    The next day, Dax made sure to get all of his business done early. Owning your own winery meant you worked pretty much seven days a week, but it was a labor of love. Before it was about making something for himself, now it was about making something for him and Effie.
    Calling home, Dax got Everett in the office.
    “Baby brother, how are things there?”
    “The usual, mom is on a tear about Kenzi’s baby coming. She’s sure it’s going to be a bear and doesn’t want people to buy it teddy bears as a gift because she said it would be tacky. I don’t get it, but whatever. Stryker is missing again, big shocker. He said something about driving to Oregon, but that may be his way of throwing us off his scent. Dad has been golfing every day so I’m sure he’s pretty happy,” Everett offered.
    “So basically, business as usual,” Dax laughed.
    “The Hayes’ family motto, never stray from the norm.”
    “Well, I got another email from the Kleins, they really would like your help out there. They’ve hired a top of the line security company to manage the casino and they just want you to go over it with a more shifter appropriate eye. More importantly they want their bases covered but their family privacy protected. They are a large pack and would appreciate your input.”
    Dax heard Everett moan and whimper.
    “Suck it up buttercup, it’s your fault you have such a big brain,” Dax said.
    “But mom’s just going to try and hook me up with someone. Now that you’re effectively out of her clutches, and Kenzi is married, she’s all over my business. Stryker is smart taking off,” Everett pouted.
    “Yes, but you can’t fault mom for wanting an alliance with one of the largest, and might I add wealthiest cougar packs in the country. The Kleins will be gracious hosts I’m sure and you’ll spend most of your time knee-deep in server rooms.”
    “Well that’s at least something. Fine! I’ll go, but it’s under duress,” Everett conceded.
    “Duly noted. Tell Dad I said hi and don’t tell mom I called at all,” Dax ordered.
    “Gotcha bro, later,” Everett said before hanging up.
    Good thing Dax loved his family, he thought.
    Checking the time he had just enough to rush home and change out of his work clothes into something casual before meeting Effie. Dax had no plans on telling her he had Margo go out and buy him ‘casual’ clothes. If it wasn’t slacks and dress shirts, Dax didn’t have it. His only other clothes were workout clothes he wore to the gym. Hopefully Margo wasn’t going to dress him like a retirement home reject.
    Walking out of his office, he saw Margo waiting with a bag in hand. He thanked her and headed to his car. Once he was home and showered, he found a pair of