It was late night before I had a chance to read through my emails again and I was surprised to find that I wanted one from Griffin. I smiled when I did see that she had written me back. My grin widened and I was happy that I had been right in the feelings that she had been trying to evoke and that it was indeed a memory and a happy one at that. I wanted to write to her again, but I was running out of reasons to continue the conversation. I sighed and closed out my email and put my laptop in sleep mode. I got up and turned off the desk lamp and made my way to the outer office. I was surprised to see both Lincoln and Anya waiting for me. They both sat looking awkward and I leaned against the door jamb with my arms crossed over my chest.

Looking at them sternly, I asked, "What happened?"

"I think they spotted us," Lincoln said, not looking up at me. "That Clarke woman was already looking toward the door when we walked into the restaurant they were eating at."

"Yeah," Anya said, looking at me. "It's like she's got this uncanny ability to sense us, even without our scent. They spent the afternoon walking around Eden, familiarizing themselves with the town. Clarke was very taken in by the statue of your 4th great uncles, Kristofer and Rasmus."

"Really," I said curiously. "It was seeing Rasmus, wasn't it?"

"Definitely."

"Well, thanks for the update, unless there's more?"

"No, that was pretty much it except that Clarke paid for the meal and left nearly forty dollars as a tip for Janice."

My eyebrows raised up at that and I said, "Seriously? Forty dollars? How much food did they order?"

"I'd say typical werewolf meal, plus three pies," Lincoln replied. "Overall the meal wasn't that expensive since it's geared towards us. Janice didn't know what to think and just said that they seemed to really enjoy the food."

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose and said, "Just keep monitoring the house. Don't follow them into town anymore, not if they're that sensitive to you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I feel the sudden need for some beers."

"Want some company," Anya asked hopefully.

"Not tonight," I told her. "I need to think."

She nodded and I felt a pang of regret seeing her face fall in disappointment. They got up and we walked out of the building together and parted at the bottom of the steps. They walked home and I walked over to our local bar. I walked in and was greeted by the usual smells of a bar, stale peanuts and beer. By the time I made it to the bar, Gustus already had a beer waiting for me. I nodded my thanks and headed for a corner booth where I was sure that I'd have privacy to think.

My thoughts circled around two women tonight, Clarke and Griffin. I wanted to know both of them more intimately. Griffin seemed like someone I could have long conversations with that would be stimulating and at the same time very enjoyable. Clarke, on the other hand, invoked a very different response. Images of her naked body were forefront in my mind. I found myself wondering what her sun warmed skin would taste like, where on her body would make her moan in pleasure, if those lips were really kissable and what they would taste like. My mind kept roaming her body again and again, making me feel a need that I did not want, so I did what I typically did, I drank until I couldn't think straight anymore.

I groaned in pain, my head pounding, as I rolled onto my back and waited for the ceiling to stop spinning. I had been stupid last night by drinking that much, but I couldn't stop thinking about Clarke's body. Even my drunk addled dreams featured Clarke. It made me wish that I had never seen her yesterday. I leaned back over onto my side and rooted in my nightstand drawer for the bottle of Advil that I always kept there. I took out three and downed them without water before I laid back on my back and thought about what I needed today.

I growled in frustration when I realized that I had my weekly meeting with the town Sheriff this morning. Turning my head slightly, I looked at the clock and let out another growl. The meeting was in two hours. I thought about canceling it just to avoid him, but I knew that I couldn't put it off. I sat up gingerly, making the room spin, and took a long shower. By the time I got out, I felt as near normal as I could get before I headed to the office.

When I walked into the outer office, I had to bite back a growl seeing him already there and waiting.

I narrowed my eyes at him and said, "Titus, our meeting isn't for another hour. Why the hell are you here?"

He shrugged and replied, "There have been some disturbances along our western border, Lexa."

I crooked my finger for him to follow me and went and sat behind my desk. I stared at him hard as he sat opposite me.

"I'm aware of the new residents and the work that's been going on there, Titus," I replied evenly.

"Well, there's that," he said, "And then there's the fact that the animals have started disappearing near their property. I think that they might have something to do with it."

I arched a brow and asked, "What makes you say that, Titus? They've not stepped one foot past their property and onto ours in the two, three weeks they've been here. I already know that they're werewolves and it appears that they are packless."

"I think it would be prudent to give them a closer look," he said, daring to stare me in the eyes.

I growled slightly and his eyes dropped, "There is no reason to, Titus. None. More than likely the animals got spooked away from the area because of all the work that's being done over there. Not to mention, that there's four werewolves in that house. Animals aren't stupid. They know when predators are near. Under no circumstances are you or your deputies allowed to step onto their property. Is that understood?"

He inclined his head and stood up, "Yes, ma'am. We won't step across lines."

"Good, now leave me," I said and I watched him closely as he closed the office door behind me.

Closing my eyes briefly, I picked up my phone and called Lincoln.

When he picked up, I said, "Lincoln, I need you to keep a closer eye on the place. Titus thinks there's something going on and I'm not sure he'll obey my orders. Do you think you'll be okay staying through the night?"

"I'll call up Penn and have him spell me for a bit. Bring me some food. Give me a chance to sleep and I should be good to watch them through the night," he replied. "Oh, FYI it's quiet over here except for the construction crews. It looks like they're nearly complete with the work."

"Your plan sounds good," I said, "and thanks for the update."

"Are you doing okay? Fio said that you were stumbling a bit when you walked home from the bar last night."

I sighed and said, "I'm fine. I drank too much is all. Trying to get rid of some invasive thoughts. Didn't work."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No. Just keep an eye and ear out for Titus."

"Alright. I'll give you a call if something happens," he said and hung up.

I laid the phone on the desk and pillowed my head on my arms. I really didn't feel like dealing with the world today, but I couldn't shirk my duties. I sighed, sitting up, and opened up my emails. I could already tell that this was going to be a very long day.