Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

As soon as I unlocked the house, Vena bolted inside. She had stewed in silence all the way home, but now, questions exploded from her.

“How is Master still alive? Shepard’s hand was in his chest , Everly. There was blood. A lot of blood. He was a lifeless carcass. How can he go from carcass to poisoning people?”

“I don’t know. Even Cross didn’t have the answer to that,” I said.

“We need the answer to end this. We need to figure out how he’s still alive so we can figure out how to kill him for good.” She retrieved her laptop and stationed herself in the living room. “It shouldn’t take me long to research. It’s not like cat-shifting vampires are common.”

I left Vena and Anchor in the living room and retreated to the kitchen for a little quiet time. With my notebook and apron, I searched my cupboards and refrigerator to see what I had on hand.

My phone vibrated.

Shepard: Can we attempt a lunch date again later this week?

I stared at the message, trying to settle my thoughts about Shepard and Cross. The whammy that Adriel laid on me had opened my eyes and theirs. The attraction I felt for both Cross and Shepard could no longer be hidden or denied.

Both had said they’d be okay with me seeing the other. Both had said they’d give me the time I needed. And they both said it was okay for me to live a little.

Why not take them up on their offer, then?

Perhaps by following my desires, I could learn a bit more about them and myself. It could also be a test to see if either of them could actually share my time and affection without trying to stake a claim. I could also try to determine if I liked one more than the other.

Decided, I replied.

Me: Yes, I would like that.

Shepard: Can’t wait.

Neither could I.

As soon as I found enough ingredients to make shortbread cookies, Cross texted.

Cross: Is it too soon to miss you?

I smiled at the message. For a vampire, he was cuddly and affectionate. Always taking opportunities to be in my bed when I woke up and kissing me whenever he had a chance.

Me: Maybe. But I don’t mind. Did you find out anything about Adriel?

Cross: Nothing yet. The dwarves are stirring up the city with their pursuit, so it might take me some time. But beyond missing you, I wanted to let you know the permits have been approved, the contractors have started, and everything you requested for the kitchen has been ordered and will be delivered in 5-7 business days.

I might have squealed a little at the thought of baking with shiny new Vulcan equipment. And I’d be the head baker. The space was all mine.

It was a dream come true. While I knew it was all due to Cross and not because of my skills or hard work, I didn’t let that get me down. I would prove to him that taking a chance on me was the right decision.

Me: I’m excited to work with the new equipment, but isn’t it too soon? Don’t the contractors have a lot of work to do?

Cross: Crews are already working. They’ve assured me that they’ll be done in time.

Me: That fast?

Cross: Padding their quotes with extra money helped.

I wanted to tell him not to rush on my account, but I knew the rush wasn’t about me. Cross’ vision to bring the races together could only start once the business was running. And then there was the whole need to get inside information to help Shepard flush out the vampires.

Me: Just don’t go broke on my account.

Cross: If it’s for you, I’d gladly be poor. But don’t worry, Everly. I have means beyond the coins of which I still have plenty. Trust me.

Me: I do.

“I need to go to the Shadow Trade market,” Vena called from the living room. “The internet isn’t giving me the information I’m looking for. Everly, you in?”

I stepped into the archway so she could see me. “I was going to bake. Anyway, you know how I feel about that place.”

“It’s perfectly safe.”

Anchor raised a brow at her.

“Reasonably safe,” she amended. “Just stay in the front section.”

“Is that where you’re going?” I asked, knowing she’d be all over that place.

“Anchor can stay with you while I walk around,” Vena said.

“I’d rather stay home and have Anchor go along with you.”

She opened her mouth to try to persuade me, but Anchor put his hand on her knee. “We’ll go after Doc gets here. He can stay with Everly. Why don’t you get ready?”

Vena set her laptop on the coffee table and popped off the couch. “I’ll grab my book list for our new place too. Cross let me know the contractors already started working on it, so I can scout for books while we’re at the market.”

I returned to the kitchen, happy that Anchor wasn’t scared off by Vena’s tenacity even as I acknowledged what that meant for our relationship.

A heavy sigh escaped me, and I realized it wasn’t the first when Anchor asked if everything was all right.

“I’m fine,” I said.

I focused on baking until Doc showed up. Vena and Anchor called out that they would bring home dinner then left.

“I’m not sure if you know this, but a person’s scent changes with their mood,” Doc said from nearby.

I glanced over my shoulder to find him leaning against the counter.

“Oh? Did you smell the hormones as they left?” I asked.

“No, I’m smelling your sadness. It’s not like you.”

“Not true. I’m human and female. There have been loads of times I’ve been sad. Just about every time I see a fairy or Vena eats my leftovers.”

He chuckled. “I don’t see any fairies, and your garbage is empty. What has you sad this time?”

I focused on the miniature meringues I was using as teeth in my elevated version of Dracula Denture cookies. The almond halves were adorable fangs. And everything together—the butter cookie, raspberry filling, and almonds—smelled and tasted divine.

“Life, I guess. Knowing that Vena and I will be graduating soon and thinking of what comes next for us.”

“Change can be hard.”

I nodded then glanced at him again. “Are you married, Doc?”

He grinned. “I’m telling Shepard you were interested in my current status.”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s less likely to have a problem with any potential interest I might have in you over Cross. Does it bother you when Cross comes over?”

“Yes,” Doc said honestly. “It goes against every instinct I have not to go after him.”

“Are you being metaphorical or literal?” I knew wolves had instincts, but I still didn’t know very much about them.

“Literal. It’s in our blood to kill vampires. It’s what we were made for.”

“Made?”

He shrugged. “You’ll have to ask Shepard about our origins. It’s a story only passed from father to son when we first change.”

“Got it. Want to try my version of Dracula’s Dentures?”

For the rest of the afternoon, I kept my emotions in check so Doc didn’t question me again, and he kept himself entertained with a fictional werewolf romance book that Vena had brought home for “research.”

I was showered and in my pajamas for the night when Vena and Anchor finally returned.

“What a shit show,” Vena said, plopping onto the couch as Anchor went to the kitchen with the Chinese takeout. “Not a single person I asked had any information about a vampire who could turn into a cat, or about a vampire that wouldn’t die even with its heart crushed.”

“Rome wasn’t conquered in a single day,” Doc said.

Vena rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I’m being impatient. I know that. But I wasn’t the only one. The market was crawling with dwarves asking the same questions I was.”

Anchor returned with containers for both of us. I listened to her summary of their time in the market as I ate. She’d gotten a few leads on people who might be able to help her locate a black cat, but that was it.

With a food-happy sigh, I leaned back against the couch from my position sitting on the floor.

“You liked it?” Vena asked. “You’re never going to guess where it’s from.”

“If you say something gross after I finished eating it, I’m going to punch you in the chesticles.”

Doc made a strangled sound, and Anchor clapped him hard on the back.

“Nothing gross,” she said. “I promise. It was a vendor in the Shadow Trade market. A stall in the front where it’s totally safe. And just to be sure, I interrogated the lady selling them. Straight-up human-grade food. I guess it’s good business there. After browsing all the unusual stuff, humans want something familiar.”

“Makes sense,” I said.

“There were a lot of other food stalls there…if you want to come with us tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Come on. Come with us. You and your girls are my lucky charm when it comes to getting information.”

I made a face at her.

“Plus, we’re due for a charm recharge. Especially with Master running around again.”

I thought of my run-in with Adriel and how my charm had fizzled and knew she was right.

“Fine.”

“Yay! You’ll flip when you see how many dwarves are wandering around the market. They were glaring at people. A troll got offended and called one an ankle-biter and told him to toddle off. If Anchor hadn’t been there, I would have had a front-row seat to a fight.”

“Sorry to disappoint you,” Anchor said.

“You’re forgiven,” she blew him a kiss. “It’s your job to keep the peace.”

I was cuddled up against something warm and firm. The hand gently stroking my hip told me this wasn’t my body pillow.

“Cross?” I mumbled, not feeling the need to open my eyes yet.

“Hmm?” he hummed back, sounding just as relaxed as I felt.

“You smell delicious,” I said, inhaling the scent of coffee and cinnamon.

“There’s a reason, and it’s on your nightstand.”

I lifted my head and blinked my eyes open to see the most mouthwatering cinnamon roll plated next to a lidded coffee.

Reaching over him to get to the coffee first, I grazed his entire chest with mine. Yes, both of us were clothed, but that didn’t stop the tingles from rushing through my body at the contact.

Cross’ eyes flashed black, but he didn’t make a move. Just allowed me to grab the liquid energy and sit back against the headboard.

A single sip told me it was exactly the right ratio of coffee, creamer, and sugar. A sigh escaped my lips, causing the veins around his eyes to darken as well.

“Sorry,” I said, “but it’s really good.”

“I thought you might like it.” He lifted the cinnamon roll plate. “This looked and smelled divine too.” He cut into the gooey goodness and offered me a bite.

Normally, I was the one feeding people. This was a nice change of pace. Leaning over, I accepted the offering and moaned as soon as cinnamon, fluffy roll, and cream cheese icing hit my tongue.

“I’m delighted you’re enjoying it.”

“I can tell. Your eyes are getting a workout, and Doc probably thinks something is going on.”

“He can hear our conversation. Plus, I already gave him the same wake-up treat as you, minus the cuddling. I offered, but he impolitely declined.” Cross flashed a beautiful smile and reached over to touch the corner of my lips to wipe away a bit of frosting. He brought it to his lips to taste. “Delicious. Just like you.”

I smiled at his flattery.

“Not that I mind the cuddles and sweet treats first thing in the morning, but is there a reason you’re here today? Good news on Adriel?”

“Unfortunately, no news yet. However, Shepard is debriefing the fae queen in hopes of gaining her assistance. I told him removing her briefs would help if she actually wore any. He wasn’t amused.”

“He’s with the fae queen?”

“Does that make you jealous?”

I slowly chewed the bite he fed me and shook my head.

“A person’s feelings are their own. Affection can’t be forced.”

Cross smirked. “Tell that to the fae.”

He fed me another bite and asked, “Do you have plans for the day?”

After swallowing, I said, “I’m thinking of going to the Shadow Trade market with Vena. It’ll be a good place to do some recipe research, and I need to get my protection charm charged. It fizzled when Adriel touched me.”

“I know someone in the market who can help you with your charm. She’s half fae and is skilled with protection spells. Can I give you her name?”

“Please.”

Cross shifted the plate to his other hand and pulled out his phone. My phone, which was on the nightstand, buzzed.

“Will Anchor be going with you?” he asked.

I nodded and reached for the plate. Cross leaned over and kissed the top of my head.

“I have to meet with contractors, so I need to get going,” he said. “Please be safe at the market. If you want my company, I can meet up with you there.”

“I’ll be fine.”

With one last kiss, Cross left, and I relaxed.

Once I finished my breakfast, I climbed out of bed, grabbed my clothes, and closed myself in the bathroom. Vena was awake and waiting when I walked out. She gave my “fifty percent sugar and fifty percent sass” t-shirt a once over, grinned at me, then claimed the bathroom.

Doc stood at the sink when I walked into the kitchen with my plate.

“Did you eat the cinnamon roll or toss it?” I asked.

Doc frowned. “I ate it. It was really good.”

I chuckled and washed my plate.

“Are you really going to the Shadow Trade market today?” he asked.

“Yes. Like I said to Cross, I need my charm charged, and it will be a great way to get ideas for the bakery. I have so many ideas already, but I know tastes vary and want to have a wide selection so that, no matter who walks in, they can at least find one thing they’ll like.”

I grabbed my shoulder bag and placed my small purse, a notebook, and a pen inside.

Vena entered the kitchen, sniffing notably.

“Why does this place smell like cinnamon? Where’s the food?”

Doc pointed to a box on the counter. “From Cross.”

Vena opened the box with a squeal. “He really does love me.”

“Who loves you?” Anchor asked, appearing in the doorway.

Vena held up the cinnamon roll. “Cross.”

Anchor made a disgruntled noise, which made Vena giggle.

Vena giggled?

“Let’s go,” I said. “The earlier we go to the market, the fewer people there will be.”