Chapter 12

“What did they do to you?” Oliver frowned, his normally mild and friendly expression darkening.

“Other than tell me the truth?” I hugged myself, grateful that Nimbus was pressed up against my calf.

“I see,” he replied hesitantly.

“Oh, uh, sorry.” I shook myself and tried to stop my reaction. “I’m not especially freaked out about the whole vampire—werewolf thing, though I probably should be. When I was out with Davin we were attacked, and then Drake paid us a visit while I was at the coffee shop, trying to get Nimbus.” Talking about it helped some, though my hands still shook. I shoved them in my pockets to see if that would help.

“Can I make you some tea? Perhaps you want to talk about it somewhere other than the hallway?”

“Oliver, that would be great. Thank you.” I’d thought I wanted to be alone, but his offer felt like exactly what I needed.

He held out his hand. After a moment’s hesitation, I took my hand from my pocket and placed it in his. His hand was warm with light callouses, and his grip was firm, comforting.

Oliver led me to one of the lounges that I knew existed but had yet to visit. It was just down the hallway from the entryway.

“Please wait just a moment. I must get more acceptable tea.” He led me to a padded chair by the counter.

“I’ll be right here.”

That made Oliver smile. He turned and hurried out of the room, and I took a moment to look around. The lounge had a couch, a love seat, a long table lined with chairs, and several bookshelves overflowing with books. The furniture was all well used, but not shabby, giving the place a homey feel. The counter was the boundary between the kitchen and the rest of the room. Even the kitchen had decent appliances, though everything was generic, no actual personalization to the equipment. I also spied an electric teakettle. I removed Nimbus’ leash, and he trotted off to explore the room while I grabbed the kettle and filled it with water. At this point I didn’t even care if the tea Oliver brought back was caffeinated. I wasn’t entirely sure I’d sleep tonight, anyway.

Oliver returned just as I was adjusting the settings on the kettle.

“So, Katsuro and Davin filled you in on the town’s secrets?” He came over, placing a couple of containers next to me, two tea balls, and two large mugs.

Nimbus trotted over and rooed enthusiastically. Oliver gracefully kneeled and pet the little guy.

“Yeah. With everyone apparently after Nimbus, he felt I needed to know.”

“And you are not bothered?”

I took a deep breath, leaning both hands on the counter and staring at the ground. “I’ve seen evil, Oliver. Davin and Katsuro are not evil. Drake, yes. I promise I never expected anything like this, but hell, I wanted something different. I got it.”

Oliver chuckled.

“Oh, Jaz told me to ask you what you are. I hope that’s not rude.”

“It could be rude under different circumstances, but I am not offended. Especially as you were told to ask by the right hand of one of the two unofficial leaders of our town.”

“Who’s the official?”

“Mayor Henrietta Clifton. She answers to Davin, however. And, of course, no one would cross the vampires. Henrietta is also a werewolf and is quite skilled at administration.”

“There’s a lot to untangle.” I sighed and grabbed one of the jars of tea. I was still waiting on Oliver to answer my other question, but I’d asked it and I’d let him answer in his own time. The tea was herbal, and a beautiful blend of colors. I popped open the lid and knew immediately that this was the one I wanted. Chamomile mixed with lavender and maybe something else already soothed my senses and it wasn’t even steeped.

Oliver handed me a tea ball before he let out a soft breath. “I am also a shade.”

“Ah. You’re the friendly shade?”

“Yes. Friendly enough, anyway.”

I glanced up at Oliver. His brow was furrowed, and he studied the tea he measured out of the other canister. Something mint by the smell.

“You’re the only one of the three I’ve now run across that smells like cinnamon.”

He actually blushed. “Ah.” He cleared his throat before continuing. “I had a run-in with a pixie. She was convinced she was doing me a favor.”

I laughed. “Seriously?”

He nodded.

“Wow. That’s kind of hilarious.”

“At least it’s not offensive.” Oliver shrugged. “Would you like to tell me about your day?” He poured the hot water and put the tea balls in the mugs to steep. “If you want any sweetener, it’s in the cupboard.”

“Thanks. I’ll see how it tastes before I add anything.” I cradled my cup and took it back to the couch. Nimbus jumped up on the cushion next to me, and Oliver sat on the loveseat. Once we were all comfortable, I launched into the details of the day.

Oliver was an attentive listener, though his face darkened into an expression I never wanted directed at me when I described the attack. When I got to Drake, he shook his head in disgust.

“So, now I have to keep Nimbus safe.”

The puppy snuggled into my leg and rooed softly.

“Yes, of course we do. I suspect the entire town will be involved in this mission before long. He will be quite the benefit to Beechworth. Not to mention it’s the right thing to do. He chose us after all. You more than any of us, of course, but he came here and that makes him our responsibility.”

“Well, I appreciate the help. I don’t know how to deal with supernatural danger.”

“That implies that you’re used to dealing with regular danger?”

I cursed myself but shrugged. “What woman isn’t?”

“Sadly true,” Oliver agreed.

The tea was well steeped by the time I finished my story and tasted divine. We sat in silence for a while, enjoying the drinks.

Once I’d finished mine, I set it down and glanced at my phone for the time. It was truly late.

“Leave your mug. I’ll take care of it. Can I walk you to your room for the night?”

“Yeah. I should probably walk Nimbus, first, though.”

The little guy sat up next to me, his leash in his mouth.

I swore I’d left that over on the counter, but maybe I hadn’t. Or maybe Nimbus had teleported it somehow.

He wiggled happily while I took the leash, rubbed his soft ears, then clipped it to his collar.

“I’m surprised he wants to wear this,” I said as I stood.

Oliver joined me as we went into the hallway and headed back outside.

“I suspect to him it is a symbol of being under your protection.”

“That does make sense.”

It had cooled considerably since I was last outside, and I shivered after the warmth from the lounge. Fortunately, Nimbus was quick. No one bothered us, and we were back inside in minutes. Oliver walked just behind me up the stairs and Nimbus led the way. When we reached my door, I turned.

“Will you hug me?” That probably sounded weird, but I didn’t know how else to ask, and I wanted some sort of human-style contact.

“Of course, Hannah. Anything you want.”

As Oliver wrapped his arms around me, enclosing me in a tight, comforting hug, I got the idea that he really did mean anything. Katsuro had mentioned I’d probably caught Oliver’s attention, too. Something else complicated I had to navigate, but that problem was for another day. Right now I just wanted to be held for a minute. I held him tightly in return, leaning my head against his chest and breathing in his cinnamon scent.

After a moment, I remembered he was my landlord and was mortified especially when I recalled a flash of my shower-time fantasy from the other day. Heat colored my cheeks. Still, I’d needed this.

“Thank you,” I said, loosening my grip.

“Any time, Hannah.” Oliver released me.

His voice was extra soothing at that moment, and I instantly regretted the inches that were now between us as he stepped back. I looked up and met his light blue-gray eyes. The tenderness they held nearly undid me.

He brushed his finger along my cheek, wiping away a bit of moisture. “Is there anything else you want to talk about? Just because it’s late, doesn’t mean we need to part ways if you need me. I’m nocturnal. You aren’t keeping me up.” He smiled kindly.

“Uh.” Fuck, I wanted to tell him everything, but it so wasn’t safe. I’d been warned about this, too, and told if the need to talk ever arose, to call my contact in D.C. and talk to him. It wasn’t the same though, and Oliver was a good hugger.

“No.” I finally said. “It’s just been a long day. A long week. A long year. I’m just tired. Sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for, Hannah. I’m here for you.”

“Thanks.” I turned away, opened my door, and reluctantly went inside. I almost didn’t shut the door, and I kicked myself mentally while I took off my shoes and hung my jacket on the hook. Then I kicked myself some more and went back to check. Oliver had left, the hallway empty now.

“Damn it,” I muttered. Sure, he was my landlord, but also, damn it. I ran my hand through my hair and tried to decide if I needed a hot shower or a cold one.

Nimbus pressed against my leg and grumbled softly.

“Thanks, buddy. I suppose I really should be concentrating on keeping you safe, anyway. And I probably shouldn’t be completely exhausted for my first day at work. Or is that second? I don’t know. Today was kind of weird, anyway.” I gave the cloud puppy another scratch and hoped my day at work would be relatively uneventful.