Chapter 10

N ot only did Milly drive a hard bargain, but she also helped me understand the value of Breed books. She definitely earned the discount I gave her. With a pen and paper, she made a list of specific topics that were considered highly coveted and others with perceivably less value. Milly was amazing.

Everyone was amazing.

Customers trickled in, some to buy and others to check out the new store. I didn't care if people browsed without buying. They might spread the word to those interested in collectibles. The sooner I got rid of these books, the happier Noah would be.

Still reeling from the unexpected sales, I inspected the shelves of the empty store and lined up books that had been misplaced or laid flat.

"Now that you've had your opening, you know what you need to improve the customer experience," Joy said from her spot by the shelf. "Since these books are precious, you should buy cloth bags. Plastic cheapens everything, and you could even add a store logo to them. Not only will that help advertise your shop when they walk out the door, but they'll never forget this place as long as they keep that bag."

I took a red sucker out of my mouth. "I was thinking the same thing. The logo is a great idea, but we've only got a one-month lease. Then it's over."

A moment passed as I smelled the aging paper, and a memory tickled the edge of my mind.

Joy approached and wrapped me in a hug. "It's okay to miss him. No matter how many years go by, you never get over the loss of a loved one."

I felt myself crumpling beneath her touch. No one had ever consoled me after my father's passing. Noah thought I should have gotten over it by now and didn't like me talking about him.

"He would be so proud of you." She drew back and arranged a few of my flyaway hairs that had broken free of the ponytail. "You know what you need to think about now that you're making money?"

I shook my head.

"Safety. Lucian can work his magic to install a safe, and you'll want to find a banker around here you can trust to manage your money. Unless your boyfriend has one, and then you should use him. If people think you're keeping that money at home, they might do something foolish. Business owners who don't live in a fortress or an animal group are seen as easy targets."

I smiled. "They'd have to get through Noah first."

A knock at the door startled us, and we turned to look. A man with bright blond hair stood outside, his hand up in greeting.

Wondering why he wasn't coming in, I tossed the rest of my candy into the wastebasket and opened the door. "Would you like to browse? We're still open."

Perhaps he's lost. Or looking for a bathroom.

When he took off his sunglasses, I looked away from his black eyes .

He lowered his head. "My intention wasn't to frighten either of you. May I come in for a moment and speak with you?"

Joy backed up against the counter, looking as apprehensive as I was.

The Vampire stepped in, his eyes downcast. "I'm Atticus Rain, the owner of Dragonfly Bar & Grill. Forgive my appearance, but I drove straight from home to handle this matter."

His off-white linen shirt had three-quarter-length sleeves and was lace-up instead of buttoned. It looked like something one might wear to the beach, but it didn't seem worth apologizing for.

"It grieved me to hear about your unfortunate experience." His lip curled as he turned his attention to Joy. "What that man did was unacceptable. I would never tolerate anyone putting a hand on my guests in that manner."

Joy folded her arms. "You should think about who you allow in your bar. That odious little monster had the audacity to make a lewd offer. We were just there to enjoy a quiet breakfast. It seems he's using your establishment to drum up business."

Atticus clenched his fists, and the gesture made me step back. "I know," he replied flatly. His gaze fastened on her arm. "Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine," she said, not looking fine at all.

"Are you?"

Joy's eyes were swimming in confusion, and she joined my side. "Did you only come here to apologize for that man's boorish behavior?"

He clasped his hands behind his back. "I wanted to assure you that the guest who assaulted you won't be making an appearance in town again."

I blinked. "Town? But how can you keep him away from where he lives?"

Joy gripped my arm, and I was suddenly reminded that Atticus was a Vampire, and that meant he had the ability to erase memories and implant new ones.

Unlike in human folklore, Vampires walk in daylight. It's painful since their eyes are sensitive. They're one of the true immortals—never aging, never dying. Not unless they're beheaded or burned. My father said one of the biggest untruths in human lore was that Vampires were undead—as cold as ice and no heart beating in their chest. Immortals once fabricated misconceptions about their abilities to throw off other Breeds or humans, back in a time when humans knew about us. The warm flush in Atticus's cheeks suggested that he was most definitely not a corpse.

As I thought about their immense gifts, I pondered whether I should buy a stake and keep it behind the counter in case of an emergency.

Atticus offered a solemn smile. "You will never be troubled by the likes of him again."

Joy lifted her chin. "And if I am?"

"I'll disembowel him. Please, let me make it up to you." Atticus opened the door and snapped his fingers.

Like a scene in a movie, a parade of people walked through the bookshop, carrying large bags and silver serving dishes.

One of them stood in the back and said, "Over here! Leave the table in the van."

"What's going on?"

"They're here at my behest," he replied.

I swiftly walked to the back of the store and stood aside while the obsequious waiters converted my long folding table into a buffet. The food was on silver dishes, including an array of sandwiches on brioche buns and a fruit platter so expertly crafted and arranged that I couldn't believe my eyes. The three-tier dessert tray of finger foods was straight out of a magazine. They had even brought plates, napkins, drinks, and dessert mints .

"Gracious!" Joy exclaimed as she neared the table. "This is all for us?" She sampled a bite of one of the desserts. "Mmm. This is heavenly."

When the waitstaff finished setting up, they bowed before making a hasty exit.

Atticus joined us. "Everything was freshly made especially for you. Nothing but the finest ingredients and ripest fruit. I was prudent not to prepare hot, wet, or fragrant foods. Paper soaks up all the smells, and it came to my attention you opened a bookstore." He centered his eyes on mine for the first time. "I have great admiration for collectors of ancient literature. If it wouldn't offend you, I'd like to come in one evening and make a purchase. I'm an avid collector myself."

"Of course," I said, still taking it all in.

"From what I've seen, you have exquisite taste."

My eyebrows shot up. "How can you tell? They're not all marked."

He canted his head. "I noticed the labels. Besides, the age of the bindings and the condition of the books tell me all I need to know. Ancient artifacts that are well-cared-for must be collectible for a reason."

"You're not wrong there."

"May I have the pleasure of your name?" he asked.

"Cecilia Talius."

"Talius. Is that Roman?" He took my hand as if to kiss it and pressed it to his forehead before letting go. "A pleasure, young miss."

For a Vampire, Atticus possessed an enigmatic yet handsome appearance. His black eyes and brown eyebrows contrasted with his pale blond hair. It looked as if the wind had combed it back in a short wave. His flawless skin fascinated me. Vampires didn't scar, let alone freckle, and I'd never seen one up close .

Joy licked icing off her finger. "Why is there a separate bowl of cantaloupe?"

"One of my people informed me of your order," he admitted. "What you can't eat, you're free to take home. I prepared enough to stretch a few meals. You may keep the dishes if you like."

She smiled, but I saw no warmth in it. "I only have one request."

He bowed his head.

Joy warily approached him. "Promise me you'll never use your magic on Cecilia. I don't want to worry about her working in here alone with you visiting."

"I would never." He shook his head.

Standing tall, Joy asked, "Will you swear it?"

He searched her eyes, then mine. "Unless she asks me, I vow never to use my charm on her."

I frowned. "Why would I want you to?"

Atticus turned his gaze to the bookshelves behind him. "You'd be surprised what happens in life where suddenly Vampire gifts are needed." He looked at me. "I must away."

Atticus had an unusual, if not old-fashioned, way of speaking.

He bowed. "Again, my deepest apologies. My people left coolers with ice under the table to keep the leftovers chilled until you leave. If you need any assistance getting them home, don't hesitate to call. I'll make sure someone comes by this afternoon to clean the table and collect anything you don't wish to take." Atticus handed Joy a business card. "I'm at your disposal."

"Thank you for this, Mr. Rain," I said.

He winked. "Call me Atticus."

Joy and I left at a decent hour and were home before dark. People had trickled in throughout the day, and more purchases were made. Some wanted to haggle, but I never let them negotiate lower than my comfort zone. Joy suggested I be assertive or customers would think I was a pushover. Honestly, I wasn't used to being assertive, let alone playing conversational badminton with so many strangers.

By the time I got home, mental exhaustion had overtaken me. I curled up on the sofa while Joy fixed her dinner and ate alone at the round table in our dining room. My mind was still reeling.

Can I do this again? I feel like a drained battery.

"That Vampire was trying to salvage his reputation," Joy said from the dining table, "so don't take his offer as kindness. You can trust neither a Mage nor a Vampire. They're always the villains. They smile and lie like they were born to do it." After a lengthy pause, she added, " Gracious. I don't understand how my packmates can trust a monster."

Atticus seemed okay to me. I could hardly be upset at a man who brought me all those delicious treats when he hadn't personally done anything wrong.

Just as my eyes closed, headlights flashed through the dark windows, and a car engine shut off.

Joy bounced to her feet but remained in the dining room. "Are you expecting company?"

I shook my head and approached the window. A figure emerged from a black truck and waved. "It's Archer. Um… that's his name, isn't it? The one with the blond hair." I didn't want Joy thinking Archer's name lived in my mouth.

Smooth, Cecilia. No one will ever suspect you know him.

When I opened the door, he stepped onto the porch and proudly held up a bag.

"I brought you guys dinner."

"Too late," Joy sang from across the room.

Archer furrowed his brow. "You guys ate?"

I took the bag. "Come in. "

"I probably shouldn't. Noah doesn't want any men in here."

"He doesn't want anyone seducing Cecilia," Joy said from across the room. "You're hardly a threat."

I set the bag on the kitchen counter, knowing Archer must have been thinking the same thing I was about Joy's innocuous remark.

Archer opened the fridge. "Holy shit. What's all this?"

"A misunderstanding at Dragonfly's," Joy answered, bringing her dishes into the kitchen. "We had breakfast there this morning. Atticus brought lunch to the store to make amends for an unpleasant experience. Nothing you need to worry about."

With a defeated look, he shut the door. "I brought burgers and fries, thinking you two might be starving. Bear made everything, but I guess it was all for nothing."

I pulled out the container and headed to the couch. "I'm famished."

"She didn't eat," Joy informed him. "I need to jump in the shower, so be nice to Cecilia. She's had a hard day."

Archer sat next to me when the shower started up. "Don't let your food get cold."

Bear had wrapped the burger in foil and kept the vegetables separate so I could assemble it. There was even a small container of special sauce that I poured onto the bun.

"Mmm," I managed around a bite. "This is divine. You're so lucky to live with Bear."

Archer laughed. "You have no idea. That man can cook." He stretched his arm over the back of the couch while I stuffed the burger into my mouth. "I heard you had a big opening today. Good job."

"Thanks," I mumbled. After swallowing, I said, "It was one of the best days of my life. And the worst."

"Why the worst? "

I set the burger down. "I've never talked to so many people at once and made so many decisions. It was overwhelming."

"But you survived. It's always hard the first day. In a week's time, you'll be a pro."

"I'm sure you're right. I didn't hate the experience. It'll just take me time to get adjusted." I leaned back. As much as I loved the idea of selling my father's books, the reality was an obstacle course of anxiety triggers.

We both shared a smile when we heard Joy humming loudly in the shower.

"When Noah picked me up last night, why did you take his side?" I asked.

Archer frowned. "About what?"

"Saying that one night out of town wouldn't matter."

He rubbed his eyes. "Because I have no business meddling in relationships, that's why. I guess I was just trying to smooth things over and help. Sorry about that."

After wiping juices off my hands, I tasted the fries. "Oh my God. These are delicious!"

"Bear won't tell us his secret seasoning."

I raised my left arm briefly so the charm bracelet would slide out of the way.

"Do you always wear that?"

After swallowing my fry, I answered, "It's the only thing that means the world to me."

"Aren't you afraid you'll break it during a shift?"

I glanced at the charms. "My animal would never do that unless it was life or death. She's not a predator, so maybe it's not the same as your wolf bursting out whenever your mood changes."

I froze up when Archer slowly pulled the elastic tie out of my hair. My scalp temporarily hurt from the weight shifting as my hair spilled across my shoulders .

"You're home, Cici. You need to let your hair down."

The butterflies in my stomach were raging a war with the burger.

He retracted his arm and stretched the band between his fingers. "It's hard for me to relate to the talking thing. I'm the guy who stays to the end of the party. We couldn't be more opposite."

I resumed eating my meal.

"Word around town is you're a horse," he blurted out.

The burger sucked into my windpipe, and I choked.

Archer patted my back, immediately dislodging it.

After swallowing, I met his concerned gaze. "Does that bother you? About my animal, I mean."

"Why would it?"

I shrugged. "Some people don't like interbreeding, and I figured that might have disgusted you to find out."

Archer twisted to face me. "None of the past matters anymore. It's a fresh start, remember? We both made a mistake."

"You keep saying that word. ‘Mistake.' I have regrets because I'm in a relationship, but why was I your mistake?"

Archer wiped sauce off the corner of my mouth. Then he deliberately licked his thumb in a slow and needy way, and all I could focus on was his tongue.

"You weren't a mistake," he said matter-of-factly. "Not the way you think."

I shoved more fries into my mouth. "None of it matters anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"Noah wants to move back to Austin." After two additional mouthfuls of burger, I closed the container and set it to my right. When I glanced at Archer, his eyes were closed and his head reclined.

"Is that what you want?" he bit out.

After peeling off my socks, I curled up and faced him. "It's not my decision. He has a big job offer, and I guess we go where the money is."

Archer finally lifted his head and stared at me, making my face flush.

"What are you looking at?"

He let the hair tie roll onto his wrist. "I just noticed your eyes. They're hazel."

I threaded a lock of hair away from my face, giving him permission to look even though it felt like his intimate gaze could see my deepest and most private thoughts.

"Noah's a lucky man," Archer finally said.

"You don't even know me well enough to say that."

"You're pretty perfect to me."

The back of his hand touched mine, and sparks fired off on every nerve ending. I stared at our hands and the intense connection building between us. Even my animal stirred, which she rarely did these days.

Why does he have this effect on me?

Even the first night we met, the attraction I felt for him was insatiable.

In that moment, I was afraid to look at him—afraid if I did, I wouldn't be able to control my actions.

When the shower cut off, so did our connection.

"I cheated on my boyfriend, Archer. That's the worst thing you can do."

"Why did you do it? Because we both know I didn't pressure you."

"Because… things aren't always what they seem."

I hopped to my feet with my half-eaten container. "Thanks for bringing this over. That was really thoughtful. Be sure to tell Bear how much I enjoyed it."

"If I had known you were having a food orgy over here, I wouldn't have bothered. "

"This was better," I said truthfully.

Not just because I preferred a hot meal for dinner, but someone had thought of me. Someone wanted to do something nice for me, and I tried to think of the last time Noah had brought home a hot dinner that wasn't an apology.

When I removed the second container from the bag, I spotted something that made me squeal with delight. "You brought me potato chips!"

He approached the counter. "Noah mentioned how you liked junk food. Hope you're not on a diet… Not like you need it."

I immediately dropped down and shoved them inside a soup pot in a lower cabinet. Noah didn't like me snacking or eating a lot, and salty chips were my weakness.

When I rose, he watched me with an indecipherable expression that made me self-conscious.

"Well, I need to head out," he announced loud enough that Joy could hear. "If you two need anything, call me." As he reached the door, he half turned. "By the way, what's the name of the club Noah works at?"

"Pink Lady Studios. It's a cover so humans won't walk in. Why?"

"Just curious." He winked at Joy, who drifted into the living room in a floral pink robe and nightie. "Any message you want me to give Salem?"

Joy adjusted the front knot on her headscarf. "Let him know if he wants more books, he should check his budget first."

"Girl…" Archer laughed. "I'll just tell him you miss him. How's that, Miss Pot Stirrer? G'nite, ladies."

When he didn't look back at me one last time before leaving, my shoulders sagged.

"Joy?"

"Yes?"

I worried my lip. "I'm sorry about this morning. "

Shaking her head, she asked, "Sorry for what?"

Feeling the weight of shame, I stared at the floor. "For not doing anything to help. I froze up."

"Is that what's been bothering you all day?" She wrapped her arms around me, the scent of roses lifting off her clean skin. "You're so thoughtful. I'm relieved that you didn't intervene. Men like that are capable of terrible things. Don't you dare blame yourself. I'm fine." She drew back and switched off the kitchen light. "Are you ready for bed?"

"Let me get the sheets out of the closet for the sofa."

She took my hand. "Nonsense. You'll sleep with me tonight. I promise my wolf never comes out while I'm sleeping, so you don't have a thing to worry about."

Could I trust a wolf?

She led me into the bedroom, so I must have. While Joy settled in on the right side of the bed, I slipped on a long T-shirt and brushed my hair. "I'm sorry you have to be away from your mate."

"Salem won't even notice I'm gone." She propped herself up on her elbows and looked at my T-shirt. "Gracious. Is that all you have to wear?"

"I like these better than pajamas," I admitted while climbing under the covers. "I'm always tossing and turning, so I get twisted up in too many clothes." After switching off the light, I said, "This feels weird."

"What does?"

"Sleeping with a woman."

She giggled. "Didn't you ever have girlfriends when you were a child? There used to be a darling girl who lived across the street. I'm not sure when sleepovers with children became commonplace, but they weren't in my time. I suppose families were paranoid that someone might use their child to spy on their personal affairs. Since we didn't have television, gossip was all the rage. Can you imagine? Her parents often traveled and left her with us during the summer."

"Didn't they have a pack?"

"She was human. We didn't live in a pack, so it didn't matter. We had a wonderful time, and it was like having a sister. Long after I left home, I wrote her letters to keep in touch. Then I heard she died from influenza." After a long silence with her staring at the ceiling, Joy added, "I miss that time. Everything was so innocent, the future uncertain."

"I hate growing up."

"Oh, not me, honey. Sure, you see the world for what it really is, but you also have more control. You can go anywhere, be anyone, do anything. You can't control your path, but you can choose the road to walk on."

Lacing my fingers across my stomach, I listened to the crickets trilling outside. "Sometimes I feel trapped. I've never been in a relationship before, and it's harder than I thought. Do you ever feel like that, or is it just me?"

"I think I know what you mean."

"Without a job, friends, money, or a place to go, I just spend my days waiting for Noah to come home. And when he does, he's tired."

Joy rolled onto her side and touched my shoulder. "I'm your friend, Cecilia. So you can scratch that off your list. And you have a job."

"It's only temporary."

"Or maybe it's not. The bookstore might be wildly successful. You also have money now. I think what you need to do is take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments. That's the boost you need."

"How?"

"Let's go shopping tomorrow morning. Most of your customers came in during the afternoon since half the people in this town sleep in or work. We'll have a sign on the door that you open at noon or one, but I think we can make it back before then. That'll build up the anticipation and get people talking about the store. I'll call Mercy so she can spread the word at the bar. What do you say? It'll be so much fun!"

"And buy what?"

"Whatever you want. Clothes, decorations for the house—you made a lot of money today. What's one tiny splurge going to matter? You worked hard for that money, and you should treat yourself. Wouldn't it be exciting for Noah to come home and have a new television or sofa waiting for him? Just imagine how proud he'll be."

I liked that idea. A lot. All I wanted was to make Noah proud and not feel like a burden. Maybe then things would be more like when we first met. Maybe then he'd have a reason to stop drinking.

She rolled onto her back. "Not long ago, Melody and I explored the area. There are some retail shops east of here that are easy to get to. They're human stores, but there's also a giant supermarket. I've always wanted to see inside one. A shopping excursion is just the thing to cheer you up." Joy faced the wall. "Now I'm so excited I can't sleep."

"We should leave now and be the first in line."

Joy laughed, and the covers rustled as she pulled them over her shoulder. "Good night, Cecilia."

I experienced a breakthrough with our brief exchange. I do have friends, and they've been nothing but kind to me despite Noah's warning about wolves. How can I possibly consider leaving this town now that my life is turning around? Noah can find a job closer to home if he looks hard enough. Or we could run the store together. What if, after selling my father's books, I open a real bookstore? Something with fiction novels and a little coffee shop.

"Cecilia? "

"Yes?"

Joy peered over her shoulder, the outside house light illuminating her profile. " You don't shift in your sleep, do you? I don't know what I'd do if I woke up beside a horse."

I smiled. "Aren't you mated to a stallion?"

We giggled for longer than the joke deserved, and when I finally drifted off to sleep, my horse dreamed of running in open meadows with flowers at her feet.