She went to the second cell and went through her lengthy spells again. This time, with a full stomach, it didn’t drain her as quickly or as bad. The moment she was done, she cleaned her hands off again and walked out of the jail, calling her hat to her as she went. Easton waved, but didn’t make any attempts to follow her.
She didn’t plan on taking Dark Prince with her, but she stopped when she noticed he had a feed bag on him and was chewing on something. When she checked the bag on his head, she glared. Someone was giving her horse oats. He loved oats. That’s what she gave him when he was good. Who was feeding her horse?
“I see you out there. Remy gave it to him.”
She sighed, throwing her hands up. Damn it. Now they were spoiling her horse. She appreciated it, but she played up her exasperation, getting the Nephilim inside to laugh.
By the time she was in the saloon, the oats were nearly forgotten. She eyed Tobias sitting in a beautiful storefront Varen had whipped up for them in the corner of the saloon. Really, the big Russian had just snapped his fingers, and there it was. She had just shaken her head at it.
“How are sales?”
“The wereanimal suppressants are flying off the shelves, like always.” Tobias pointed. “We’re already out. The werewolves grabbed most and left only a couple for the werecats. We’re going to need to start making more.”
“Too bad the supplies for them are hard to get,” she replied, looking at their wares. “And the new one?”
“Ah yes, your new one—”
“Our new one. Excuse you.”
“Your new one. I would have never thought of a potion to change hair color and reduce frizz for the person who consumes it.” Tobias raised an eyebrow. “And they’re selling fine. A couple of women have decided to try them.”
She couldn’t object to that. There were special instructions to use a hair that was the desired color, but it had to be the hair’s natural color. If they wanted to replicate a dye, using a real glamour was a better idea. She hadn’t figured out how to replicate that yet. She knew by the end of the month, at least two women were going to complain to her that it didn’t work. “I just heard someone saying they wanted to try another color, but it was a pain for something permanent and they might not like it. It’s not hard. Just a simple glamour spell in potion form—”
“Which you had to register with the Magic Council back East because it’s a brand new potion. Then you put it on the shelves before they cleared it. You’re lucky they cleared it.” Tobias was trying to be stern, but she knew it wouldn’t last. He put as much stock in those old Eastern asses as she did—which was none. Shamans didn’t prescribe to the idea of the Council, and the Council was tired of fighting with them over it. The fact that her business was half-owned by a shaman was the reason she had done it. They would give her a hard time, but not a bad one since Tobias was a well-respected member of the shaman community.
“They wouldn’t have done anything to us and you know it.” She gave him a saucy smile as he nodded, conceding defeat to her.
“So what’s going on with you today?” he asked as she walked around to the back of the stall.
“Paperwork, some security spells. Nothing big. Just trying to finish my upgrades for the jailhouse before Maxwell gets back.” She toyed with one of her potions on the shelf. It glowed pink, like all of them did.
“Well, you’re more than welcome to just hang out with me,” he offered, pushing his chair to her.
“No, I just wanted to stop by.” She considered inviting him over for dinner to hang out with everyone, but reminded herself that she couldn’t and wouldn’t force him to get to know Easton and Remy, or vice versa. She forgot to mention it to William the last time she spoke to him, and noted to do that soon. She was always so busy now, thanks to the living, that she was forgetting to keep the dead caught up on what was going on.
“Have a seat. Spend some time with me.” It sounded like he was nearly begging. Nearly. “We only ever work, and you spend most of your time in the office down the road.”
“Fine.” She relented and sat down. “So, what have you been up to aside from this? Any pretty girls in your future?” Stupid question, Adalyn. I can’t start asking about his love life, no thanks to William.
“There’s one I’ve been interested in for a long time, but she doesn’t ever seem to notice.” Tobias chuckled sadly.
Adalyn kept her mouth firmly shut for a moment, trying to think of what to say. This is why I shouldn’t have asked that damned question. Shit. He just confirmed everything William said. Damn it. “Well, maybe it’s just not the right time for her to notice. Sometimes, we women just aren’t ready for hearts like yours.” Please don’t hurt him. Please don’t hurt him.
“Yeah, I figured as much.” He shrugged. “Maybe one day, right?”
“Maybe one day,” she agreed, not sure why those were the first words out of her mouth. He had no idea she knew, and that was glaringly obvious—but she did. She could see it on him now. She could look back over the years and see it. He was always a wonderful gentleman, always willing to let her do what she wanted and just go with the flow. He wanted to spend time with her. They talked about so many things, including her marriage.
And William, that man, was always telling Tobias to admit his feelings. My own damned husband. Oh yeah, I definitely need to talk to him tonight. It’s a little early, but he’ll forgive me when I start chewing his ear off for encouraging Tobias’ feelings and not telling him that maybe I value the friendship more.
Now, thanks to her knowledge, she had no idea what to talk about. Tobias dealt with a customer while she sat there until she was too bored to deal with it anymore.
“I’m going to head back to the office,” she declared, standing back up.
“Why? You could stay here until you’re off and we can hang out here in the saloon. Dance like we used to. Do something normal.” Tobias didn’t try to stop her, but his words made her pause. If she wanted things to be normal like he did, she would have stayed instead of running, which put her in a bind because dancing was romantic.
His hands would be on me and then there would be no option but to face just how much I would probably love it. Because I would. Gods, if those hands didn’t come with the heart, I would have them all over me.
“How about we just hang out and have some drinks? I don’t think dancing will be good on my feet.” She patted his arm and took a deep breath, hoping he accepted that. She liked the idea of just hanging out.
“Sounds great.” His answering smile was beautiful. Swoon-worthy, really. He had always been gorgeous, and she remembered giving herself a mental hard time when she saw him in Fort Lackey. Really, she should have been excited he had feelings for her. It meant she could be the woman he picked one day.
And yet, all I want is something uncomplicated. He’s so complicated. Why couldn’t he have set those gorgeous eyes on anyone else? Why do I want them to stay on me?
She sat back down, checking the time with her pocket watch. She was nearly off the clock as it was, so hanging around wasn’t too bad.
10
Adalyn
The saloon started picking up about an hour after she was technically off. People began to stream in, getting their drinks and dinners from Valen, who was jolly and welcoming as always. Adalyn and Tobias closed up the front of their little stall and found a table away from it, hoping people would see they were done for the day. She kicked back and downed the first drink Valen put in front of her. Fiery whiskey, like always. It warmed her chest immediately and made her smile.
“You still know how to treat a lady,” she told him as he chuckled from behind the bar.
“I’ll always treat you right, little witch.”
“Flirts,” Tobias accused in a good-natured way. She could only laugh as Valen put another drink in front of her. Another whiskey. “Give her a water, too!” Tobias demanded, sipping on whatever he had.
A tall glass of water showed up and she dutifu
lly took a sip of it as well. Her mind wandered to her deputies quickly. “I hope they don’t mind me missing dinner tonight.”
“What?” Tobias tilted his head at her, his long, auburn hair falling over one of his shoulders.
“Oh. I never told Easton or Remy I was going to stay here. They haven’t stopped by. Easton probably headed home and Remy had today off. I was just…” She was just what? Wondering what they were going to have for dinner? They can cook. I shouldn’t be worried about them.
“Do you not come out to the saloon much anymore? Are you at home making dinner every night?” Tobias was suddenly worried, his brows creasing together.
“I’m just busy. Coming out at night, having a good time—doesn’t work out when you have to be up at dawn because other people rely on you.” She shrugged. It wasn’t so bad. “And they take turns with me on cooking. I’m not their housewife or anything.”
“I know it’s only been a week since I got back, but I just want to stress, are you sure you can do it all? Being sheriff, the potions business, having your life? Because it sounds like something is getting lost in there.”
“Oh really?” She laughed. “What?”
“You.” He leaned back, watching her carefully.
“It’s an adjustment period, Tobias. I’ll find my groove. It’s not like I hate my life. It’s just…more responsibility than I’m used to. I wanted this, though. I wanted to protect Redstone. Not coming out to the saloon and dancing all the time is just the sacrifice I’m making for it.” She threw her hands up. “It’s not like I had done it for the last year anyway.” When he didn’t have an immediate response, she tossed her drink back, then had a generous swallow of her water. This time, her whiskey didn’t immediately refill. “I’m still here to hang out and have a good night like you asked. Let’s not make this serious, please.”
“I’m just saying…in the last week, all I’ve seen you do is work. From the very moment I got back, you’ve been working. You have days off, but I think you’re behind on them. How many days have you been in the office? Five? Six? Shouldn’t you be off today?”
She shrugged. She was supposed to be off today and tomorrow, but she had switched with Remy so she was on duty during the new moon without ruining their schedule. “It’s not a big deal, Tobias. I have the new moon coming up and the werecats will want me on duty to help out in case anything goes awry. Once I’m through that, I promise to take a couple of real days off. How’s that?”
“That’s tomorrow night, isn’t it?”
“That’s right.” She wasn’t looking forward to it, but it wasn’t her first. She’d had one already. This was just a precaution that was always taken. She just hoped it went smoothly. She hadn’t had to deal with one of the town wereanimals going wild, yet, and she didn’t want it to happen any time soon.
“Good.” He seemed pleased with her plan, which annoyed her a little. She didn’t need a babysitter while she did her job or ran her own life. It wasn’t just him, either. She knew if Maxwell were sitting there, he would be the same way. Even Valen, who was probably listening to every word of their conversation.
Men. Why can’t they just mind their own business?
With that thought, she finally snapped her fingers to Valen to refill her drink. This time, she sipped it carefully.
“So, what do you think I should do about the lady I have feelings for?” Tobias asked as they continued to watch locals walk in. There were even some new faces, humans just passing through, probably staying at the boarding house for the night. The vampires prowled around, looking for their marks. Adalyn wanted to spend more time with those girls, but there was never the time anymore.
“Admit them,” she answered without thinking. It was always her answer when someone asked that type of question. She mentally kicked herself the moment the words were out. Yeah, Adalyn. Just encourage him to make your life more complicated. You’re already sleeping with two sexy men who work for you. Why not add in the complication of your best friend? Stupid.
“Really? That’s it?” Tobias seemed surprised.
Well, I’m in for a penny. Might as well continue to act like I don’t know anything. “Of course. What if tomorrow she meets another man and decides he could be the one, when you might be? Or maybe she’s waiting on you to say something. She could be dense and not realize.” Because I never had. Now time to add damage control. “But if she shoots you down, just move on. If she’s not ready, then she’s not ready.”
“Adalyn—”
“I mean, what if she’s into someone because they’re not serious? Could you handle that?” Oh shit. Stop talking Adalyn. “She might not want the heaviness. She might not be ready to talk about her own feelings on that level yet. Just be a part of her life until she’s ready, you know?” Oh no. What am I saying? Drink. Grab your damn drink and shut the fuck up. “Just…consider all of that.” She quickly grabbed her whiskey and took a long swallow, her hand shaking a little. When she dared to look at Tobias again, she knew what she had just done.
His eyebrows were up in alarm. He was holding his drink, but made no move to do anything with it.
Oh, fuck, did I just give myself away?
They were silent for a long time. She didn’t know how long. Valen eventually came over and asked her to dance. She needed to get away from the table for a minute and accepted immediately. It was like a haze until they were a few feet from the table.
“Thank you,” she whispered as she went to the dance floor with the big Russian.
“You know,” he said with confidence. “You know how Tobias feels.”
“Yes,” she admitted. “And I’m not sure what to do about it.”
“I don’t know how to help you if you’re not ready for it. Let’s just dance and compose ourselves for a minute.” He smiled kindly and placed his hands on her waist. She chastely put hers on his shoulders and they circled to a slow song.
“If I was ready for it, what would I say?”
“How do you feel about him?” Valen chuckled. “He’s been in love with you for a long time, but he’s not the first man who has been or ever will be. You know what you do to men. You’ve used it as a weapon.”
“Maxwell kissed me once. Tobias has feelings for me. I’m sleeping with two men.” Adalyn sighed. “I wanted uncomplicated, Valen.”
“Uncomplicated is for the boring.” He spun her then and she followed his lead. When he pulled her back, it was much harder than she expected, forcing them together in a way that was anything but friendly. “And you are anything but boring. Just keep on acting normal until you’re both ready. And if he doesn’t have a chance, just put it out there now. He’ll always be your friend.”
“How do you know?” she asked.
“Because if it was me, I would always be your friend too. I know Tobias better than anyone. Trust me on this one.”
“Okay.” She accepted that. They were each other’s trusted confidants. She realized all the men in her life were pairs in a nice organized way. Valen and Tobias. Remy and Easton. Once it had been Maxwell and William. It made her life easier when she needed to talk about one of them. She knew who she could go to.
That’s convenient.
“So. Maxwell kissed you?” Valen grinned.
“Surely he would have told you.” She rolled her eyes. “Right after William’s funeral.”
“He might have.” Valen was toying with her now. The song was ending quickly and turning into something more lively. “Do you need more time before you face that one?” He nodded to Tobias.
“No, I can handle it.” She pulled away as the song ended. “Thanks for the save.”
“Any time, little witch, any time.” Valen bowed his head and was suddenly back over at his bar, doing nothing but pretending to wipe it down like always.
Adalyn had an embarrassing walk back to the table with Tobias. He was staring at her, now more thoughtful than surprised.
“I don’t know.” It was the first thing she could think of. “
I don’t know, Tobias. About anything. I’m doing this on the fly. I’m not ready for something really serious, and those two promised it was nothing serious.”
“How did you find out?” he asked.
“I guessed,” she lied. Damn it, William, this is your fault. “And I hope you don’t mind, but I think I need to go. I need a night to really think. I didn’t mean to tell you that I knew—”
“I like that you know,” he said, cutting her off. “And I do understand what’s going on in your life. I do. I just want you to think about me, I guess. Just know I’m always...here for you.”
“I do think of you,” she promised. Too much.
“Have a good night. I’m sorry I brought it up.”
“I’m sorry I made it awkward.” With that, she turned on her heel and practically ran out of the saloon and away from the gorgeous earthy eyes. Oh, she was thinking about him. Every step of the way home, Dark Prince following her home, she thought of him. He was a wonderful man, and she was attracted to him. She wasn’t running from the physical attraction, though. The only thing she was running from were the feelings.
But I’m not ready to do the whole fall in love thing again. I want to revel in being me, still. Not someone’s wife again.
She threw open her front door and the moment she stopped moving, her head spun a little. The alcohol she had been tossing back was finally sinking in.
“Hey. You’re home a little late.” Remy sounded like a dog excited to see his owner home. There was happiness and not a single piece of judgement in his words.
There’s my relief. There’s my reveling. She looked at him as she kicked her boots off. “I stuck around at the saloon for a few drinks.”
“You seem a bit frantic,” he noted, stepping closer. “Something wrong?”
Werewolves and Wranglers Page 10