by Vella Day
Fuck. Zane needed to remember to keep his mouth shut. “I’ll have this place sparkling in no time.”
“I hope so.” He glanced down at his watch. “Your shift ends at six today, as does mine. I can drive you over to my parents’ house and introduce you.”
If more shifters from his world knew about all these things in the Earth realm, Zane bet they’d be clamoring to come. “I appreciate it.”
Rye nodded and left. His comment about the Pledge had almost caused him a problem with his new job. Damn. Zane couldn’t let that happen again. Cans came with instructions, and since he could read, he’d be okay.
Before he started, he found the bag with his name on it in the icebox and wolfed it down. Zane wasn’t sure exactly what he was eating, but it sure tasted good. Once he finished and cleaned up, he headed back to the closet to study.
For the next half hour, he sorted the cans and bottles according to their purpose. By the time he finished, Zane was quite confident he could do this job. With a mop, bucket, and a bottle of Pine Sol, he headed to the bathroom.
From the moment he’d awoken from his long slumber, his goal had been to find food and shelter. With those two things accomplished, his new focus was to keep this job, and then figure out a way to reach out to Missy.
Missy.
During the last few minutes of his hibernation, he’d sensed something had changed in his surroundings, causing his body to react. His heart rate had increased, and then his blood began to surge through his body. Even before he awoke, his bones had cracked, and his mind had sharpened. Seconds before he regained consciousness, his bear shifted into his human form.
When he’d come to, Zane had no idea where he was or why he was in such a dark place. Only after Missy’s scent permeated his body did his memory of the fight return.
Voices sounded outside the bathroom, jarring him out of his reverie. It was time to do his job. He started with the floors and then moved onto the other areas. The rhythmic movement of the mop reminded him of hammering iron, and his mind once more returned to his savior. The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced it was her presence that had caused him to wake.
Mate, mate, his inner bear urged.
Zane shook his head. No way. I told you she’s human.
So?
All of his friends had mates who were shifters. Of course, only shifters, gods, goddesses, demons, and witches lived in his realm, and they only mated with their own kind. Given how long Zane had been hibernating, his fated mate must have already been born and was now long gone.
Damn. Zane had enough to worry about without considering the depressing concept of being alone for the rest of his life.
“Hey, are you the new janitor?” someone asked.
Zane spun around, pleased to see a rather youthful face. “I am, or at least I will be until Victor returns.”
The fireman, wearing the same T-shirt as the one he wore, held out his hand. “Welcome. I’m Tanner March. I’m the new kid on the block.”
New kid on the block? Zane wouldn’t ask what that meant, but from his youthful appearance, he could guess. “Zane Barons.”
“Zane, if you need help figuring anything out, just ask, but I can’t promise I’ll know the answer.”
Zane smiled, but his heart was pounding. Had Rye sent this guy here because he figured something out about his secret? “I just might do that.”
Chapter Four
‡
It had been five days since Zane had stumbled out of his hiding place in the cave, yet Missy had not heard a word from Izzy about how he was doing. Not that Missy wanted to see him, but she was curious if his memory had returned.
Two days ago, she’d gone back to the caves and searched for something he might have left behind. Zane had been right. There weren’t any torn clothes, a wallet, or keys. It was almost as if the man had dropped down from the sky. She had however found a beautifully polished burnt orange stone with a hole through it, but she figured some poor camper must have dropped it—or maybe it had belonged to the person who’d stolen Zane’s clothes and possessions.
The front door to the spa opened and who should walk in but Izzy. “Hey,” Missy said. “I was just thinking about you.”
Her sister smiled. “I hope good thoughts.”
“Always.” Missy closed the cash register and rushed over to her. Even though she was six months pregnant, Izzy had barely gained any weight. Had it not been for the basketball size bump in her belly, no one would know she was carrying a little male shifter. They hugged, and the warmth seeped straight to her soul.
“I wanted to pick up some soap,” Izzy said. “My skin seems to crave moisture these days.”
That was probably an excuse to stop by, but Missy was thrilled to see her. “We have a new shipment of chamomile soap.”
“That would be perfect.”
Even though Izzy had worked in the store when she first returned from her studies in Scotland, once she started teaching, Izzy hadn’t kept up with the new products.
“Here’s my favorite,” Missy said, picking up the package painted with lilacs. She handed it to her sister.
“I’ll take it.”
That was quick. “How’s Logan?”
Izzy patted her stomach. “I think he waits for me to fall asleep and then starts kicking hard.” She laughed. “Other than that, it’s wonderful, but I am ready to have this baby. And speaking of good things happening, Rye says that Zane is doing a great job.”
Missy straightened the soap display. “Good to know.”
Izzy placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’ve stopped in a few times, but you’ve been with a client. How about coming over for dinner tonight so we can catch up?”
Something in her voice sounded a bit too cheerful, but Missy did enjoy spending time with her and Rye. Soon she’d be visiting the three of them, and Missy suspected her sister’s attention would be on the baby. “Sure. What can I bring?”
“Nothing. I’m just making spaghetti and meatballs. It’s what Logan likes to eat.”
Missy chuckled. She never thought that an unborn child would care, but maybe he did. “What time?”
“How about seven? Rye gets off work at six and needs time to shower.”
“I’ll be there.”
*
It was just dinner with her sister and her mate, but for some reason, Missy felt like getting more dressed up than usual. She put on a turquoise T-shirt that had some sequins sewn on the front that was casual yet festive at the same time. To prevent her sister from razzing her for being so dolled up, she went with khaki capris and sandals. For makeup, she brushed on a pretty shade of pale lavender eye shadow. As she picked up the eyeliner, she halted. What was she doing?
I’m hoping Zane is there.
True, but why? She was definitely not interested in such a troubled man, yet Missy had to fight her draw to him. Zane was so big and strong, however seemed so gentle and kind. She refused to allow herself to be attracted to this man, especially since his goal was to return home soon.
Missy tossed down the eyeliner and then swiped on clear lip-gloss. As for her hair, she let it hang. Not even glancing in the full-length mirror attached to the back of her bedroom door, she stepped into the living room of her small two-bedroom house.
Snatching her purse and keys from the dining room table, she left. Her place might only be three streets away from her parents’ home, but it still gave her the freedom a thirty-year old desired.
The scenic drive over to Rye’s compound took about ten minutes. The sun was only now setting, causing light to bathe the area in pinks and yellows, and she sighed at the beauty. Before Missy had the chance to daydream about anything or anyone, she arrived at Izzy and Rye’s place.
She knocked on the front door then let herself in. The moment she stepped foot into the living room, she spotted Zane, causing her heart to flutter. Then her muscles froze as she fought to compose herself. She was a bit pissed at being tricked, but it was possi
ble Rye had brought him home after work without knowing Izzy had already invited her.
“There she is,” Rye said. “Have a seat. I was just telling Zane about how you healed me after Izzy’s stalker stabbed me.”
She didn’t want anyone to think she was some hero. “Your wolf did most of the work.”
Rye waved a hand. “Not true. Sit.”
Conveniently, the only seat available was on the sofa—next to Zane—which made it look more and more like a set up. While Zane had pulled his hair back with a leather thong, his beard remained ragged, hiding what she believed to be a handsome face. The best part of his attire was the snug black firemen’s T-shirt that outlined his upper body well.
Missy sat down then twisted toward him. “How’s your memory coming?” she asked, not sure what else to talk about.
“I’m remembering more each day.”
“Great. Do you remember where you’re from?” That might give her a clue as to why he appeared a bit backward.
He shook his head. “That’s still a mystery, but I remember what my house looks like and who my parents and siblings are.”
“You remember their names?”
“Yes.”
“That’s great.” In the last few days, she’d researched amnesia. He’d known his name, which meant he might only be suffering from transient global amnesia. With that kind of condition, his memory should have returned within a day. Apparently, it had in part. Zane must have been able to follow instructions, like how to clean a firehouse, so why didn’t he know more? “Have you seen a doctor yet?”
His smile didn’t match the slight tic around his eye or his clenched fists. “No. I don’t need to. I’m doing great.” He faced Rye. “Right?”
Rye lifted his glass and tossed back half of it. “I have to say the firehouse has never looked so good. Zane is a hard worker; he never stops.”
She liked that about a person, but she had the sense there was something in his background he was covering up. Give the guy a break. Most people have secrets. Missy wished she knew why it bothered her that Zane did. “I’m happy to hear it.”
Izzy stood. “I forgot to get you some wine. Red or white?”
That was Izzy’s way of forcing a change in subject. “Red’s good.”
Izzy returned a moment later with a glass for her, and Missy drank half of it. “So, Zane, where are you staying?” Missy asked, curious if he was imposing on her sister.
Once more he grinned, and her pulse rate increased. There was no reason for that reaction.
“At an amazing place. Rye’s parents have a guesthouse, and they’re letting me stay there.”
Missy glanced over at Rye whose face remained blank. She’d been to that guesthouse. While nice, it was rather small, which made her wonder where he’d lived before his accident. The kitchen, she recalled, hadn’t been updated in years. “That’s terrific.”
Rye set down his glass. “Zane tells me he’s quite the horseman. Since you used to ride, I thought you might be willing to take him on an outing.” She leveled him with a stare, but he seemed oblivious to her concern. “The Renfords have a stable of horses. I’m sure they’d be happy if their animals received some exercise.”
Being around Zane unsettled her, but if Rye needed her to entertain Zane, she would. “Sure.”
“Great. When is your next day off?” Zane asked.
“I have Fridays off.”
“Fantastic. So do I!” He glanced over at Rye. “Can you make the arrangements?”
“I sure can. How does noon sound?”
“It’s good,” Zane said.
Rye nodded then turned back to her. “Maybe you can show Zane where the river meets the mountain and then head on down to the lake.”
Silver Lake was only the most romantic spot in the whole town. What was he trying to do? Missy wouldn’t be surprised if Mom hadn’t suggested this meeting to Izzy. The two of them would have to talk.
“Sure.”
A timer dinged and Izzy stood. “That will be the bread.”
Missy jumped up. “I’ll help.”
Because the kitchen opened onto the dining room, she couldn’t hide if she wanted to. Whispering wouldn’t help since shifters had great hearing.
Nonetheless, she needed to find out a few things. “What can I do?” Missy asked as they both stepped into the kitchen.
“Nothing. I just need to put the spaghetti into the boiling water and dinner will be ready shortly,” Izzy said.
“I’ll stir the tomato sauce.” It didn’t matter it was simmering slowly on its own. The men began to chat about some of Rye’s more spectacular fires, giving her a chance to speak with her sister. “Did you know Zane would be coming to dinner when you asked me this afternoon?”
“That’s why I asked you. I didn’t know what to talk to him about, but I thought you might. Besides, I think he likes you.”
Missy’s shoulders sank. “He’s nice and all, but he’s not exactly my type.”
Izzy dumped the spaghetti into the boiling water and set the timer. “I’m not asking you to sleep with him—just keep him company until he gets back on his feet.”
“Why me?”
“Well, I can’t go horseback riding.”
Izzy was being silly. “How about Blair or Molly or Chelsea?”
“Blair’s slammed at work at the rehabilitation center and has little free time. Remember Molly not only waitresses at McKinnon’s Pub and Pool, she attends school full time. As for Chelsea, I doubt Rye would consider fixing his little sister up with anyone. If he had his way, he’d lock her in her room for the rest of her life.”
“Having an overprotective brother would suck, but if this is just a platonic date, why not Chelsea and Zane?”
Izzy laughed. “Maybe Chelsea doesn’t ride.”
“She’s a vet tech. Of course she rides.”
Izzy leaned against the counter and shrugged. “You’ve met Zane. Chelsea hasn’t. Listen. Rye thinks Zane is a good guy, albeit a little confused about some things. Rye trusts your sixth sense about people. He figured if you didn’t think Zane was on the up and up, you wouldn’t have called and tried to help the guy.”
Missy’s mind spun. Helping someone did not mean she believed he was some kind of lost saint. “Since when did I develop a sixth sense?”
Izzy let out a sigh. “You’re an empath. It’s partly how you can heal people so easily. I never believed that your talent was strictly due to your ability to use your healing magic on people.”
“Fine. But just this one time, okay?”
Her sister hugged her. “I promise. Just this one time. Now, how about taking the bread over to the table?”
“Will do.” Missy walked into the living room. “Come sit down. Dinner’s almost ready.”
Zane kept his gaze on her as he stood. A bit self-conscious, Missy turned around and rushed to the table. While it sat six, she had no doubt that Izzy and Rye had conspired for her and Zane to sit next to each other. That was okay with her since she wouldn’t have to watch him.
Izzy pointed to the chair across from Missy. “How about sitting here, Zane?”
Seriously? Her sister would pay. Or did she know something about this man that Missy didn’t? It didn’t matter. She’d try to keep an open mind.
Rye faced Izzy, and Zane sat across from Missy. Rye passed the spaghetti to Izzy first. After she served herself, she gave the bowl to Zane who took the same amount as his host. It was almost as if he wasn’t sure how much he should take.
Once the food was served, everyone dug in. “So Zane, tell us about your family,” Izzy said.
Missy was thankful she didn’t have to keep the conversation going.
“I have two older brothers and an older sister. I had a younger brother, but he passed away recently.” He cleared his throat. “My older brothers run a small general store in town.”
“General store?” Missy asked. “Do you live in a rural area?”
“Yes. Besides the mountains and
oceans, we have a lot of farms and ranches.”
She leaned back. “Ranches mean horses, and horses need someone to shoe them. Is that how you became a blacksmith?” Izzy had mentioned that was what Zane told Rye he did for a living.
“It is, though it’s not a full time job by any means. It was why I began playing around with metal. I found that not only did I enjoy bending iron to make beautiful pieces of art, I was really good at it.” He held up his hand. “But I can build shelves, metal tables, or anything else that a customer needs. Hell, recently, I made a shovel for a man.”
“I’ve never known anyone who made shovels. I thought people went to hardware stores for them.”
He smiled. “Mine are made to order.”
Missy did like the fact that Zane was proud of his profession. Liking what he did for a living made a man content.
Okay, maybe there was more to this man than Missy first thought. Tomorrow, when she rode with him, she’d find out just what he was made of.
Chapter Five
‡
Zane was dying. Okay, that might have been a slight exaggeration, but it sure felt like it. His gut was churning something fierce, and he feared he might not be able to control his shift. It didn’t matter that both Rye and Izzy were shifters and that Missy knew about them, shifting during a meal at his benefactor’s house would not only break furniture, he would get fur all over the food. Rye and Izzy would not be pleased. He didn’t want to think about Missy’s poor reaction. Zane debated excusing himself, but he couldn’t come up with a good reason. Saying that being around Missy distracted him too much was not an option.
Messing up now was the last thing he needed. Zane liked his new job and wanted to keep it. Cleaning and sweeping floors in a cool environment was a total delight since most of his life had been spent heating iron over hot coals. If asked, he might have to say the best invention in the last one hundred years was air conditioning. The fast cars and wireless phones were remarkable too, but it was the cool air that really excited him.
So why was he so out of sorts tonight? It was sitting across from Missy, inhaling her scent, and not being able to touch her that was driving him crazy. At first, he thought it was her beauty that had him at a loss for words. Her soft-looking skin had the faintest hint of freckles, and her fiery hair did something to his insides. Where he came from, women were a lot taller and beefier, and most had dark brown hair. He liked that Missy was tiny, and her coloring was exciting. But that wasn’t the basis for his concern. It was her alluring scent—sweet like a rose—that was driving his bear wild. If he could stop breathing, it might solve his problem.