by Lisa Olsen
“This man looks like nothing more than a common street thug and this one is in sore need of a shave and a haircut and probably a good rehabilitation program. You can’t be thinking of hiring them. What is it that you do again?”
Rob’s entire posture stiffened at my father’s words, but he kept his lips pressed together in a thin line. McBride seemed to take everything in stride, not minding the criticism in the least, but I was at the end of my patience. He had no right to speak about them like that.
“Daddy, I think it’s time you and Mom headed for home,” I said coldly. “I actually have some work to get to right now. Maybe next time we can talk more when I know you’re coming.”
He bristled at my tone. “Are you suggesting we make an appointment to see our own daughter?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. I wouldn’t show up in the middle of one of your classes and expect to take up your time, so don’t expect the same of me. It’s common courtesy, which you seem to be lacking at the moment.”
“Now look here, missy…” he started to say and I strode past them to open the door.
“I think it’s time for you to go and I think you should take Skittles with you.”
“Anja…” Hanna objected, but I cut her off.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep him here, you never know what might happen to him in this neighborhood.” It wasn’t so much the neighborhood as the company I kept. Not that I didn’t trust the vamps around me not to have a snack, but you never knew what Lodinn might find amusing and I still wasn’t any closer to finding Jakob in time to meet his deadline.
“I’ll take him,” Mason offered, but Hanna didn’t let go of the leash.
“You don’t have to do that,” she said, unwilling to meet his gaze.
“It’s not a big deal. He likes me, don’t you boy?” Mason knelt down and pet the dog who rolled onto his back and offered his tummy up for rubs. “I can keep him at my place. It’s obvious I’m not wanted here anyway.”
“I want you here, Mason,” I said and he gave me a sad smile.
“That’s sweet, sis, but not what I was going for. I think I’m going to head out.” Snatching the leash from my sister’s hand, he swept past her.
“Don’t I have a say in this?” she objected.
I fixed her with a pointed look. “Do you want Mason to stay?”
“He can do whatever he wants, I just want my dog back.”
“Then you know where we’ll be.” Mason picked Skittles up and crooned baby talk to him while the dog gave him kisses all over his neck and cheek.
“It’s settled then.” It was time to direct some traffic and try to salvage the rest of my evening. “Maggie, why don’t you show our guest into my office? I’ll be happy to meet with you in a few minutes, Mr. McBride. Mason, thank you for doing this, we’ll talk more later when things settle down. Hanna, I’ll see if I can arrange for visiting rights to your dog, but not for a couple of nights until we see how things shake down. Rob, if you could kindly escort my parents to their car I would be very grateful.”
“I don’t think I like this bossy side to you,” my mother complained, her lips turned down in disapproval.
“Well, get used to it, because this is how it is. Thanks for driving up, but I meant what I said, it’d be best if you called first next time.”
My father said something under his breath that I couldn’t quite catch as he strode out of the house, Rob following along behind as requested without saying a word. Mom hung back for a moment, digging a small package out of her purse.
“I suppose you’ll have to open this on your own then since we’re being tossed out onto the street. Happy birthday, Anja,” she sniffed, thrusting the box into my hands before spinning on her sensible heel and following after them. The old me would’ve chased after her and begged her not to be upset with me, but the new me just let them get into the car, glad it was over without bloodshed.
“Congratulations,” Hanna said at my side, watching them completely ignore Rob and drive away.
“For what?”
“You are now officially the black sheep of the family. Welcome to the dark side.”
*
“I don’t need to dry out.”
“I’m sorry, what?” I stared at the older man, not comprehending what he meant.
“I’m not an alkie.”
Ah, he was worried I thought he was a drunk based on my father’s display.
“Oh, I didn’t think you were. I’m sorry about that, Mr. McBride. My father can be irritating sometimes.”
“Call me Lee, and I don’t mind none. He’s just lookin’ out for you same as I would if I had a pretty gal like you for a daughter.”
It was hard to resist the power of that easy smile and I took his offered hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Lee, and please call me Anja.” His grip was firm and I caught the distinct scent of a shifter. All of a sudden he started to make sense as a viable choice. I should’ve known Rob wouldn’t let me down. That explained his ease of movement and the powerful shoulders on someone of his apparent age. I was willing to bet a werewolf, even one past his prime, could take out most ordinary men.
“Good, I don’t stand much for formalities, but Rob said you weren’t like that prissy bitch up in New York.”
“You’ve met Jennike Vendal?”
“A time or two. Can’t say as I cared much for her myself. Too uppity for my tastes.”
“You and me both. Please, have a seat. I’m sure Rob will join us in a few minutes, but there’s no reason why we can’t get to know each other better.” I already knew the most important thing though, I liked him. I liked his laid back energy and it seemed like he might be a good fit in the household. He had an easy manner about him even if he did look old enough to be my grandpa.
He must’ve noticed me looking because a slow grin stretched across his face. “Don’t mind the snow on the roof, I can still get the job done,” he winked.
“I don’t doubt it. How much did Rob tell you about my situation?”
“Enough to know you can use a body you can trust at your back.”
That was a tad vague for me, but I wanted to talk to Rob directly before I took it any further. Of course I felt like I had to bring up one important subject though, the big E. “And the idea of going up against an Ellri or two isn’t a problem for you?”
“I thought there was only the one posed a danger to ya?”
“Today, but you never can tell.” At any time Jakob might decide I’d outlived my usefulness and turn on me. Or flat outright kill me in a jealous rage.
“Ain’t that the main gist of life itself? You never can tell what’ll land at your doorstep. All you can do is put ‘em up and give ‘em your best.” His hands came up into fists.
I couldn’t argue with that philosophy and I admired his courage. “Do you and Rob know each other well?”
“We go back a fair piece. Must be going on twenty years now since we first met up.”
“Oh? Where did you meet?”
“Was in some fancy cathouse at the ass end of the world. Where was that now… Jakarta, I think it was.”
My brows climbed higher. “In Indonesia? You’re kidding.”
“Nope. Was out there workin’ for a fella by the name of Atherton. Now that guy deserved a stake through the heart if ever I met one, but his money spent the same as any other, so I did my best to keep him alive. Me and Rob tossed back a few, got to talkin’, both of us bein’ in a similar employ.”
“Who was Rob protecting?”
“Pretty little thing, had quite a tongue on her too, for a human. Was all Rob could do not to shut her up sometimes, but you know him, he’s a cool character. Me, I’d have hog tied her and stuffed a gag in her mouth inside of two hours.”
“He was protecting a human?” There was so much I didn’t know about him. Was Jakob involved or was it a side project? “What was someone like that doing in a cathouse? That means what I think it means, doesn’t
it?” I frowned, wondering if he literally meant a house with many cats, but his chuckle let me know I had it right the first time.
“They had boys for sale at that place too and Rob wasn’t all that obligin’ when it came to sharing his assets, if you catch my meanin’. Course my boss took a shinin’ to his boss and we ended up trampin’ all over Southeast Asia for a couple of months until he got tired of her.”
“And Rob was cool with that, letting her fall prey to a vampire? I thought he was supposed to be keeping her safe.”
“Madeleine was safe as houses. Atherton had a yellow streak a mile wide, he was scairt shitless of Rob, if you’ll pardon my French. It wasn’t a bad arrangement for a while, but eventually it ran its course and we parted ways. We stayed in touch over the years though. Ain’t hard to keep from bumpin’ elbows from time to time in this line of work. Course, he didn’t tell me he’d crossed over before he flew me out here.”
“Does it bother you? Him crossing over?” I wondered how the rest of his family and friends would react. Had Rob spoken to Leila about it? I’d been so wrapped up in my own drama I hadn’t stopped to consider that aspect of it.
“Naw, we both know workin’ for vampers always ends up in either death or a turnin’. Was bound to happen one of these days. I have to say it’s a pleasant surprise to find him sired to the likes of you. When I heard you was the Elder, I thought for sure that meant a kick in the chaps for him, but you’re like pure sunshine, ain’t ya?”
I found myself smiling back. “That’s sweet of you to say. Rob’s very important to me and I promise, I almost never have to kick him in the chaps,” I quipped. “If I do decide to take you on, you’d have to live here with us. Do you have any trepidation in living with us vampers at all?”
“I lived with my share of humans was worse bloodsuckers than the lot of you folk. It ain’t about your race to me, it’s about the person you are underneath. Rob vouched for ya, that’s good enough for me.”
“That’s good to hear, and I should say likewise. If Rob cared enough to bring you out here, you must be the right man for the job,” I said, offering him my hand, which he clasped warmly. “I apologize if this sounds a little naïve, but it won’t cause a problem for you being from out of town, will it? From what I understand, weres are fairly territorial about those who aren’t in their pack, aren’t they?”
“They can be, but don’t you worry none about it. I’ve been here a time or two before, just gotta pay my respects is all.”
“Alrighty then, I think that about satisfies all the questions I have for now. Do you have any questions for me?”
“Just one. I ain’t got to wear a suit, do I? I’ll do it if you need me to, but I can’t bring myself to wear a tie. Feels too much like a noose around my neck.”
I laughed at that. “No, you won’t have to wear a suit unless it’s a special occasion and then you won’t have to wear a tie. Not even if we go see the crowned heads of Europe.”
Lee’s posture eased at that. “Then I’m good. Oh, what’s your stance on cookin’ in the house? I noticed you had a human on the staff, and I make a pretty mean brisket, but I understand if you don’t care for the smells in the house.”
“It’s fine by me, but we’ll have to see how Rob does with it, he’s still getting used to his enhanced senses. We can always open a window if it gets to be too bad, I suppose. Besides, you’re more likely to be cooking during the day while we’re conked out, right?”
“We can spank that pig when we come to it, I reckon. Miss Anja, I think this here could work out fine.”
“I do too, Lee,” I agreed, just as Rob poked his head into the room.
“Everything alright here?”
“Better than alright,” I smiled, waving him in. “I think Lee will make a perfect addition to the household. Can you please ask Maggie about getting him one of the rooms upstairs? Now that Mason’s gone we should have the space.”
His face split into a rare smile. “Grand. I knew you two would get on. Come with me then, mate, I’ll show you around.” Rob lingered by the door, letting the older man go through first so he could catch my eye for a private wink before disappearing.
With that settled, my gaze fell on the small box sitting on the corner of my desk, the gift from my parents. Guilt settled in over how I’d treated them as I picked it up and untied the shiny red ribbon. Inside the box was an ornate golden pitch pipe, the kind used to give a single note to a vocalist.
It was beautiful, sure, but it represented the enormity of the rift between me and my parents. A year ago I’d have been thrilled with the perfect present, but now it represented a life I no longer led. Just like my mother didn’t like how bossy I’d turned out, I didn’t like how easily I’d let them guilt me into a life that made me uncomfortable in my own skin. Well, no more.
Opening the bottom drawer of my desk, I stuck the pitch pipe in the back corner and shut it away, unused. No more scared-of-her-own-shadow, eager-to-please, Anja. Bossy Anja was in control now, and I’d be damned if I let either Ellri take that away from me.
Chapter Fifteen
“Does Rob like the ladies?” Jenessa cornered me in the kitchen as soon as I woke up the next night.
As soon as I recovered from the tea that went into my lungs instead of my stomach, I managed to croak, “What?”
“Does he like the ladies, or does he steer the punt from the Cambridge end?” she asked, all wide eyed and earnest.
“Ah…” Not that I had a clue what she meant in the literal sense, but I kind of got the gist of it. “He prefers women to men, if that’s what you mean.”
“Are you absolutely sure?”
“Rob dated Bridget for a while when we were roommates. I can guarantee you he likes the ladies just fine.”
“Oh.” There was all manner of defeat in that one word and even though I knew I should stay out of it, I couldn’t help but ask.
“Why?”
“Because I’ve been laying down my best patter on him and he hasn’t so much as nibbled,” she said with a dramatic sigh, sinking onto one of the seats at the kitchen table.
Okay, so on the inside I was doing a happy dance, but on the outside I tried my best to sound sympathetic. “Really? You two seemed to be getting along famously when you first moved in.”
“I thought so too, but ever since then, he almost seems to walk away whenever I’m near.”
“Maybe it’s a self control thing. He’s going through a lot of changes right now. Maybe he doesn’t trust himself around you.”
“I wouldn’t mind if he had a taste.”
Ick, ick, eewh… For the love of God, make the mental pictures go away… I clutched the mug so hard the handle snapped off in my hand, and I rose to put it in the sink before she noticed. “I thought you were um, interested in rekindling things with Mac, or wasn’t there that guy in Seattle you mentioned?”
“I’m not much into long distance relationships,” she shrugged. “Besides, Rob’s even sexier now that he’s a vampire. You’ve honestly never seen him that way?”
“Ah…” Frak, what was I supposed to say now? My ears scanned the house hoping someone was nearby to rescue me from having to answer, but Maggie was poking around in her room and Lee snored softly in his. Even Hanna was watching TV quietly in my sitting room downstairs. No such luck. “I don’t know, what can I say? He’s probably the best friend I have right now.” Not a lie… “Starting anything extra with him would probably get complicated.” Definitely not a lie… “Besides, I have both Jakob and Bishop interested in me, I’m not looking for any more complications right now.”
“Then you don’t mind if I keep trying?”
I turned away from the sink, my head tilting to one side as I studied her. Jenessa had an elegant beauty about her that I could never hope to achieve. Why she felt the need to pursue these men was beyond me. “Um… excuse me for being blunt, but why would you want to? If he’s not interested, why keep trying? Why not find someone who wants to chase y
ou for a change?”
“I suppose it’s my competitive nature, I like to win,” she smiled.
“Happy hunting then, I guess. Only don’t feel bad if you never turn his head. Maybe you’re not his type?” Time to change the subject. “Other than that, are you settling in well?”
“Yes, it’s somewhat strange not having my own place, but it’s very comfortable, thanks. I don’t suppose the new bloke’s open minded?”
It took me a minute to switch tacks back to the dating thing. “Lee?” Wasn’t he old enough to be her… scratch that, I kept forgetting Jenessa was a lot older than she looked.
“Yes, him. He’s got a certain weathered charm I can appreciate and there’s something to be said for experience.”
I could vouch for that with Rob, but I held my tongue. “I don’t know, he didn’t seem to have any prejudices when we spoke, but we didn’t get into his social life. Have you dated a werewolf before?”
“No, but there’s a first time for everything. They’ve got more stamina than humans and you don’t have to worry so much about breaking them.”
How romantic. “You’d probably have to ask him about it.”
“Maybe I will,” she brightened.
*
“Hey, sleepyhead.” I sat on the edge of Rob’s bed to shake him awake. Normally I liked to let him sleep in until he naturally rose, but Jenessa had taken Maggie out shopping and Hanna was upstairs playing Texas Hold ‘Em with Lee, so we had some relative privacy for the moment.
“Hey,” he murmured, his voice low and roughened with sleep. “Something amiss?”
“Nope, just thought I’d ask you something to help settle a bet.”
His brows crinkled closer in confusion. “What kind of bet?”
“You do like the ladies, don’t you?”
“Come again?”
“Jenessa was wondering, and seeing as how I haven’t been close enough to you to tell lately…”
That’s as far as I got before he grabbed hold of me with one arm and pulled me into the bed beside him, growling, “I’ll show you how much I like the ladies.” He covered my neck with raspy kisses, making me giggle uncontrollably until we settled under the comforter, my hair half strewn across my face as I fought for breath.