The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls Book 6)

by Kristen Painter

Her eyes narrowed. “You might be the crazy one.”

  “I might be.” He crossed his arms. “But those are my terms. All or nothing.”

  “I’m not divorced yet—”

  “You will be.”

  “So I was going to say, we can’t go public with this until that’s finalized.”

  “I’m good with that. Does that mean you agree to what I said?”

  “All or nothing, huh?”

  He nodded.

  She nodded tentatively. “But what if I get overwhelmed, or can’t handle being in another relationship so soon, or—”

  “We’ll figure it out. We’ll slow down or back off or whatever, but if we’re meant to be, I don’t think either one of us will feel that way.”

  “I haven’t had a reason to believe in soul mates, you know.”

  He shrugged. “I know. But maybe I can change that.”

  Her tentativeness gave way to a bright, beaming smile that matched the look in her eyes. “So yeah, I guess we’re doing this.” She pointed at him. “I’m big on honesty and being upfront and just putting everything out there. I don’t want to have to guess what you’re feeling or try to figure out if you’re happy or if you’re not or any of that. I had too much nonsense like that the first go-round. I’m not doing it again.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Which meant talking to Delaney just got moved up on Alex’s list of priorities.

  All the way to number one.

  Roxy floated through dinner. Alex had responded so much better to her heartfelt declaration that the thought she might be losing her marbles no longer put her in such a state of panic.

  Granted, she hadn’t figured on him wanting a full-blown relationship, but he’d said all the right things and her reservations had disappeared. Plus, he seemed so willing to let her dictate the speed and intensity of the relationship. How could she not want that? She’d never been in the driver’s seat with Thomas. She couldn’t miss the chance to try it now, especially with a guy like Alex.

  A smokin’ hot guy like Alex. It really was like he’d stepped off one of her book covers.

  “You’re staring.”

  “Hmm?” She realized he’d said something and she’d been miles away. Thinking about him, but still miles away.

  “Do I have parsley in my teeth or something?”

  “No, I was just…taking it all in.” She laughed, the giggly nervousness of desire and possibility and this new infatuation making it impossible not to.

  He grinned. “It?”

  “You.” She pushed her linguine around on her plate. “You know what I mean.”

  He put his fork down and sat back. “No, tell me. You’re a writer. Use your words. Tell me exactly what you mean.”

  “Oh, is that how it’s going to be? A challenge?”

  “You’re the one who said you believe in putting it all out there.”

  “That I did. Okay, then.” She’d already stripped her soul bare in front of him once. She was willing to do it again. “What I mean is that I am sitting here reveling in how unbelievably sexy you are. How amazing you are inside and out. And I’m in awe of how the last four abysmal years of my life have led me to a man who could easily have any woman he wanted, and yet, he wants me.”

  Alex nodded. “True statement. I do want you.”

  She grinned. “That works out then, because I’ve also been contemplating how best to make up for lost time.”

  “Meaning?”

  She stared at him. “Meaning all the years I went without. Attention, affection, companionship. Sex.”

  He swallowed, and she thought she saw a hint of color cross his cheeks. “Okay, definitely getting the picture.”

  She shifted in her chair. “In fact, I was thinking about all the sex scenes I’ve written over the years. About how I don’t even really know if all of them are possible. Like, there’s one that takes place in a shed.”

  His brows lifted, and he nodded. “Or the one on the motorcycle.”

  Her mouth opened. “That scene doesn’t come until almost the end of the first book. Did you really read that far?”

  He shrugged. “I read the whole thing. Couldn’t put it down, actually.”

  She shook her head in disbelief. Thomas had never even shown the slightest bit of interest in her work, except to mock the very idea that anyone would want to read about romance. But Alex had read one of her books without her saying anything about it. She’d never felt such utter amazement in her life. Or desire.

  She stood up, willing that intense feeling to power her through the next bold move. “Dinner is over. Dessert is being served. In the bedroom. If you’re interested. Which I’m hoping you are. The flan we can have later. We’ll probably need some sugar to fuel the rest of the evening.”

  His eyes flashed gold, but she was too happy to care that the crazy had returned. He jumped up and grabbed her hand. “Yes, I’m interested—actually, interested isn’t a strong enough word, but there are two reasons this isn’t going to happen tonight.”

  She frowned, knowing she looked disappointed, but she’d already told him this was going to be all about honesty. “Which are?”

  “One, it’s dark now and my first concern is keeping you safe. Which means checking in with my friends who are helping me and heading out to make sure your ex isn’t lurking somewhere, plotting to do you harm. Your safety takes precedence. Which is why there will be another deputy parked outside, watching your place while I’m gone.”

  She nodded reluctantly. “Okay, I understand all that. And thank you. What’s the second reason?”

  He grabbed her hips and pulled her against him, his eyes blazing as he peered into hers. “I believe in foreplay. Physical and mental, and right now, you’re running on impulse, which I appreciate, but waiting a little longer will be worth it. I promise. I want our first night together to be perfect.”

  She liked the sound of that.

  He glanced at the table. “And maybe not after we’ve both just had large quantities of garlic, either.”

  She laughed and slid her hands up his chest. “Okay, those are good reasons. How long are you going to make me wait?”

  He leaned down and nuzzled her neck, making her sigh and shiver at the same time. Her pulse kicked up. She was already anticipating what was to come. If only Thomas wasn’t out there and Alex didn’t have to go look for him.

  His hot breath tickled her skin as he answered. “Until you think you can’t wait another second.”

  His teeth scraped her throat. “And then, one second more.”

  “Coffee? Cookies?” Delaney asked. “I have some salted butterscotch blondies too, if you want one of those.”

  “No, thanks. I just ate.” Alex stood in her kitchen, thankful that Delaney had agreed to see him on such short notice at her home. He’d called as soon as Deputy Lafitte had shown up at Roxy’s. Then Alex had driven straight here with the hopes of this being a quick trip. He had no desire to be away from her any longer than necessary.

  Delaney took a few sugar cookies out of a jar on the counter, put them on a small plate, then sat at the kitchen table. “You said you wanted to talk about Roxy. What’s going on?”

  He shook his head. “She’s still seeing things she shouldn’t. I’m sure of it. For whatever reason, the magic in the water isn’t having any effect on her.”

  Delaney broke one of the cookies in half and took a bite. She swallowed before she answered. “That shouldn’t be.”

  “But it is. So someone has to tell her the truth. She thinks she’s going crazy. Actually losing her mind. Did you know her mother had some issues with schizophrenia?”

  Delaney stared at the plate. “Yes. She told me about that when we were in college. Very sad.”

  “Then you can understand how this can’t go on any longer.”

  “Oh no. Of course not.” Delaney put the remains of the cookie down. “That’s not good at all. She doesn’t need to think she’s going mad in addition to all the stress of t
his stupid divorce. But with her mother’s history, you can see why I’m hesitant to add any more stress to that load.”

  “I get that, but listen, her ex is playing games. Sending her notes, leaving messages on her car, and generally freaking her out.”

  “What?” Delaney’s eyes flashed with indignation, and she snarled, baring her fangs. “That lowlife piece of—are you doing anything about this?”

  “I am. I’ve made the other deputies aware, in fact, one of them is sitting outside her place right now keeping watch while I’m gone, and we’ve been actively searching for him in town. Nothing yet, but we’ll find him. I also plan to stay at her place tonight and I hope to lay hands on the man.”

  “Are you also going to put a little supernatural fear into him?”

  Alex nodded. “When I’m done with him, he’ll be begging to sign those divorce papers and leave Roxy alone. Hell, I doubt he’ll ever step foot in Nocturne Falls again.”

  “Good.”

  “So then we tell Roxy.”

  Delaney pushed the remains of the cookies around on her plate, her expression tortured. “I just… I don’t know how to tell her. I always pictured doing it over a girls’ night, after a couple of drinks and when the mood was just right. But thanks to my pregnancy, that hasn’t happened. Now there’s all this stuff with her ex going on and I worry that I could be telling her something that could do more damage than good.”

  “She writes paranormal romance for a living. She’ll probably handle it better than you think.”

  “But in her current state of mind?”

  “I think she would find it a great relief to know she’s not actually having a break with reality.”

  “Yes, you’re right.” Delaney tipped her head. “Do you think her job is why the magic in the water isn’t working on her? She’s already so connected to the supernatural. She writes about it, so she must think about it all the time. Maybe her subconscious already knows better and just won’t let the magic take root.”

  “Is that possible?”

  She shrugged. “I’d have to ask Alice Bishop. It’s her spell, after all.”

  Alex thought for a moment. “You’ve known Roxy a long time. Any chance she has a little supernatural blood in her? That could keep the magic from working, right?”

  “It absolutely could. But whether or not her background includes supernatural bloodlines is beyond me. Remember, I was as human as she is when we first met. And if she does have some supernatural heritage, it’s so small that neither Hugh nor I have picked up on it.”

  “Did I hear my name?” Hugh Ellingham walked in, a newspaper under one arm. “Hello, Deputy.” His brows lifted. “Everything all right?”

  “Everything’s fine. I’m not here on official business.”

  Delaney stood and kissed her husband on the cheek. “He’s here about Roxy.”

  Hugh nodded and slid his arm around Delaney’s waist, but his concern remained. “She’s not in any trouble, is she?”

  Alex frowned. “Her ex is giving her some grief, but I’m on top of it.”

  Hugh’s expression shifted to confusion. “Is there something we can do to help with that? Because we will. Just say the word.”

  Alex looked at Delaney. He didn’t know what she’d told Hugh and what she hadn’t. “That’s not really why I’m here. But if things escalate, I may take you up on that.”

  Delaney sighed. “He’s here because he wants to let Roxy in on the truth about Nocturne Falls. The magic in the water isn’t hiding the supernatural from her, and according to Deputy Cruz, she thinks she’s going crazy because of the things she’s seeing.”

  Hugh’s brows knit. “Then by all means, tell her.” He shook his head. “I said you should have told her when she first moved here.”

  She barked out a laugh. “You remember how I reacted when I found out you were a vampire?”

  He leaned back. “Very well. You climbed out of a second-story window with your cat in a backpack in the middle of the night and took off.” He snorted. “I had to follow you through the woods and convince you that I was telling the truth.”

  “Exactly. So can you imagine how Roxy will react on top of the stress of her looming deadline and going through this awful divorce? I just don’t want to push her over the edge.”

  Alex cleared his throat softly. “Not telling her is already pushing her over the edge.”

  “And it’s my fault.” Delaney put a hand on her belly. “Again, you’re right. I need to tell her. I think this pregnancy is scrambling my brain a bit. As much as I’d rather put it off until morning, it needs to be done tonight, doesn’t it?”

  Alex didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I can’t keep withholding the truth from her. We like each other, and that’s just not a good way to start any kind of relationship.”

  Hugh nodded. “I agree. And not just for that reason.” He looked at Delaney. “I’m sure you’re tired, my darling, but your friend obviously needs to understand what’s happening around here as soon as possible.”

  Delaney nodded. “She does. And I think Alex needs to go with me. She obviously trusts him and that way, if she runs off like I did, he can go after her. Are you good with that, Deputy?”

  “Absolutely,” Alex said. That was exactly what he wanted. “It’ll be easier to show her that what we’re talking about is real if she sees two of us for what we truly are. And if she runs, which I don’t think she will, I’ll definitely go after her.”

  Delaney narrowed her eyes a little. “You think she’s going to be okay with this?”

  “I keep coming back to what she writes about. Based on those books, I think she could be very receptive to it.”

  “I hope you’re right.” She hoisted herself out of the chair. “Fudge balls. I get any bigger and I won’t fit behind the steering wheel.”

  “I can drive if you like,” Alex offered.

  “No, I can manage. I’m going to swing by the shop and pack up a big bag of Roxy’s favorites. Might help things go down a little better. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Half an hour, tops.”

  Relief washed through Alex. Finally Roxy would know the truth and have peace about what was happening. “I’ll see you at her house then. Thank you. Evening, Hugh.”

  Hugh nodded. “Deputy.”

  Alex texted Roxy that he was on his way back, and by the time he turned into their neighborhood, he’d pretty much planned what he was going to say. Of course, he’d let Delaney go first, so he realized he might have to modify his words a bit, but that was okay.

  There would be no more secrets between them after this evening.

  Since he had time before Delaney arrived, and Deputy Lafitte was parked outside of Roxy’s house on watch, Alex decided to do a quick drive through the streets around her place.

  There wasn’t much to see. Pandora Williams’s house was dark except for the landscaping lighting. She spent a lot of time at her boyfriend’s house these days. The Dravens were away on a tour of Scotland. Freda Stover was visiting her sister in Florida. As he drove around, he realized there were a number of vacant houses Thomas could be hiding out in.

  He parked on a side street a few blocks away and sent a text to Lafitte that he was back and Lafitte was free to return to his shift duties. Alex appreciated the man’s help, but he also knew this wasn’t officially sheriff business yet. That done, he headed on foot toward Roxy’s. He cut through yards and down driveways, keeping to the shadows and using his feline shifter senses to be as quiet as possible and hear every little thing.

  Then a familiar scent and the crack of a twig brought him to a full stop at the corner of the Goldburgs’. Their yard wasn’t fenced and sat behind his and to the left of Roxy’s, meaning the top story of the playhouse in her backyard blocked most of his view of her property.

  He leaned against the Goldburgs’ house, hidden by a trellis of bougainvillea. His night vision was excellent, so even through the deep shadows he could do more than just pick out shapes and forms.

 
A figure lurked at the edge of Roxy’s fence. A man, by the shape and size. Maybe five-ten, a hundred and seventy-five pounds.

  Alex shifted into his half-form and inhaled, mouth open, so he could get a better read on the stranger’s scent. Definitely human.

  The man rounded the corner of the fence, heading for the front of Roxy’s house via the Hadads’ side yard. Alex trailed him with the deep quiet only a big cat shifter could manage. He’d gotten to within inches of a perp before without being detected. This guy hadn’t hesitated or glanced over his shoulder once. He was making it easy.

  He went around the fence and into the front yard. Alex stayed back, watching to see what the guy was going to do. He had some kind of package in his hands. A small box.

  Alex inhaled again but smelled nothing suspicious.

  The man stopped, his gaze seemingly on the front porch.

  Alex moved behind him, repositioning himself in the shadow of a big oak on the Hadads’ property.

  The guy looked around as he moved toward the gate that led into the backyard. He lifted the locking mechanism slowly, eased the gate open and slipped through, shutting the gate behind him just as carefully.

  Alex made his way to the gate, listening closely. The man sounded like he’d moved a few feet away. What was his plan? To leave that package on Roxy’s back porch? Then what?

  Then Alex heard footsteps on wood. That’s exactly what the man was doing—walking up the porch steps.

  This had to stop now. Anger wound around Alex’s spine, and he decided the best way to get rid of this creep was exactly as planned. Put a little supernatural fear into him. Alex, still in his half-form, leaped over the fence.

  He landed on all fours and almost shifted into his full panther form, but he wanted to talk to this guy.

  The man was on the porch, bending down in front of the sliders.

  Alex lunged, knocking the guy off the deck and into the grass. He landed on his stomach. Alex put a knee on his back, then bent to snarl in his ear, a deep menacing sound that had caused many a tough guy to cringe in fear.

  The man stiffened at the sound and stopped struggling. Alex straightened slightly as he heard a car pull up to the front of the house. Delaney had arrived. This business needed to come to a close.