“Maybe quicker than usual, but as soon as we make an appointment to see a property, people will talk. It’s what they do in small towns.” She blushed at how quickly her mind went to Dillon and what he would think about those rumors. Probably relieved.
Shane’s voice broke her thoughts. “Are you ready for that?”
“Sure, if you are staying, we’re going to be on their lips soon. We might as well have a say in what they whisper.” Was she really ready? There was so much unfinished business, just in town there was Dillon and Sebastian. Her lingering feelings about them both demanded she do more than just tell herself she had moved on. Out there in the back of her mind was Steven and Lewis. Even Mikhail danced into her thoughts of inadequacy.
She needed to come to terms with all of them, so Shane could have her whole heart.
If that were even possible.
“They will whisper, damn that is the cutest couple I’ve ever seen.” A broad grin filled his face and his eyes sparkled.
Gwen smiled and breathed out, relaxed by his ease. He was her future. The fates sent her a chance for normal, and she would not let anything spoil that, including herself. “I agree. Yarn shop first. I need to get some yarn too.”
“And there is the real reason.” His laughter filled the car.
She swatted at him playfully. “Stop it, it’s for you. You can help me pick colors.”
“What are you making me?” He cocked his head to the side and then his eyes got wide. “Something blessed?”
“No, I will, but not yet. I will make you something blessed once I figure out what sort of blessing you need. You already seem so perfectly happy.” Her hand went up to the charm again. Even though she didn’t know what the blessing was, it meant the world to her. He made it for her, for them.
“I am perfectly happy. That’s all you.” He pulled in a parking space in front of the yarn shop, reached over the console, and took her hand. “Having you is my blessing.”
His words and the sweet look on his face filled her with hope. She gave his hand a squeeze and waited while he walked around. That he always insisted on getting her door was charming, even if a little old fashioned.
As soon as they walked in, Kathy seemed to appear from nowhere with her signature smile. “Is this the cute red-head I’ve heard so much about, Shane?”
“Yes, ma’am. You must be Kathy. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you, I hope you can say the same.” He flashed her a bright smile and shook her hand.
Gwen hugged Kathy and stepped back under Shane’s arm. “Coffee smells wonderful, is that almonds?”
“She’s got such a nose for coffee. You kids want a cup?” Kathy started toward the corner where the coffee pot was.
“Yes, please. I need a few things, and I also wanted to ask you about something.” Gwen trailed behind her with her hand staying in Shane’s.
After she poured them both cups and handed them over, she put a hand on Gwen’s shoulder. “How are you holding up? I know Dillon is working hard to get this solved. We are all so sorry it’s happening to you.” She paused and chewed her lip. “I’m here for you anyway you need, sweetie.”
“I’m…” Gwen frowned, she had been trying not to think about the murders or Dillon for a day. “I’m doing okay, considering. Shane is looking for a store front, here in town. Do you know of any or anyone who could help us?”
Kathy brightened at that and observed him more closely. “Oh really. Serious?” She took Gwen’s hand, not being discrete as she looked to see if there was a new ring there. For a second she frowned and then looked back up to them. “Let me just grab a number for you.”
“You know I agree with her, I should fill that finger.” He grinned and looked at her hand as Kathy had, before he sipped his coffee. “Delicious.”
“Shane. We. I.” Gwen was glad when Kathy came back over, because she wasn’t sure what to say to that.
“Here you go. This is for Hailey, you’ve probably seen her a time or two at the town halls, she’ll know if anything is available.” Kathy tapped her finger on the index card she wrote the number on. “Ask her about the Delaney building. It’s just a few doors down from here and has been empty forever.”
Gwen took the card and slipped it in the pocket of her jeans. “I knew you would know someone. Do you have any summer weight wool or maybe a cotton blend for a throw? For Shane.”
The smile that grew on Kathy’s face matched Shane’s. She started toward the middle of the store where several baskets were. “Give these a squeeze.” She reached in and handed Gwen and Shane each a ball of some beige speckled yarn.
“Oh, that feels delicious. What do you think, sweetheart?” Gwen turned to Shane to see he was clearly humoring them with his half squeeze.
“Perfect. You would know yarn much better than me, my love.” He grinned and handed the yarn back to Kathy.
“What color? I have this in the beige, a country blue, and baby pink.” Kathy pulled out two more balls in the other two colors.
“Not pink. Beige?” Shane sipped his coffee after he nodded at the yarn.
“Perfect, I need.” Gwen stopped and looked at the label to get the yardage. “Fifteen balls.”
Kathy left them and returned with a few bags. She loaded them with yarn and then watched them, smiling that Shane kept Gwen close, seeming to guard her. “Did you need anything else?”
Gwen gathered a few more supplies, not that she was lacking so much as she needed to feed her crafting addiction. After they left, Shane put the bags in the car and they walked to the empty building Kathy mentioned. Gwen called, leaving a message at the number Kathy gave them, while Shane walked around and peered in the windows.
The rest of the day was spent walking main street and looking at other buildings with potential. They took a few notes and when the real estate agent returned their call, they agreed to a meeting Monday, to talk about all the sites and possibly go see some of them.
“Today was relaxing, thank you.” Gwen’s attention focused outside the window while they drove. She watched as the buildings started to give way to trees.
He reached over and laced his fingers in hers. “It sure was. Nice to be doing normal things for a change. I’m pretty excited about Monday.”
Gwen didn’t need to look to know he was smiling. She could hear that in his voice. Monday, she hadn’t told him about that yet. “If it runs long, I made an appointment, I may need to go without you.”
“Oh, secrets already? I haven’t even moved in yet.”
“No, I was, I meant, I wanted to see a doctor.” Her fingers fiddled with the hem on her shirt.
“Are you sick, sweetheart? You want to teach me how to do a healing? Or maybe Sebastian?”
She turned to see he had stopped smiling and looked worried. “No, I’m not sick. I wanted to talk to them about what we talked about. Precautions we can take.”
“Monday? When did you make that appointment?” His brows creased, but it didn’t really matter, by Monday he hoped to have some results. Between the less than cautious encounters and the fertility charm she wore, he hoped he would hit the deadline.
“This morning, I’m really worried about things and we should have been more careful to start with.” She squeezed his hand and looked back out the window.
He flipped the subject back to the shop and moving his things in. It surprised him how easily he had used her guilt about Dillon to push that forward. Part of him felt rotten about that, especially since he knew they really did belong together, but that part didn’t overshadow the part of him that wanted to survive. It barely outweighed the little voice in his head that kept talking about how cool it was going to be to have everything he ever wanted.
After they put everything away, he tested Dmitry’s work on her mind and was impressed. He knew vampires could influence people and that Dmitry was somehow able to get in her thoughts and dreams, but considering their talk in the car he expected more of a fight. She of course protested, but as he
pressed, her desire for caution melted and they made love in the main room.
She was relaxed in his lap, wondering how they ended up making love, since she had been determined to wait until after Monday, when her phone buzzed. A glance at the screen told her it was Dillon. Her sigh was loud as she closed her eyes, enjoying a few more seconds of bliss before answering. “Hello.”
Shane twirled his fingers in her hair, and then rubbed her shoulders gently when he felt her tense up.
“He’s missing, the professor.” Dillon’s voice sounded like he was feeling defeated.
“Missing?” Gwen sat up, the room started to feel like it was falling in on her, even though it was cavernous and she still hadn’t filled it with furniture. “But you had men watching him, right? Jesus, Dillon, where are you? You are not safe.”
“Relax, I’m at the station. I want to talk to you about what happened. Unofficially. This isn’t even my case anymore.”
“Of course, we are at the house. Did you want to come over, or meet at Mel’s?” She paused and considered what he said. “Why are you off the case?”
Shane wiggled out from beside her and whispered, “I’ll just start coffee, full pot?”
She nodded and put her hand over the phone before kissing and thanking him.
“I’ll be over in a bit if that’s okay with you. The day here is almost over. I, I left my name on your list. It’s not appropriate to work cases you are so close to. I should have taken myself off earlier.”
She could hear him sigh and knew that there were words left unsaid, still. “Shane’s making coffee, have you eaten? I’m going to whip up something for us, I can make you some too.” She hung up and walked in the kitchen to get started after he told her he hadn’t eaten. After watching Shane a few seconds, she snuck up behind him and wrapped her arms around him, kissing his shoulder. “I’m sorry, but Dillon’s on the way, it’s about Steven, he’s missing.”
Shane turned and kissed her. “That’s fine. Really. I told you, he’s coming over for fishing tomorrow too.”
“You are so amazing. I’m going to make dinner, any preferences?” She walked over to the pantry and starting taking stock of what she had to work with.
While she was looking she realized she knew exactly what Dillon would want, without asking.
“I have a feeling you are about to be very stressed out, why don’t you make something simple. I’ll help.” He watched her wiggle her lips. “You are so cute when you think.”
She turned to him and smiled. “Steven is missing and you still make me smile. You are my blessing.” She took a few steps and kissed his lips, softly. The kiss, which was innocent enough, ignited a new craving. It was hard for her to understand where that came from, so she stepped back and attributed it to their magic mingling. “How about I make a fast potato soup? We have some bacon I can use instead of ham. You think that will work?”
“Perfect, what can I do?”
Together they made soup and had the table set. Everything was ready with time for a fast kiss and hug before Dillon knocked. Gwen looked at Shane, her eyes filled with worry.
“It’s going to be fine.” He held her another second and then pulled out her chair. “Sit down, I’ll let him in.”
She watched Shane walk out, realizing she was glad he was there to answer the door. With the understanding of Steven sinking in, she felt weak and struggled to find her adaptable brave side. She looked up when she heard them talking as they walked in.
“Thanks for cooking. It smells wonderful.” When Dillon looked at her, she noticed the sparkle missing from his eyes. It had been replaced with dark circles and a haunted look.
She frowned. “Of course, sit down, you look awful.”
Gwen was sat at the head of the table. Both men sat across from each other, one on either side of her.
There was a long silent moment before Shane stood back up and filled her bowl, then his. He looked to Dillon. “Fill it up?”
“Thank you.” Dillon nodded, then his eyes drifted back to Gwen. “Something strange happened to Steven.”
Shane sat the now full bowl down in front of Dillon. “You want to eat first?” He frowned and narrowed his eyes. “Or at least let her eat?”
“It’s fine, sweetheart, really. I want to know.” Gwen took a small bite of soup. She didn’t feel very hungry, but knew she should eat.
Dillon rapped his finger on his spoon and took a bite. The three of them eating together was awkward enough, but he wasn’t sure what all Gwen knew, or what all Shane knew, and what happened with Steven was strange. “I’m sorry. We can wait.” He tried for a smile and managed a half of one. “Are you out of cake? Why are we starting with soup?”
Shane laughed. “That’s more like it. Hey, we have some cake if that’s what everyone would rather have.”
Gwen looked away.
Cake first was really something between her and Dillon, and part of her wanted to keep it that way. “No, this is fine. Please, tell me what happened.”
Shane started eating while Dillon relayed the story.
Gwen ran her fingers along the wood of the underside of the table.
While he talked, Dillon stirred his soup repeatedly. “There were two men tailing Steven. These men are trained to do this, understand. He vanished. They watched as Steven and a woman walked under a tree and into a shadow. They stepped into a shadow and disappeared. He never returned to his classroom, office, or for his scheduled classes.”
Gwen’s mouth opened and snapped shut as she tried to think of what to ask or say. She couldn’t very well tell him about real witches.
Dillon could see she wanted to say something. He wondered if it was him or Shane that had her hesitating.
“Hey, why don’t I get everyone coffee?” Shane stood up and left, thinking Dillon might be more forthcoming if he was away.
As soon as he left, Dillon looked at Gwen and his features filled with worry. “Something strange is happening. People don’t vanish under surveillance. One man stood in front of them and one was behind them. They were both looking at them, and suddenly they were staring at each other. It’s not like they walked around a corner out of sight. They vanished in plain sight.”
“Why, why are you telling me this?” Her words stammered as she tried to think of a reason to give him. She wanted him cautious, but she didn’t want his whole world changed to the scary place hers had become.
“How would someone know who you had a crush on? Why would you worry they would know you loved me when you never told anyone? What’s going on?” His eyes locked on hers, begging for the truth.
Gwen could feel the intensity of his stare. There was a longing for answers in his voice. “To use your own words, I just can’t explain that.”
“Gwen, I’m not talking about pie with a receptionist here, people are dead. You can tell me anything, in confidence.” He ran one finger over the rim of his bowl. “You know that? I will always protect you.”
Gwen cut her eyes at him. “No, some things we can’t talk about. It won’t change who is dead or dies.” She started to cry.
“If you know something, it could help me solve this. Shane could be next.” Dillon reached a hand toward her, but pulled it back when he heard her draw in a sharp breath.
“No, you’re next.” She wiped her eyes and looked away, trying not to think about Lewis or Sebastian, who both could well be next, if Sebastian had been wrong in his estimation of the witch’s power.
“Okay, fine, I’m next. Help me. What am I facing?” He looked up when Shane came back in. “Thank you.” He nodded at the steaming coffee Shane sat in front of him.
“So, aside from vanishing, what did the agent tell you? Did they search his home, girlfriends? Hang outs?” Shane asked as he put a cup down for him and Gwen. He stood behind her and rubbed her shoulders that were tight.
“Obviously, agent Linder is worried about his men, considering their story. These men don’t lose sight of their tails. They just don’t.” Dill
on took a long sip of his coffee and sighed. “I believed your hunch, Gwen, I did, and now I am worried the next time we see Steven will be here. In town and dead.”
She reached up, taking Shane’s hand. “He’s right.”
“Way to go. How about we not think the damn worst. Maybe the men slacked. Maybe Steven is off scrounging with that woman he walked off with, and will return hung over and happy.” Shane put an arm around her and stroked her hair with the other.
“It’s not his fault. It’s just so awful. You know he’s right. Steven is dead. It’s a matter of when he turns up now. You two, you two are…” She looked away and stared at the soup in her bowl that had grown cold and started to congeal.
He hugged her tighter. “Us two are big boys that aren’t going anywhere. Except fishing, we are fishing tomorrow, right?”
Dillon looked at him, stunned. “I, sure, we are. I’m sorry for upsetting you. I should go.”
“Wait. Is it dark?” Gwen looked up from Shane.
“Yes, he’ll be fine.” Shane kissed her forehead. “I’ll walk him out.”
“Dillon.” She paused and swallowed. She couldn’t tell him what she was. She didn’t want to tell him about the monsters either. “Be careful. Thank you for telling us what you know.”
Dillon smiled and walked out with Shane behind him.
“I didn’t mean to upset her. Do you know? Is it a monster killing them?” Dillon asked once they were outside.
“Witch, it’s a witch.” Shane looked back toward the house. She feels responsible, because it is related to her family. Try not to make it worse for her. She’s fragile, even though she is powerful.”
“Is she trying to fight this thing that is killing people? You can’t let her do that.” Dillon stood just inside his opened car door.
Shane divided his attention between the house and Dillon. “She’s fragile emotionally. She’s a powerful witch. A good witch. A good witch with strong monsters backing her. As soon as she finds the bad witch, it’ll be over.”
“How are you so sure? Did she tell you that?”
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