Miss Frost Saves The Sandman: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost Book 3)

by Kristen Painter

  I led him through the crowd. Juniper was occupied with a customer buying a book, but I went behind the counter and pulled her aside as soon as she handed him his purchase. “I’d really like Greyson to stand back here with you today. He’s agreed to act as additional security in case Luna shows up. That’s it. You cool with that?”

  Juniper stared at Greyson on the other side of the counter, giving him a quick appraisal. “You eat today?”

  “I did,” Greyson answered.

  Juniper nodded. “Fine with me.”

  “Thank you.” I looked at Greyson, then tipped my head toward the spot next to me.

  He joined me behind the counter. “You want me to pitch in? Put stuff in sacks, that sort of thing?”

  I must have given him an odd expression.

  “What?” He smiled. “You don’t think I can work retail?”

  “I’m sure you can. I just can’t quite picture it. Especially in your VOD attire.” Which today was a slight deviation from the standard Vampire On Duty look for him—black leather pants with a simple black tee and a black canvas moto jacket. I realized he’d dressed down a little. Most likely for me. “But if you want to help, I don’t think Juniper would say no.”

  “No, I wouldn’t,” Juniper agreed. “At least until it slows down.”

  “You got it,” Greyson answered.

  “But don’t lose track of what you’re here for,” I told Greyson.

  “No chance of that. She won’t get by unnoticed.”

  I stepped out from behind the counter, my back to the door. “I’ll leave you to it then, and go see how things are going with Sanders.”

  Greyson’s gaze went past me. “Or not.”

  I turned.

  Luna stood behind me.

  I sucked in a breath. Son of a nutcracker. Why had she come at the start of the signing? I had a line of people waiting to see Sanders, and another line on the sidewalk outside the shop. I’d really thought she would have come toward the end, when things had died down.

  No pun intended.

  I pasted a smile on my face and approached her. She was dressed how I’d always seen her, all in black. Spiders and everything. Except today she also had black baby’s breath in her hair, worn like a crown. “Luna. You came.”

  She smiled right back at me, but it was a cold expression. “I said I would. And here I am.” She glanced past me, maybe looking for Sanders. “How does this work? As you can imagine, I’ve never been to a book signing before.”

  I nodded. “It’s easy. You buy a book, then take the book and your receipt with you while you wait in this line.” I gestured to the line snaking through the store. “One of the employees will check your receipt and mark it for you, then when you get to the front, Tempus will sign your book. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see you.”

  I wasn’t sure about that at all. I’d have to give him a heads-up as soon as I got Luna situated. And because the line was already so long, it would take at least half an hour, maybe forty-five minutes for her to see Sanders. That was a long time for her to be in my store.

  Too long.

  I tried to think about what my dad would do in a situation like this. How he would handle someone he wanted to spend as little time with as possible. Kill them with kindness, my father was fond of saying.

  My father was a smart man.

  I picked a book off the table. If getting rid of her early cost me a book, that was a small price to pay. “But I know you must be eager to see him, so take this book on the house and stand here by the register for a moment.” Where Greyson could watch her. “I want to tell Sanders it’s okay to start the signing, and then I’ll be right back.”

  She took the book from me, her smile faltering as we drew closer together. Her nose twitched. Was she picking up on the magic the witches had created for me? If so, I hoped she understood that I was wise to her games—and maybe even figured out that I wasn’t just anyone to be fooled with. I was the Winter Princess, after all. For whatever that was worth.

  “Something wrong?” I asked.

  Her eyes narrowed, but she shook her head. “No.” Then her smile returned, thin, but there. “I’ll wait right here.”

  “Be right back.” I wanted to look at Greyson, but I didn’t want to draw her attention to him, so I walked away without any contact. I swear I could sense him watching Luna, though.

  Sanders had already started signing books when I rounded the corner. He liked to talk to everyone, really give them their money’s worth. It was fantastic, really, and probably why we had such a big crowd on day two. There were definitely repeat customers in the mix.

  But it meant that things moved slowly and I needed Luna out as soon as possible. The longer she was here, the more chance there was for something to go wrong. And I did not need a lethal mistake in my shop.

  I sidled up to Olive. “I need to get a special customer in ahead of the line.”

  She frowned at me. “Who?”

  “You know who.”

  “Tall, dark, and skeletal?”

  “That’s the one.”

  Olive sighed. “Bring her back.”

  “I need to tell Sanders she’s here.”

  “I’ll prep him.” She cut her eyes in his direction. He was gabbing away with a grandmother getting three copies signed. “He’ll probably be thrilled.”

  “Even after this morning? He was so quick to blame her.”

  She made a face. “Yes, even after that. Before he took his nap, he was actually talking about how he owed her an apology.” She sighed. “What is it with men? It’s like he’s blinded by feminine wiles and sexual charms or something.”

  I didn’t particularly think Luna was all that sexy, but what did I know about Sanders’ taste in women? “They say there’s a lid for every pot, right?”

  Her eyes stayed on him, but her gaze took on a dark glint. “I suppose.”

  “I’ll just go get her.”

  Olive nodded, but never took her eyes off him. Was she worried about her boss? I didn’t blame her, because I was too.

  If the Sandman was still in love with the Mistress of Nightmares, we might all be in trouble.

  Sanders wasn’t just happy that Luna had shown up, he was ecstatic. With an enormous grin on his face, he jumped out of his chair, knocking it over. “Luna!”

  Olive righted it, her expression fixed into a solemn but otherwise blank mask.

  “You came!” He came around the signing table and took Luna’s hands in his as I stepped out of the way. “I’m so glad you did.”

  “I said I would.” She smiled the warmest smile I’d seen on her so far today. It was the same way she’d looked at him last night. “I’m so very proud of you, Tempus. Your own book. It’s very exciting.”

  I retreated to the edge of the room and glanced at the people in line, waiting for someone to be cranky about Luna’s massive line jump, but they all seemed enthralled by the scene unfolding before them. I understood. Tempus and Luna made a pretty interesting couple. Of course, the possibility existed that Luna might be using some kind of magic to influence them, but I didn’t really know if that was in her skill set or not.

  “How’s it going?” Greyson appeared at my side. His cinnamon-spice scent wafted over the herby smell of the pouch tucked beneath my dress.

  “Good.” I leaned into him a little so that I could keep my voice down. “They seem genuinely glad to be in each other’s company.”

  “They do. Are they getting back together?”

  “Not sure. But they can figure that out on their own time. Right now, I need him to sign her book so she can leave and we can get back to business.”

  I felt him move slightly. “The crowd seems okay with it.”

  My gaze stayed on Tempus and Luna. “For now. Let them wait five more minutes and this little reunion won’t be nearly so cute.”

  “You want me to escort her out if it goes too long?”

  “Not until I’ve given it my best diplomatic effort, but if s
he resists, you can have at it.”

  Luna had the book I’d given her tucked under her arm. She presented it to Sanders. “I would be honored if you would sign this for me.”

  I relaxed a little. Maybe this wasn’t going to take as long as I thought.

  Sanders’ smile grew impossibly larger. “The honor would be mine. But only if you’ll have dinner with me this evening.”

  She laughed—a sound that was flat out astonishing coming from her—and nodded. “That would be wonderful. But where will we go?”

  “Don’t give it another thought. My assistant will take care of it.” Sanders took the book from Luna and sat to sign it.

  Olive’s only reaction to his announcement was to reach for her phone and start tapping away. Presumably she was looking up suitable local restaurants. If she ever quit working for him, I would hire her. She might not be the cheeriest of people, but the woman had mad organizational skills. I could use someone that willing and efficient. I’d have to tell my dad.

  Sanders finished whatever he was writing in Luna’s book with a swooping flourish and handed the book back to her. Then he stood, took Luna’s hand, and presented her to the crowd as he spoke to them. “Thank you all for your patience so that I might sign a book for my…” He glanced at her, his eyes soft and dreamy. The guy had it bad. He kissed her hand. “My wife, the lovely Luna Nyx.”

  Wife?

  The crowd cheered and gasped and clapped. I started to make a face, then stopped myself before anyone saw me. Clearly, Sanders wasn’t the only one buying what Luna was selling. The customers in the store were eating this up.

  I leaned toward Greyson. “If the crowd is responding to her like that, there’s no way they’re seeing her in the same form we are, right? All those spiders and the Goth creepiness would have to freak some of them out.”

  “Right,” he answered. “They don’t see any of that, just like they don’t see my fangs or your pointed ears. That’s the beauty of this town and the bespelled water—it blurs all that away.”

  That amazing magic was what made it possible for Nocturne Falls to be a supernatural safe haven. That part I knew. “So what do they see?”

  “My guess is they see a Morticia Addams type. A tall, striking woman who favors the darker side of life. Much like Sanders most likely resembles a self-help guru who touts the benefits of meditation and low-impact yoga.”

  “Huh. I never thought about how they saw him. Interesting.” And it explained why they weren’t as weirded out by Luna as the rest of us were.

  Sanders cleared his throat in an attempt to get the crowd’s attention. It worked. “Now, if you’ll just excuse me for a few minutes while I escort Luna out, when I return I will be all yours.”

  There were a few groans from the crowd, confirming my thoughts that they were only going to put up with this interruption for so long.

  I stepped forward, smiling brightly. This wasn’t just about keeping the crowd happy. I wasn’t about to let her get him alone. Not yet, anyway. Not while he was still on company time. The last thing I needed was Sanders disappearing in the middle of the signing for a make-out session. Which, ew. “I’ll see her out, Mr. Sanders. I know Luna understands how busy you are.” I looked at her. “I’m sure you don’t want to pull him away from his fans, do you?”

  Her gaze went cold and her smile lost its warmth. “No, of course not.” She turned to Sanders, and kissed him on the cheek as she patted his chest. “Stay, my darling. I will see you tonight.”

  Olive caught my eye and gave me the tiniest grin, like she understood what I’d done and approved. Something about that vote of confidence boosted my spirts further.

  “Very kind of you, Jayne.” Sanders nodded at me.

  I gave him a little bow. “I’ll take good care of her, Mr. Sanders.”

  “Well, well,” Greyson whispered. “Nicely done, Princess.”

  I caught his eye and gave him a look to let him know I’d heard, then I turned my attention to Luna. “Right this way, Ms. Nyx.”

  I started forward, doing my best to part the crowd. I looked back once to make sure she was following me. She was. Glaring daggers at me, too. Whatever. Dirty looks weren’t going to do me any harm.

  I stopped at the door, keeping my smile tacked on. Greyson was already back behind the register. “Thank you for joining us, Luna. I’m sure you and Tempus will have a lovely evening. I wish you both all the best.”

  I waited for her to leave. She didn’t.

  She held up the book. “I still need to pay for this.”

  “Oh no, that’s on the house. My gift to you.” A stream of customers eddied around us. I stayed put, hoping she’d get the drift and flow on out the door with them.

  “Trying to get rid of me, hmm?”

  I shook my head more vigorously than I meant to. “Not at all. You’re welcome to stay and look around as long as you like. All our customers are. But it’s a busy day, as you can see, and my main focus is the signing and making sure the day goes as smoothly as possible for Tempus’ sake. If there’s something else you need, I’ll be happy to have one of my employees help you.”

  Her eyes narrowed and she glided closer to me. “I know you want me gone. I know you don’t like me. That you fear me. Why else would you wear such magic around you?”

  “Magic?” Yes, I was playing dumb. But what was I going to do? Admit I’d had some witchy help?

  Her fingers circled in the air in the front of me, her black, pointed fingernails gleaming in the bright shop lights. “I can smell it on you.”

  This whole business was wearing me out. Playing dumb had been…dumb. And my cheeks hurt from fake smiling. So I stopped. “I’m not afraid of you, Luna. Nor am I your biggest fan, but if you wanted me to like you, maybe you should have approached things differently.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Now who was playing dumb? “And I don’t appreciate the nightmares that show up every time I close my eyes.”

  Her mouth opened slightly like she was surprised. “What?”

  I rolled my eyes. Maybe not the best response, but come on. “They started the night Sanders arrived. The same night you checked into the Black Rose.” I’d gotten that info from Birdie. “I really don’t understand why you singled me out, but if you think I’m some kind of competition for Sanders, you’re wrong. Ice cold wrong.”

  “Competition? I…” She shook her head. “I’ve done no such thing.”

  Oh good, we were done telling the truth. “So those nightmares were just a coincidence? Yeah, I’m sure. Look, you paid your visit and showed your support and you got what you wanted, right? You and Tempus on the road to reunion. If there’s nothing else, I need to get back to work.”

  She hesitated. “I didn’t create those nightmares. I swear I didn’t.”

  She could swear all she wanted to, but the fact remained that she was the Mistress of Nightmares.

  Greyson was suddenly next to me. “Perhaps I can be of assistance?”

  Luna’s gaze shifted to him. “No, thank you. I was just leaving.” Her expression was curious and unreadable for a moment, then turned resigned as she looked at me. “Thank you for the book.”

  The woman was a puzzle. “You’re welcome.”

  “I’d be happy to escort you, Ms. Nyx. Right this way,” Greyson said. He led her out of the shop.

  The door closed behind them and I exhaled. I was trembling a little. Standing up to a reaper was taxing. I took a few deep breaths. Chocolate would help, but I didn’t have time for that. The shop was packed.

  I just couldn’t figure out why she’d lied about the nightmares. Had she really thought I’d be interested in Sanders? Was my elemental bloodline enough to make me a threat? It didn’t matter. It was over now. I touched the little pouch through the fabric of my dress. Tonight, I would sleep easy.

  No matter what the Mistress of Nightmares did or didn’t do.

  Another signing, another success. We’d exceeded our numbers from the da
y before. The register tape in front of me proved it. I chalked up the record sales to word of mouth. Not only did Hush, Little Baby send kids off to dreamland as quickly as it promised, but Sanders was a show all on his own. Customers had come out in droves, buying books to give away just as an excuse to see him.

  I’d heard numerous people in line talking about how he’d wished them pleasant dreams the day before and how their dreams that night had been more amazing than any they’d ever had.

  Meanwhile, I’d had Spider as a genuine, giant arachnid and zombie friends.

  I put my pencil down, leaned back in my office chair, and popped another piece of eggnog fudge. I knew Cooper was coming over in an hour and a half with ribs, but there was always room for sugar. And I’d earned it today.

  I kicked my feet up and grabbed my phone to send a quick text to Greyson. Thanks again.

  He’d walked Luna all the way back to the Black Rose, which was definitely above and beyond what I’d expected. I owed him. Maybe I’d take him out. Dinner at Café Claude. We hadn’t been in a while and I loved that place.

  You’re welcome, came his response. What are you doing tonight?

  Cooper’s bringing me dinner.

  Very nice of him.

  What are you doing?

  An errand for Lucien.

  There was no point in asking what that errand was, so I didn’t. I was tired of talking about reapers anyway. You want to go to Café Claude this week? My treat.

  Oui.

  I grinned and sent him a laughing emoji and the word Later. Then I tossed my phone in my bag and went upstairs.

  Spider ran to me as soon as I walked into the apartment. Thankfully, I got my heels off before he started doing figure-eights through my legs, nearly tripping me. “Hungry, Mama. Big hungry.”

  I put my purse down, then picked him up to nuzzle him. “Poor baby. How did you survive while I was gone? Let’s go check your food bowl.”

  As I suspected, the wet food bowl was empty and the bottom of the dry food bowl was visible. My boy was an eater.