“Oh, you have drawn the wrath of a witch. Good luck with that.” Ivan laughed. “She’ll turn you into a frog or something.”
“Why? I have never led her on in any way,” Logan protested.
“Women do not always think clearly where their hearts are concerned.” Ivan pointed his spatula at Penny. “Back me up on this.”
“I am not getting involved in this debate.” Penny held up her hands. “If you want, I can go talk to Sophie. See if I can clear the air.”
“No!” Ivan and Logan chorused.
“She might turn you into a frog instead,” Ivan told her.
“You’re not serious?” Penny didn’t know whether the two men were making fun or not as they kept their expressions deadly serious. This was not funny. “I have to think of Milo.”
“Witches can’t turn people into frogs. It’s one of those things that they show on TV or it’s written in a book. It’s not real.”
“I’m not sure if I believe you,” Penny admitted. “Or if you’re just telling me that so I don’t worry.”
“It’s not a real thing,” Ivan reassured her. “If it was then half of the town would be frogs by now.”
“Okay. As long as you promise me it’s made up.” She aimed the question at Logan. “You said you couldn’t lie.”
Ivan’s shoulders shook as he went back to preparing the evening meal.
“I can’t lie. And I wasn’t lying when I said witches can’t turn you into a frog. Their magic is earth-based, it’s meant for good. I’m sure Sophie wouldn’t hurt you and she certainly wouldn’t hurt Milo.” He came to her and placed his hand on her arm. “We shouldn’t have teased you.”
She closed her eyes as she shook her head. “It’s okay, I overreacted. This is all so new to me that I no longer know what to believe.”
“Your world has been turned upside down.” He brushed a stray strand of hair back from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “I promise from now on I won’t tell you anything about this town and the people that live here that isn’t true. I won’t exaggerate or make it sound worse than it is.”
“Thank you.” She sniffed loudly. “I really do think if I went and spoke to Sophie, it might help to clear things up.”
“Give her a couple of days to cool down. Witches are hot-headed, they like getting things their own way.”
“Don’t we all,” Penny replied.
“The rest of my kitchen staff are arriving.” Ivan lifted his head as if he were listening to something in the distance, which he probably was.
“We’ll go through and finish setting up the tables. The first guests will be arriving shortly.” He led the way back through the doors directly into the dining area. Together they made sure the chairs were arranged around the tables and the candles were all lit. As the sun set in the distance, Logan dimmed the lights and switched on strings of fairy lights that hung across the gazebo outside. It gave the restaurant an otherworldly feel. They were in another world, she reminded herself as the door opened and the first of the diners came in.
Logan turned to look, his shoulders sagging when he saw the warlock with the cold shower issue. “I’ve got this.” Penny grabbed a menu and met the warlock at the door. “Good evening. A table for one?”
The guy studied her closely for a moment before he nodded. “A table for one. By the window.”
“This way, please.” She headed for a table next to the window, looking up briefly to check that it was okay to seat the guy there. Logan nodded on his way to meet the next diners. The restaurant had only just opened, and they began to fill up quickly. Another couple of servers arrived and helped organize the diners, while the warlock perused the menu.
“I’ll have the soup, please. Followed by the steak. Which I would like medium-rare.” He handed the menu back to Penny. “And I’ll have a glass of champagne, I think.”
She nodded and backed away. There was something about the guy that she didn’t like. Something cold. She shivered and went to the kitchen to place his order then headed to the bar for a glass of champagne.
“Champagne?” Logan asked in surprise. He was at the bar waiting for a drink order.
“Yes, for your friend the warlock.” She glanced at the guy who was staring out of the window. “Is that unusual?”
“He’s been staying here for three nights and he hasn’t ordered champagne before. I think he’s only ordered water and never leaves a tip. The other servers avoid him if they can. He’s cheap.” Logan thanked the bartender for his drinks. “Keep a close eye on him.”
“You think he’s up to something?” Typical that the warlock should act up on her first shift at the hotel.
“Maybe, maybe not. People act out of character for all kinds of reasons. It could be that he’s celebrating. We don’t know why he’s staying here, I think he’s from out of town. Which means he might be here on business and the business ended well.” Logan took his drinks and left her to mull over his words. Maybe the warlock had received good news and was celebrating.
“There you go, one glass of champagne.” The bartender placed the glass on a small tray. “I’m Terry, by the way. You must be Penny, Logan’s mate.”
“I am.” She picked up the tray carefully. “News certainly gets around, doesn’t it?”
“It does. We’re a tight-knit community and when someone new comes into town, we all hear about it. When that someone new turns out to be the fated mate of one of the townsfolk, people talk even more.” Terry winked. “What can I get you?” he asked a couple who were waiting to be seated.
Nerves kicked in as she carried the tray across the dining room. Was she the talk of the town? Penny looked around at the people in the room, were they looking at her, talking about her? She switched her attention back to the warlock. At least that was one guy who was not taking any interest in her. Or was he?
As she moved across the room, she realized he was watching her reflection in the glass. With each step she took, his eyes followed. A shiver crept down her spine. Were all the people in Wishing Moon Bay creepy?
No, she knew the answer already. But Sophie’s bizarre reaction to Penny being Logan’s mate and now the warlock watching her reflection were downright odd.
“Here’s your champagne.” She set the glass down on the table and tucked the tray under her arm as she backed away. “I’ll just go check on your order.”
Turning on her heel, she hurried back to the kitchen, her heart thumping in her chest as an avalanche of questions beat a steady tempo in her head.
“Are you all right?” Logan asked as she nearly walked right past him.
“Yes, I’m fine.” She flashed him a smile. “I’m trying to make a good impression on my boss.”
“You already did,” he replied smoothly.
“And I know you’re telling me the truth because you promised.” Penny kept on walking, not wanting to stop because she’d decided to keep the actions of the creepy warlock to herself. This was a new world, a strange world and for all she knew he was watching her because she was an anomaly, something that didn’t necessarily belong in his world of magic. She would have to get used to people looking at her and talking about her until the next anomaly came along, and they always did. As long as she could keep Milo safe and no one was mean to him, she would wait it out. And if someone was mean to her son...she would put them straight.
“Soup.” Ivan pointed to a bowl of steaming soup and she grabbed it and headed back out into the dining room. The smell of rosemary wafted up from the bowl, which was filled with a creamy orange soup which she guessed was some kind of squash. Her stomach rumbled and she wished she’d eaten before she came down to start her shift, but she’d been too nervous. She wanted this to go right, she certainly didn’t want to cause more problems for Logan when he’d been so kind to her. Yes, she knew that was because they were mates but even so, he’d gone out of his way to help her and Milo.
“Here’s your soup. Can I get you anything else?” She scanned the table to
check there was a basket of fresh bread rolls. There was. Everything looked fine.
“No, this is perfect.” He picked up his champagne glass and raised it to her. “Everything is just perfect.” He sipped his bubbly and smiled as she nodded and turned away. Heading back toward the restaurant door where Logan was greeting more diners, she could not resist a glance in the window to check out the warlock’s reflection. Was he still watching her?
Penny stopped dead in her tracks and spun around on her heel. In two strides, she was back at the warlock’s table. He squeaked as she leaned forward and grabbed the bowl of soup. “Sorry, this wasn’t your order.” She looked him straight in the eye with a glare saved for when Milo had been naughty, which was so rare she couldn’t recall the last time she’d had to use it. The warlock jerked backward as if she’d struck him. “I’ll go get your proper order.”
“Wait!” He held up his hand. “That was my soup.”
Penny kept walking toward the kitchen, aware that everyone was staring after the new girl in town. This time, for good reason, she had drawn far too much attention to herself.
Chapter Sixteen – Logan
“What are you doing?” Logan was by her side before she made it back through the doors leading to the kitchen.
“I gave the wrong order to the warlock.” She grabbed a napkin off the counter as she reached the kitchen and draped it over the bowl of soup.
Ivan looked up from the pot he was stirring on the stove. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She headed toward the door leading outside, dodging past a couple of stunned kitchen staff.
“Penny.” Logan was at her elbow as she burst out of the kitchen door and into the cold evening air. “What are you doing?”
“I’d like to know the same thing.” Ivan was in the doorway, a wooden spoon still in hand.
“There was a problem with the soup.” She didn’t turn around as she opened the nearest trash can.
“There was no problem with the soup when it left my kitchen,” Ivan protested.
“It was my fault.” She lifted the bowl of soup but before she had a chance to dump it in the trash can, Logan caught hold of her arm.
“Let me see.”
“No,” she ground out.
“Penny. Whatever it is, I need to see.” Logan gently took the covered soup bowl from her hand.
Reaching forward, Ivan plucked the napkin off and sucked in a breath. “How did that get in there?”
Penny pressed her lips together. She didn’t want to tell them. Was she covering for someone?
No, his wolf replied. She’s trying to keep the situation calm. She’s trying to keep Ivan calm.
“The warlock.” He grabbed hold of Ivan as the dragon shifter’s eyes burned a deep orange. “No, this is what he wants. He must know what you are, it’s no secret and he wants you to shift and cause trouble. You know how warlocks feel about dragons.”
“I’m going to tear his head off and spit it out so he can watch me feast on his bones.” Ivan grabbed hold of Logan’s wrist and twisted it in an attempt to get him to let go.
“No. Valerie entrusted us to run the hotel and I’m not going to let you destroy everything. Calm down.” Logan grabbed hold of Ivan’s shoulder with his free hand. “I’ll deal with this.”
“It’s my reputation he tried to ruin,” Ivan spat but his eyes had returned to their normal brown, the danger of him shifting uncontrollably had passed.
“Penny took the soup before he had a chance to shout about it.” Logan let go of Ivan. “We’ll take him a fresh bowl of soup and I won’t take my eyes off him while he eats it. I swear.”
“I’ll do it,” Penny said. “I’ll take him his soup and watch him eat it. You are needed to keep the restaurant running. I have the least experience.” Her hand fluttered in the air and she looked visibly shaken. “With any of this.”
Logan’s hands tightened into fists as he fought to control his temper. “I’ll keep close, if he tries anything, I’ll rip his head from his shoulders with my bare hands.”
“No, you won’t.” Penny grabbed hold of his arm and he relaxed his hands. “I need you alive and in one piece and certainly not in jail.” Her expression clouded. “You do have a jail here, don’t you?”
“Yeah, a magical jail that’s impossible even for warlocks to escape from. And that is exactly where that guy belongs.” Ivan went back inside and grabbed a bowl. Plonking it down on the counter, he poured in some of the soup and added a sprig of rosemary. “There. If he tries anything, he’ll be wishing he’d never come to town.”
“That’s not exactly what I thought anyone would ever wish for when they came to Wishing Moon Bay, but that guy might be the first.” Penny, her face stony, picked up the bowl and left the kitchen, with Logan close behind her.
He hovered around the doorway as his mate took the soup bowl to the warlock and set it down.
“Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to be served?” the warlock asked.
“Yes.” Penny smiled sweetly. “If you’d like to make a complaint, I can take you to the chef. I’m sure he would like to deal with you personally.” She locked eyes with the warlock, and he shrank back. “Enjoy your soup.”
The guy picked up his spoon but before he took a mouthful, he cast a questioning look at Penny. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She took a small step back but continued to stare at him.
“I’ll call you if I need you.”
“I’ll be right here making sure you enjoy your meal.” She smiled sweetly as she watched him.
“You’re enough to give a man indigestion,” he complained.
“I want to make sure you don’t add anything to your soup that might ruin the flavor.”
Logan moved away from the door and began seating new diners and taking payments from those who had already eaten and were waiting to leave. Infusing himself with the same sweet tone Penny used on the warlock, he channeled his inner people person as he apologized for the delay. He didn’t go as far as offering free drinks, but no one seemed to complain too loudly about being kept waiting, the promise of Ivan’s menu was enough to keep them happy.
As he worked, he watched Penny to make sure the warlock didn’t try anything else. She watched as he ate each mouthful of his soup and then removed the empty bowl, returning with his perfectly cooked steak. Standing on guard, she watched him cut and eat each morsel before swilling it down with the last of his champagne.
Maybe he’d bought the champagne to congratulate himself prematurely on his success with the soup. He might have thought you would at least give him dinner on the house. Or maybe he’s here to ruin the reputation of the hotel and restaurant. So many questions.
Perhaps we should ask him later tonight. His wolf sharpened his claws. I am good at making people talk.
We can’t touch him, Logan told his wolf firmly. If anything happens to him and Penny thinks we were behind it, we might scare her off. We need to watch him very carefully until we figure out exactly what he’s up to.
I suppose you are right. His wolf grumbled to himself, not sounding very convinced as he took himself off to a corner of Logan’s mind.
The evening wore on, the warlock finished his meal and left the restaurant. Despite Sophie’s feelings toward Logan, he went to reception and got her to ensure that the check was added to his bill. Logan also instructed Sophie to call him if, when the guy checked out of his room, he quibbled over any of the charges. Warlock or no warlock, the guy was not going to wriggle out of anything.
“I’ll add a note,” Sophie said. “Just in case I am not here when he checks out.”
“Thanks, Sophie.” He smiled as he would normally smile and then left her scowling behind his back. There was nothing he could do to placate her, and he figured she would get over it.
I still don’t know why she thought we would be together, his wolf said. She knows we are a shifter. She knows we would only ever settle down with our mate.
; Perhaps she was going to slip us a love potion or something. His hand went to the talisman in his pocket. What if the talisman did make people forget? Would he forget his mate if he kept hold of it?
Will Penny forget us if we give it to her? His wolf gave a low growl. What if someone gives Penny a potion that makes her forget us?
Logan shook off his doubts. That way of thinking would only lead to madness. And he did not need that kind of a complication right now.
“I don’t think I’ll ever eat steak again.” Penny met him as he returned to the restaurant dining room which was full of happy diners eating the delicious meals cooked by Ivan.
“You watched him chew every bite. I doubt he’ll ever eat steak again without thinking of you.” Logan grinned. “Maybe you can watch me eat.”
“Don’t you think about me all the time anyway?” she asked with a disarming smile.
“I do. I especially think about your lips.” His eyes lingered on them and he leaned forward, wanting more than anything to taste her once more.
“Down, boy.” She placed her hand on his chest. “If you don’t stop drooling, you might put people off their food and then it’ll be your head Ivan chews off.”
“You have a point.” He turned and looked toward the door leading from the reception area. “Rift is coming down with Milo. Do you want to take a break and sit down to eat with them?”
Penny glanced toward the door. “I’d love to.” She patted his arm. “I’d also love to have shifter senses.”
“You sound like Milo.” Logan headed for the door to meet his brother and Milo. “Take an hour off and spend time with your son.”
“I wish you could join us.”
“Maybe tomorrow. For lunch? I could ask Ivan to pack us a picnic.”
“Or I could make us a picnic. If Ivan doesn’t mind me using his kitchen.”
“Who wants to use the kitchen?” Rift asked as he entered the restaurant with Milo holding his hand.
“I do.” Penny held out her arms to Milo and he pulled away from Rift and ran to her. “Did you have fun?”
“Yes, we watched TV and played with some of my action figures.” Milo held his mom close. He’d obviously missed her but looked happy. Rift was getting to know Milo well which caused a twinge of jealousy in Logan. Would he ever find time to bond with the boy he hoped to raise as his own?
The White Wolf of Wishing Moon Bay Page 12