by Mary Abshire
“I think so, yeah.”
Her hand slipped from his. “I’d like to look through them.”
“Sure. You can go through them while I resume my research.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s right.” She looked away. “Why would my grandparents live here among supernatural creatures? They had to know the truth. Humans don’t live here, right?” She shot her gaze to him.
“The only ones that do are at the stations, and they don’t own property. Humans are not allowed to buy land on the reserve.”
She shook her head. “Then someone in my family wasn’t human, and my grandparents knew, which means my parents knew and they never told me. There has to be a connection. Why else would they have lived here?”
Her tone and quick beat of her heart indicated her excitement. He couldn’t be happier to hear her confession and her interest to find out about her family.
“I asked Shepherd to talk to the older ones about your name, but since we’re pretty far from where the property is, they might not know anything. I told him to ask if they know of anyone who might have kept records. In the meantime, I have plenty of books to go through in the library,” he said.
“I’ll help you. I really want to know if I have a connection to a supernatural breed.”
Thrilled to hear her words, he gestured toward the hall leading to the library. “We’ll look together.”
Smiling, she walked away from him. “How crazy would it be if we found out my bloodline traced back to dragons?”
His heart sped as he followed her. Crazy? Hardly. Incredible and wonderful? Definitely. If they could trace her name to dragons, it would mean she had their blood in her veins and she was a carrier. Maybe dreams did come true after all.
Chapter Eleven
Lynn ambled around Marcel’s desk while he dialed his vamp friend’s number. She felt relieved to have confessed to Marcel, and grateful he’d understood and still trusted her. He really was a good listener. She had to be honest with him, especially with so many lives at stake because of the secret she was keeping. Her fear had gone away and curiosity had blossomed while she talked to Shepherd. She still might be skittish if she saw another shape shifter change, but she sure wouldn’t panic and yell for help. Conversing with Shepherd had been an eye opener, and she’d felt it was right to share her feelings with Marcel.
“Demetri, it’s Marcel. I need your help to tow Lynn’s car tonight. I need someone to steer it. Give me a call.” Marcel tapped the screen before he handed the cell to Lynn.
“Do you think he’ll mind helping you?”
He scoffed. “No, not at all. He gets bored all the time.”
Phone in hand, she walked away from him. Minutes ago, they’d pulled a few books from the shelves to look at, but then she remembered she needed to call Connie. He remembered he had to call his vamp friend. It seemed they both had been focused on researching her name instead of anything else.
She headed for the rectangular table with piles of books on top. As she stared at the screen of the cell, she tried to recall Connie’s number. The few contacts she had were listed in her phone’s directory. Without her phone, she didn’t know the digits to her doctor, dentist, or anyone. She’d have to look them up on Facebook or Google later. For now, she focused on Connie’s number. She’d dialed it many times while they were in college. Looking at the screen, she pressed the icons for the digits she remembered. If she misdialed, she’d send a message via Facebook.
The phone trilled by the time she reached the table with books. Marcel took a seat at the far end. He lifted a book from the closest three stacks, and then placed it in front of him.
“Hello?” Connie finally answered.
“Connie, it’s me, Lynn.” She lowered onto a chair at the table.
“Why are you calling me from a different number?”
“I had some car trouble, and now my phone is missing.” She glanced at Marcel and he smiled at her.
“Car trouble? What kind, and how did you lose your phone?” Connie asked in a hurry. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but my car isn’t. It’s stuck in a ditch. I had to leave it and I didn’t take my phone with me. I just got back from checking on my car, and I couldn’t find the phone.” Lynn tried to be careful with her words, but no matter what explanation she provided, her friend would question it.
“Did someone steal it?”
“Maybe, I don’t know.”
“Cell phones don’t just get up and walk away, Lynn.”
She grinned and glanced at Marcel. He had a slight smirk on his face as he studied the book on the table. Damn, he looked so handsome.
“I have my credit cards and everything else. I don’t know why someone would only take my phone,” Lynn said.
“Hold up, you left your purse in your car? What kind of accident were you in?”
“It wasn’t an accident. It was a blow out and it was storming. The car went off the road and into a ditch. I panicked and left everything to get the quickest ride.” Everything she’d said had been accurate. There was no need to explain about the type of ride.
“Oh, okay. So, where are you? Do I need to come get you?”
“I’m still on the reserve. A very kind man is helping me. This is his number. I’m staying at his home and he’s going to try to fix my car after he gets it out of the ditch with his friend.”
“Are you sure you’re safe with this man?”
“Absolutely. Don’t worry about me. If he can’t fix my car, I’ll get a ride to the nearest airport and fly to Montreal.”
“What’s this man’s name?”
“Marcel…” Lynn looked at him.
“Bouton,” he said.
“Bouton is his last name,” Lynn said.
“What’s his address?”
“I don’t know. Just use this number.” Asking for Marcel’s address seemed a bit much when the phone number could easily provide enough information to locate her if she were in any danger, which she wasn’t.
“Are you alone with him?”
“Yes, but I’m fine. Stop worrying. I can call you every day like we agreed if it makes you feel better. The wedding is six days away, so don’t panic. I’ll be there.”
Lynn avoided telling Connie about the bridesmaid dress. Without a doubt, she’d freak out. Finding the exact same style would be impossible, but a comparable dress shouldn’t be a problem in a big city like Montreal. Lynn decided not to stress over it. She had more important things on her mind. Besides, getting to the wedding was a higher priority than the style of her bridesmaid dress.
Connie sighed over the phone line. “Okay, I’ll try not to worry. Just call me once a day.”
“I will.”
“Tell me, is he cute? How old is he?”
Lynn turned to Marcel. He had supernatural hearing, so he could hear Connie. If she were in his position, she’d listen to the conversation. Since he kept his head tilted down, she suspected he was trying to skim through the book.
“He’s a little older than me, but he’s a really great guy. I’m in good hands,” Lynn said.
“Oh my god, you totally avoided answering my questions. This guy must be hot.”
Lynn avoided looking at Marcel as heat traveled to her cheeks. She wasn’t afraid to admit she had an attraction to him, but this was not the way to do it.
“All I’m saying is that you don’t need to worry about me being with him. I’m not in any danger,” Lynn said.
“But is he hot? Just tell me if he is.”
“I need to go.” Annoyance began to grow within Lynn.
“No, wait! Tell me more about him. Are you two hitting it off?”
“He’s helping me out and we’re enjoying each other’s company.”
Connie chuckled. “You’re so coy, Lynn.”
“No I’m not.” She hated when people said she was shy or timid. She believed in being respectful. Somewhere, people confused the two.
“You’re on vacation. If he’
s interested in you and wants to have sex, you should go for it.”
“Would you stop!”
“What? I’m just saying you should enjoy the time you have. You haven’t had sex in years. You could use—“
“Alright! I get it.” Her face felt as if it were on fire. “I gotta go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“What’s the big deal? Just do it.”
“I’m hanging up now.”
“I want details.”
“Bye. Love you.” Lynn lowered the phone and tapped the screen. Embarrassed, she kept her gaze lowered.
“So…” Marcel said. “Am I cute or hot?”
She’d hoped he wouldn’t say anything and pretend he didn’t hear what Connie had said. So much for hoping.
“Sorry about that.” She set the phone on the table and then grabbed a book from the nearby stack.
“For the record, I think you’re a beautiful woman inside and out.” He closed the book in front of him and it made a smacking noise. He pushed it aside. “There’s no reason to be shy.”
Damn Connie for asking such personal questions. Yet, she couldn’t blame her friend. Connie had no idea Marcel could hear her. The real issue was admitting the truth. Lynn was attracted to him. She thought he was the hottest man she’d ever seen. Since he’d confessed he found her appealing, maybe should do the same. Why not?
She looked up from her book. “You know what, I think you’re a very handsome man.”
One of his brows arched. “Handsome?”
“Okay, cute, if you prefer that word. But to me, the word cute seems so…less appealing than handsome.”
He pressed his lips together. “Hmm…I don’t want to be less appealing.”
A chuckle slipped from her. “How’s this…You’re hot and handsome and very well built.”
A smile spread across his face. “Are you flirting with me?”
“Just sharing what I think.”
His amusement generated warmth deep inside her. Admitting she found him attractive hadn’t been so bad after all. They were both grown adults. Why not be honest about how they felt and what they thought about each other? She believed in honesty after all, but she wasn’t the type of girl who enjoyed one-night stands. She’d tried it once in college, and it made her feel dirty and whorish. She regretted what she’d done and realized she couldn’t do it ever again. If she and Marcel were going to have any kind of relationship, she wanted it to last. The big question was, did he want a relationship?
“You’re welcome to share other thoughts about me,” he said, threading his fingers together on the table. “I won’t take offense to anything.”
If she divulged all her fantasies about him, he might change his mind about her. No, she couldn’t tell him her naughty thoughts.
“I, uh, think we should get back to researching,” she said.
She resumed scanning the book in front of her. Rushing into any relationship was never a good idea. Instead of diving deeper into her feelings and his, she decided to wait and see what would happen between them. Let the cards fall where they may, in a matter of speaking. Better yet, let nature take its course.
She inhaled deeply. She hated waiting.
Chapter Twelve
Marcel sat in one of the chairs near the window, sketching on his drawing pad. Light from the nearby lamp reflected on the window and cast a soft glow. Snaps from the fireplace indicated the small fire he’d started a few hours ago hadn’t gone out yet. Outside, rain fell in the darkness. Drops ran down the ceiling-to-floor windows. Inside, it was warm and cozy, and his sleeping beauty lay on her back, stretched out on the sofa with her head slightly tilted. She had a blanket over most of her body, but one arm rested on top of her abdomen. He focused on her face as he drew on the paper.
The afternoon had flown by so fast. They chatted a bit while researching in the library. Around sunset, they stopped for leftovers for dinner. After she took a shower, she returned to researching with him. Her clothes were still in the dryer, so she wore one of his long-sleeved white button-down shirts and a pair of his boxers. He tried not to stare at her red brassiere through the white shirt, but he couldn’t help it. She was a goddess and he wanted to adore her. When he’d noticed her yawning a few hours ago, he suggested a nap. Twenty minutes later, he found her snoozing on the sofa. He finished what he was reading in the library and then decided to take a break to do something fun, like drawing a picture of sleeping beauty.
The hours had ticked by quickly and he’d enjoyed every minute with her. Earlier, he heard her tell her friend she had six days until the wedding. He didn’t want to think about Lynn leaving yet. Their first day of getting to know each other had been far better than any of his first dates. They’d shared so much about themselves and had laughed plenty. He wanted to spend more time with her. Win her. Love her. Spend every day waking up with her in his arms. Although he’d known her such a short time, he avoided thoughts about having to say goodbye to her. He didn’t want to let her go.
He shifted his gaze from the pad to her frequently. He wanted to make sure he captured her image perfectly. He outlined every curve and lightly filled in areas to add detail, such as brows, lashes, and cheekbones. Now, he shaded the area for her kissable lips. He wondered what it would be like to feel her mouth on his, and to explore inside. Would she welcome him?
Her chest rose as she inhaled a deep breath. A loud pop came from the fireplace. Her eyelids fluttered before rising. He stopped drawing and waited to see what she would do. His sketch was finished for the most part, so if she moved, it wouldn’t interfere with his work.
She looked around before settling her attention on him. She lifted her exposed arm and rubbed her eyes. “How long was I out?”
He set the pad and pencil on the table near the chair before lifting the phone. Pressing the button, the time showed up on the screen.
“Not quite two hours.” He set the phone back on the table.
She sat upright, holding the blanket over her legs. Her bare feet stuck out from underneath. “What time is it?”
“About quarter ‘til midnight. I expect Demetri should be here in a half hour or so. He’s rarely on time.” He’d called Demetri earlier had given the plan for retrieving her car. As he’d expected, Demetri was eager to help.
She yawned and covered her open mouth.
“Maybe you should go upstairs and get some more rest,” he said.
“No, I want to be awake while you’re gone.”
“You’re safe here.”
She shifted her attention to the windows. “It’s so dark outside.”
“It’s not storming, but the rain is coming down at a steady rate.”
“Are you afraid something might happen to me if I go with you to get my car?”
He met her gaze, trying to figure out why she’d ask such a question. He’d told her multiple times Demetri would help him. Earlier, she offered to cook even though they had leftovers. It was as if she were trying to prove herself or do something so others didn’t have to. Although he appreciated her efforts, they weren’t needed.
“I’m just as capable of steering it as your friend,” she said.
He lifted a shoulder. “You’re safe here.”
“And I’m not out there?”
“Those feral werewolves forced your car off the road. They could be waiting for you to return. They also have your scent now.”
“Could they track me here?”
“Unlikely. I would bank on them waiting for you to return to your car.”
“What if they are? What will happen if a bunch of the werewolves attack you and your friend?”
“He’s fast and strong. They won’t have a chance at catching him. Once I change, there’s no way they can hurt me.” He grinned. “Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if they show up. I could use a late night snack.”
She took a deep breath. “Okay. Will you at least take the phone with you?”
“Why?”
“Because I care about you jus
t as much as you care about me. In case something happens, I’d like you to send a message to me.”
As if he’d been in a haze, his mind cleared and he understand her train of thought. She just confirmed how he felt about her. Smart woman.
“How would I get a message to you if there’s only one phone?” he asked.
“Do you have Skype or Facebook on your laptop?”
Again, the fog in his brain disappeared and he realized where she was heading.
“I have both. I use Skype to communicate with the procurers in art museums, and I have Facebook pages for my businesses.”
“What are the names of your businesses?”
“Bouton Photography and Bouton Graphics Inc.”
“Great, then you can send me an instant message through Facebook or call on Skype.”
Smiling, he said, “Alright. I’ll do that…if something happens, but I can assure you, we can handle a bunch of rotten wolves.”
“I’m sure you can, too, but I’d like to know that you’re safe.” She rose and folded the blanket.
Hearing a soft crackling sound outside, Marcel stood. It seemed too early for Demetri, but someone was coming up the gravel driveway.
Lynn placed the blanket over one of the armrests, then headed toward him. “What were you working on?”
“What?”
She pointed to the table by the chair.
“Oh, I was sketching you,” he said.
She picked it up and studied it. Her eyes widened. “Oh my god, Marcel. You’re really good.”
“Do you like it?”
“The detail is amazing.”
“I’d love to draw a full body shot of you or take some photos, if you’d let me.”
“Um…” She chewed on her bottom lip. “I suppose so. Would they be for your personal use? I’m not a photogenic person. I don’t even like to take selfies.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t share anything without your permission.”
She returned the drawing pad to the table. “As long as you promise, then sure. Why not?”
The doorbell chimed and they both shifted their attention.
“I thought you said—“