by Tena Stetler
“Not right now, and I don’t want you to say anything to her. If he hasn’t talked to her by tomorrow night when I come to pick you up after work, I’ll tell you both and he knows I will.”
“Ok, but what am I going to tell her? I promised I’d ask you, if you came in.”
“Tell her I’m working on it and that I should have something for her tomorrow night. Remember please be home before dark, unless you want to spend the night with me.”
“I wish I could, but I promised Willow, we’d have a girl’s night tonight. We’ll lock up and be home before dark. Don’t worry. Now I gotta get back to work.”
On the way out of her shop, the phone vibrated in his pocket, he pulled it out and glanced at the screen, touched the answer button. “Tristian, everything ok?”
“It went as expected. The situation is neutralized, as well as all the participants. The frontrunner is out of hiding and declared the winner.”
“Good job. The written report can wait a couple of weeks, enjoy your time off.”
“About that, well, mind if I get personal for a moment?”
Bruce slowed as he arrived at the shop, but remained outside the door to see how personal Tristian wanted to get. “That depends. Keep in mind I’m your friend but also your employer.”
There was a moment’s hesitation, his low voice sounding a bit awkward but steady. “Why haven’t you chosen a wife, I guess a mate in your case?”
“That type of thing works differently for my kind. To answer your question without going into all that, I hadn’t found the right one I want to spend eternity with. Once joined only death can separate us, so I want to make damn sure it’s right.”
“Ok, so answer me this. If you found her, being what you are and what the job entails, would you still take her as your mate? Would it be fair to subject her to all that?”
“It must be her choice, knowing exactly what could happen and accepting it without reservation. If she did, yes, I’d take a mate, if she was the one.”
“Really. Course it’s easy to say what’d you do hypothetically, huh?”
“Yes, I guess it is. Don’t tell me a female has finally tamed you?”
“Not sure, but thanks for answering my questions.” Tristian paused again and blew out a breath. “I guess there’s one more thing. I need you to check out something one of the changelings said to me just before he died. Something about Rezar coming back and we’re going to pay. That’s impossible. Right?”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, even the impossible is sometimes possible for the right price.” Bruce paused for a beat. “I’ll alert the other Overlords. Since we would be the targets, I want specific check-ins from you during your time off. If you fail to check-in, a team will be dispatched immediately to your last known location.”
“Understood.”
“Hold on, I’m nearly to my office where I can connect to a secure link and we’ll set up the checkpoints.”
“While you climb those stairs two at a time, you should know that Bobby and his team are damn good.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I’ll let them know you approve.” He shut the door to his office, turned on the computer, and linked with his phone. Give me dates and times. We’ll work around your schedule.”
****
Wednesday evening Bruce dressed for dinner in a gray pinstriped Armani suit, light blue silk shirt, and light gray tie with matching blue stripes. He sprinted down the stairs, slowing to a walk, as he crossed the salon floor. Owen looked up from closing out the day’s receipts and gave a low whistle. Tobi shoved at him, shaking her head in disapproval, and smiled at Bruce. The rest of the staff glanced up, looking from one to the other and grinned, quickly turning their attention to finishing up the afterhours duties.
“Who’s the lucky woman tonight?” Owen called out across the room.
Bruce frowned, then smiled impishly. “No one you know.”
“Like hell,” Owen said.
Bruce strode out the door and down the street to The Krystal Unicorn. The sign said closed but the door was unlocked. Bruce crept in the door sideways avoiding the chimes and clicked the lock behind him.
Angie giggled, as she stood up holding the crystal she’d retrieved from under the counter, her back to him. “Your magic signature is too strong and I recognized it before you opened the door.” She turned and sucked in a breath. “And look at you.” She fanned herself and pretended to swoon.
She stepped from behind the counter and it was his turn to be impressed, he let out a low appreciative whistle. Her dusty rose dress hugged all the right curves flaring slightly just below her hips and fell only a few more inches. Its low cut V-neck showed enough cleavage to be sexy but not trashy.
“Perfect,” he murmured. “You look absolutely stunning.”
Angie walked toward him, then stopped, and took a step back glanced toward the window and then pointed toward the beaded curtain. “Caleb came in a couple of hours ago, He looked like he’d lost his best friend, said he needed to talk to Willow alone. They went for a quick walk and have been back there ever since.”
Bruce pulled the front window shade and stepped to her bringing his hand to her cheek trailing a finger down her neck, he caught her other hand, brought it to his lips, and nuzzled her palm. Then turned her hand over and placed his lips at her wrist where he could feel her thundering pulse. “Miss me?” he asked in a low seductive whisper that vibrated against her soft skin.
“Oh, yes,” she breathed and stepped closer.
“Have fun with your girl’s night in?” He dropped her hand and slowly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.”
She pushed at his arm. “What if they come out of the backroom and see you?”
A chuckle rumbled deep in his throat. “They already know about us and I don’t think either of them will tell anyone else.”
“It’s been very intense between them since they went back there.”
“I’m not surprised, he’s a satyr. Just guessing, but she probably told him her little secret too. Not that it will matter in the end to either of them after the shock wears off, but it may to their families.”
“Really? A satyr? How’d I miss that? Caleb must be really good at masking his magic signature. Willow didn’t catch it either, but she did know something was off.” Angie shrugged then tilted her face up toward Bruce. “Could get interesting. Would you mind if they joined us for dinner tonight? I hate to leave Willow alone if things go bad between them.”
“Not a problem. Probably best I’m not alone with you in that dress.” A devilish look came into his eyes as he cupped her chin in his hand, letting the back of his hand caress the side of her neck and gently brush over the cleavage left bare by her neckline. Angie’s heart fluttered at his touch.
She put her hand over his, stopping the downward movement. “They aren’t dressed properly.”
“A little magic will fix that, if they want to join us. It’s not like we would be using it for selfish purposes and the amount to conjure up a couple of outfits, wouldn’t stress us.”
“Sure,” Angie said hesitantly, she hated using magic for trivial things. It left her drained and feeling guilty. “Let’s give them a couple more minutes, while I put the cash drawer in the safe, and then we’ll ask them.”
Willow and Caleb walked through the beaded curtain, hand in hand. Willow’ eyes rounded. “Wow don’t you two look stunning.”
“Thanks. Is everything all right?” She looked from Willow to Caleb and back worriedly.
“Yeah, we’ll work it out. I’m going to leave most my stuff at our apartment, and just take a few things over to Caleb’s. We’re going to try living together.”
“Well I hope it works out for both of you.”
“Us too. Now our families’ acceptance of the situation could be another thing entirely.” Caleb winced then relaxed and put his arm around Willow caressing her lower back.
“Well, whatever happens, we’ll face it tog
ether.” Willow looked up at Caleb and smiled.
Noticing the intimate gesture, Angie smiled encouragingly. “It’ll be fine once they get used to the idea. Hey, why don’t you two join us for dinner?”
“We couldn’t intrude, but thanks.” Caleb said with a sigh glancing over at Willow.
“Sure we could.” Willow peered at her friend. “But we’re not dressed appropriately for where you two plan to go.” She stared down at her bling jeans and sweater as well as Caleb’s worn jeans and paint spattered t-shirt.
Bruce glanced at his watch then over to Angie. “Dinner reservations are in ninety minutes. Does that give you two enough time to change and meet us back here, or at the restaurant?”
“Willow, you could wear my black dress and silver heels that are in the garment bag in the bathroom.” Angie winked and nodded toward the only bathroom in the shop.
“What garment, oh, ok.” Willow patted Caleb’s arm. “Be right back.”
“Caleb, we keep a few sizes of suits at the salon in the event our clients need them. Want to take a look? Probably quicker than driving all the way home and back.” Bruce motioned toward the door. “Angie, we’ll be back.”
“I guess that would be best. Since I’m not sure I’d have anything appropriate.” Caleb followed him out of the shop and down the sidewalk.
Fifteen minutes later, Bruce opened the door to the Krystal Unicorn, Caleb walked behind him dressed in a black suit, European cut, frosty gray silk shirt and matching black and gray striped tie.
Bruce smiled at Caleb’s round eyed expression when he caught sight of Willow stepping into the main room dressed in a snug black dress, and silver strap sandals with four-inch heels.
Willow did a little pirouette on tiptoes in front of Caleb and said, “I think we are ready to go.”
They arrived at the restaurant five minutes early. Bruce gave his name to maître d who took them to a table in a quiet corner of the restaurant. The girls excused themselves and walked to the powder room. Bruce picked up a menu.
“How did you know about me?” Caleb asked staring boldly at Bruce.
He shrugged dismissively. “It doesn’t matter how I knew, what does matter is that you be honest with each other, since you’re moving toward a serious relationship.”
The swaying of Angie’s hips as she and Willow returned to the table, diverted Bruce’s attention, and sent waves of lust straight to his groin. He shifted in the chair to relieve the growing ridge in his crotch. Thankfully, the suit pant cut was looser than his jeans to avoid embarrassment as he stood and pulled her chair out for her. Caleb followed the example and held Willow’s chair while she sat.
The dinner of lobster, scallops, and fresh baked bread was excellent and the conversation friendly and relaxed. Not exactly what Bruce had planned, but pleasant all the same.
Bruce dropped Caleb and Willow at the shop where they’d left Caleb’s car in the parking lot, then drove Angie home.
“Want to stay here tonight?” Angie asked with a wide-eyed expression, batting her long thick blonde lashes. “I’ll bet Willow won’t be here.”
“Certainly, but I won’t.” He leaned across the seat and whispered in a deep, deliberately seductive voice, “I’ll pick you up Friday after work. We’ll be spending the weekend and Monday at the estate. You’ll also need formal wear for Friday night.” His eyes shone with a glint of amusement as she frowned.
She regarded him with a speculative gaze. Before she could ask where he was taking her, his mouth moved over hers, devouring its softness.
Bruce pulled back, released her, and leaned back against his seat breathing rapidly. “I’ll walk you to your apartment, check it out, but I won’t be staying. You need to lock the door when I leave and be extra careful.”
“Then why can’t I go home with you?”
“Because you may be in more danger from me tonight than the demons at large.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the apartment, made sure it was safe and drove to his apartment to spend the night alone. This whole business was going to change and soon.
****
The digital clock on the wall read 4:15 a.m. in bright blue numbers. Unable to sleep, he flipped the comforter off, slid his feet to the cold floor, and glared out the window into the darkness. I might as well get an early start so everything is done before we leave for our long weekend. Maybe Angie can sneak out of work early and we’ll get dinner before the show. Smiling, he rubbed his hand over his chin, stretched his arms out to his sides, and gave a jaw-popping yawn then reached for his pants.
The salon was quiet as Bruce stepped inside and turned the alarm off. Owen and Tobi weren’t due in for a couple more hours, though he knew they arrived much earlier most days. He walked to the refreshment center without turning the lights on and started the coffee, then slouched in one of the chairs in the lounge area.
It had been just him, Owen, Tobi, and Ky when they started. His stature intimidated some of the early customers but his wizardry with the scissors put that to rest quickly. A good cut was the basis of a fantastic style. The Wycked Hair’s reputation as a trendsetter in both nail and hairstyles kept the clientele coming back. He’d never felt it necessary to venture into the day spa business. Most days the salon had more business from DC’s elite than it could handle efficiently. It was time to increase staff and add stations. Tasks Owen would handle, though he’d grumble about it. Bruce’s lips twitched in amusement at the thought.
He needed to bring Owen into the loop regarding Tristian’s report and the comment by the changeling. It had been years since he sensed a serious threat. Guess that was about the time he quit looking for a fight and settled into his position as Overlord, having proved himself over a period of several years more than capable to take down any challengers.
Recently, he’d felt an inkling that something bad was coming, a sixth sense his mother had, and apparently passed on to him. At first, he thought it was just the anticipation of Tristian’s reaction when he found out Angie had consented to being his mate, but now he knew it was more.
Keys jingled and the lock on the front door clicked. Still he sat silent. Owen noticed immediately the alarm was off and put his arm out to keep Tobi from entering further.
“The alarm’s been deactivated.” Tobi confirmed. “But I smell fresh coffee brewing. So either our intruder is a caffeine addict or Bruce is here.”
“Correct on both counts.” Bruce’s deep voice rumbled through the salon. “Good morning.”
“Right back at ya,” Owen said cheerfully. “I’m glad you’re here. You’ve got customers when we open this morning. They’re scheduled for cuts. Knew you’d be leaving early, so I set their appointments first thing.”
“You know I don’t take customers anymore, besides I’ve got plenty of work to keep me busy upstairs.” He frowned and shook his head. “Reschedule.”
Ignoring him, Owen continued. “Apparently, they’re friends of the woman whose hair you cut the other day while we were enjoying our time off. They were very insistent. I said Tobi was as good if not better than you, but they wouldn’t be dissuaded. You always say give the customer what they want.” A satisfied grin spread over his face. “So we did. Sorry boss.”
“Like hell you are.” Bruce considered protesting further, but thought better of it. Busy hands would make the day go faster and keep his mind off the growing feeling in his gut that trouble was brewing. “What time are the appointments?”
“Eight and nine.”
“Good we’ve got time. Tristian picked up some information on the topic we were discussing before you left on your days off. Let Tobi finish here and join me upstairs.” Bruce pivoted and climbed the stairs in his usual fashion.
Once in his office Bruce turned on the laptop. There were several urgent e-mails blinking from the Territory Overlords he’d sent inquires to after Tristian’s report. Sitting in his chair, he opened the first. It confirmed rumors of like information, but no positive sightings…yet. The other e-mails
contained similar communications.
“Owen, take a look at these e-mails, read the one I sent after first talking to Tristian.” He spun the laptop around to face Owen, who sank into a seat across the desk. Getting up, Bruce shoved the chair back and paced back and forth stopping to look out the window, hands clasped behind his back. After several minutes, he walked back to the desk and settled in his chair.
Owen glanced at him over the edge of the laptop. “I had a bad feeling and even with all this you’re still seeing Angie.”
“That’s my personal business.”
“But you and Tristian have to put up a united front, depend on each other to take this threat out. You can’t do that with the situation you’ve got smoldering. Tristian is bound to find out, and when he does…”
“I am aware of that, and figure it will be sooner than later. Let me worry about my personal life, I have a plan.”
Tobi’s cheerful voice came over the intercom to Bruce’s office. “Your eight o’clock client is here.”
“I’ll be right down.” Bruce glanced up from the emails to glare at Owen. “No more customers without my consent. I don’t have time for this right now.”
“Understood. I wasn’t aware the situation had escalated when I scheduled them.”
“See what other information you can dig up, I don’t care who you have to see or what you have to do, but get to the bottom of this.” Bruce stalked out of the office and hit the stairs running. By the time he arrived on the salon floor, grabbed one of his smocks from the cabinet, and put it on, he was pleasant and prepared to deal with customers for the next couple of hours.
He finished up the first and she planned on waiting for her friend, so she checked into getting her nails done in the meantime. The second was Mrs. Staret’s daughter, Jill.
“Bruce, how have you been?” She stepped forward and extended her hand.
“Good, and you?” Surprised by the friendly gesture, he clasped her hand.
“I understand you visited with my mother recently.” Jill narrowed her eyes and scrutinized Bruce carefully.
“I did. Now that you’re back, I hope you’ll both accept my invitation for dinner and a private discussion.”
