Six Times a Charm

by Deanna Chase

  After making the calls to John and Anna, I felt excited. Invigorated. My job was rewarding, even if a certain someone remained unhappy with the results of my matchmaking expertise. I wouldn’t let her dissuade me. No business was perfect all the time. I sat alone in my office, the only sound came from the clock. Click, click. In a daze, I stared at the spot where Jack had passionately kissed me the night before, my emotions on overload. Even staying busy with work didn’t keep my mind from wandering to Jack. One question always plagued the back of my mind: what if the curse didn’t exist? Even if, I’d still be faced with the fact Jack was human and I was a werewolf.

  We came from two different backgrounds. How could we work out? If something became of our dating, how would I tell Jack the truth? Leaving out the tiny tidbit that I was wolfy wasn’t exactly a great way to start a relationship. Our love would be based on one big fat lie and a secretive lifestyle. It was something he would have to know eventually if I wanted to keep seeing him. And did I even want to continue seeing him? No, right now, there was no way I could tell him about me being a werewolf. My dark secret would have to remain hush-hush.

  I detected movement descending the steps. My heart raced and my palms became clammy.

  As if Jack had read my thoughts, he bounded down the stairs. I recognized the sound of his footsteps. A quick kiss before he started his day would be nice. The heat from the one last night lingered. His footsteps drew near. Without glancing my way, I saw him march past. My door remained open, so I had no doubt on whether he would look my way. He walked to his doorway, stooped to pick up a package delivered and went inside, swiftly closing the door behind him. He never looked in my direction. And he knew I was in my office—he had to.

  My heart sank a little, and disappointment collected in the pit of my stomach, churning away like the choppy sea. Maybe he thought I was with a client, I rationalized. Yes, he thought I was busy, that was all. He had acted a little strange last night after I caught him looking at the files, but he didn’t exactly let on anything was wrong. Now that I thought about it, he hadn’t offered any hot kisses after that, though. Only a light peck. And he had given me a few strange glances. I brushed off the notion. My mind was on overload. There was no need to make it worse.

  The phone rang, startling me. I yanked the receiver up on the first ring. Before the conversation ended, Jack appeared in the doorway. He clutched a box and flashed a weird stare my way. Could it be he brought me a gift?

  “All right, thank you for calling.” I hung up the phone and met Jack’s gaze.

  “Hi. Do you have a minute?” The tone in his voice sounded serious. My heart sped up.

  “Sure, come in and have a seat.” He walked over and sat in front of my desk. I cleared away some of my files. No need for him to see the words vampire and werewolf again. Quietly, he placed the box down in front of me.

  “Do you know what this means?” He motioned to the box.

  Was his question a trick? It sure as hell seemed like an odd way to give someone a gift. My mind wandered from his gorgeous face to his chiseled abs hiding under his shirt just waiting to be touched. Someone needed to smack me and snap me out of my lust-filled daydream. The situation was clearly serious, and I owed it to Jack to pay attention.

  “I’m sorry?” I arched my eyebrows. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

  “The box. Take a look inside,” he prodded. Somehow I didn’t think the box contained a present.

  His urging made a knot form in the pit of my stomach, and his words set me on full alert. I lifted the box and set it on my lap. Inside blue tissue paper poked up. The problem wasn’t the paper, but what was on top of the paper. Two silver bullets, neatly lying side by side. I knew they were silver, just as I had when I received one. It was more than the color. A shiver tingled through my body whenever I was near the metal. Both had notes taped to them. One said his and the other was marked hers. Crap. Crap. Crap. This was getting ugly—a whole different ball of wax. It was one thing to send warnings to me, but I wanted Jack left out of the chaos.

  “There’s a note inside.” His eyes searched mine, and I quickly turned my gaze back to the package.

  My eyes truly were the windows to my wolfy soul. I feared he’d somehow see right through me.

  I glanced to the side of the box and saw a piece of paper sticking up. I was almost afraid to read it. Did I really want to know the grim details? Jack watched my face, so any sign of recognition of the note would be a dead giveaway. With slightly trembling hands, I unfolded the paper and my stomach sank at the words.

  Leave her alone, or you both die.

  “Rylie, I’m calling the police and reporting this.” He ran his hand through his thick hair.

  I felt dizzy. Sweat began to form on my forehead and above my upper lip.

  “Jack, please,” I said as I returned the box to my desk.

  “Look, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m trying to protect you. It’s obvious you won’t protect yourself. And I really don’t want to die just yet, so I’m afraid I have no choice. This is directed toward me. I’m now involved in whatever this is. Someone wants to use these on us. At the very least, they want to scare us. In either case, both offenses are illegal.” Last night…now this.

  Somehow I knew there was no way to convince him to drop the subject. Although he was right. Lily had played her games too long. It was one thing for this werewolf chick to take shots at me, but not at Jack. With any luck, she would seek professional help if I turned her in. I wouldn’t offer too many details about her beyond what they already had. I wasn’t a snitch. The werewolf community didn’t like tattletales.

  I’d breathe a sigh of relief if the police could make her stop. Maybe, somewhere deep down, she didn’t mean any real harm. Lily cried for attention, that was all. Besides, if she attacked, I could take her. She was all bark. But another thought ran through my mind. I needed to find the two mangy wolves. Maybe they were responsible and this had nothing to do with Lily.

  “I don’t know why anyone would do something like this,” I said.

  “Are you sure about that?”

  Damn. Things were getting uglier by the minute. He wasn’t buying my act.

  “Jack, in this business some people end up unhappy. I told you that. It’s inevitable.”

  “This is a little more than unhappy.” He picked up the box and then tossed it back again. “Exactly what type of business do you run, anyway?”

  That question again.

  “I’ve told you what type of business. Exactly the business that’s listed on the door, a matchmaking service.” He offended me.

  He raised his eyebrows and frowned. “Be honest with me, Rylie. I’m worried. Is this an escort service?”

  The room seemed smaller. My chest felt tight, and I found breathing difficult. At that moment, I had to control my temper more than ever.

  “No, I most certainly do not run an escort service.” Did I look like Heidi Fleiss to him? I’d never been more insulted. The thought made my skin crawl. Hadn’t he ever heard of

  matchmaker-whatever-dot-com? I was just like them, only better.

  “Look, Jack. Do what you have to do, I guess. I told the police what I know.” I was at a loss as to what else I could say. I didn’t mean to sound snippy, but it was hard to control my frustration.

  “Don’t be mad at me, Rylie. I’m doing this for your own good. You should thank me.”

  “I understand that.” I didn’t offer thanks, though.

  “Do you understand? I’m only trying to help. You seem upset with me, don’t deny that. It’s written all over your face.”

  “I’m not upset, honest. I didn’t mean to get you involved in anything weird. It’s probably Lily just goofing around, nothing more. I don’t take it seriously because it’s not. Look, I don’t want to end toes-up in a morgue any more than you do. Everything is fine.”

  “I really wish you’d let me help you, Rylie. This is serious and I wish you’d see that.” Hi
s voice held a bit of a snap.

  He had taken on a doctor tone. Did he think I needed his help with my mental health? Wonderful. Now I was sure he thought I was a mental patient.

  Before I could say another word, a knock came at the door. Martin Blake once again stood in my doorway. Lily probably sent him a package too. Great. And I didn’t think the day could get worse.

  “Am I interrupting anything?” Martin asked.

  “No, I was just leaving.” Jack stood. Suddenly I wished he wasn’t leaving, in spite of the heated topic. I didn’t want to finish our conversation with a negative ending. I should have told Jack the truth. It couldn’t be any worse than the way it was now. So I grow fur and eat a lot of meat, was that so terrible?

  “I’ll be attending a conference later today. I’ll be gone a couple of days.” Jack studied me. “I really wish I didn’t have to go, but I don’t have a choice in the matter. What I need is someone here to keep an eye on you.”

  Martin entered the room and stared at us with interest. He wore dark jeans with a seam starched precisely down the front. His white shirt appeared equally stiff. How could he move? I’d prefer if he hadn’t heard Jack’s statement. By the glint in his eyes, I knew he would readily volunteer for the job.

  Chapter 14

  How to Date a Werewolf Rule # 14:

  Don’t refer to your date as a beast.

  “Everything okay?” Martin looked to Jack. They had their own macho-man code thing going on as each one eyed the other. Except Martin wasn’t all man, but werewolf too. Jack might freak out if he knew the truth. Heck, it would probably freak him out to know he’d kissed a werewolf. No doubt he’d run off and never look back.

  “Who are you?” Jack asked somewhat politely. But his defenses were up. After the special package he received, he was being vigilant, and rightfully so, I suppose.

  “Oh, sorry, man. My name’s Martin Blake. I’m a client of Miss Cruz.” He nodded toward me.

  “Jack Chandler, my office is next door.” He held out his hand. “Sorry if I came across as impolite, but Miss Cruz seems to have a stalker. I’m trying to watch out for her.”

  I supposed I should tell Jack that Martin in a roundabout way was the reason behind some of the madness. If Lily hadn’t fallen madly in love with Martin this mess never would have happened. No packages. No demonstrations outside my office window, or car chases, either. I needed to tell him instead of letting Jack go through all of the details with Martin, which seemed about to happen.

  “This package was delivered—”

  “Um, excuse me, Jack?”

  Jack turned. “Yes?” He had a wide-eyed, excited look.

  “Martin was Lily’s date. Lily, the one harassing me, she’s bothering him too.”

  “Oh. Really? What kind of lunatic is she, anyway?”

  A hairy one?

  “Martin, won’t you have a seat?” I offered, albeit I’d rather he disappeared.

  I was glad Jack didn’t know about Martin asking me out. Talk about awkward. Although, I felt a bit uncomfortable, anyway—having my matchmaking blunder on full display wasn’t fun.

  “Jack received a package today…with bullets in it.” I left out the silver part. Jack would wonder why I felt the need to mention it. Heck, I doubt he even noticed the objects were shiny and silver. They probably looked like plain old bullets to him—bullets that killed.

  “You’re kidding, so did I.” Martin leaned his lanky body forward in order to hear every juicy morsel.

  “Oh, Martin. I’m so sorry.” So my suspicions appeared to be correct—it was Lily. “When did you get it?” I felt awful for involving him with a lunatic.

  “Just this morning, actually. I came here right after.”

  “Was there a note attached?” I asked.

  “No, no note.” He shook his head, the dark hair touching his collar waving with the motion. “Why, did his have a note?”

  That was odd. I guess Lily ran out of threats when she got to Martin’s. “Yes, it did.” I rubbed my temples.

  “Probably she couldn’t think of anything clever enough to say to me.” He snorted.

  He read my mind. “I’ve never known her to not have something to say. Even if it wasn’t clever. Heck, I’ve never know her to be witty.”

  “That’s true,” Martin said.

  Jack watched our discussion. His eyes were wide and his mouth was open. He rubbed his face. “The two of you seem to take this a bit lightly. Aren’t you worried? She’s a stalker. She could storm in here at any moment and kill all of us.”

  Martin glanced over at him. “Aw, Lily’s all right.” He waved a hand.

  That was not what Jack wanted to hear, I knew by the look on his face.

  “If she were sane, she wouldn’t send threatening letters and bullets,” Jack huffed.

  Time for a topic change.

  “So, Martin. Is Lily the reason you stopped in today?” Maybe that was the wrong thing to say. What if he asked me out again in front of Jack? Too late, the words were out there.

  Martin looked from Jack to me and said, “Um, yeah. That was it.”

  I prayed he was too shy to make a move in front of Jack. The room fell silent for a moment. We gazed from one to the other.

  Jack broke the silence. “Listen, Martin. I’ll be out of town for a couple of days, and I’m concerned for Miss Cruz’s safety in light of the recent activities.”

  Why did he feel the need to share those details with Martin? If I had tape, I’d wrap his mouth with it.

  “Would you be able to keep a close eye on her? Make sure nothing happens to her.”

  Oh, that’s why Jack offered the info. What was he doing? What the hell made him ask Martin of all people? Martin’s face lit up like a neon wedding chapel sign in Vegas. A huge smile spread across his face, and I thought I detected hearts in his eyes. I knew what his answer would be.

  “I’d love to. No problem whatsoever. You go on your trip and be secure in the knowledge she is safe with me.” Martin’s chest puffed out.

  No friggin’ way this guy was hanging around with me, and if he thought he was, then he had another think coming.

  “I’m fine on my own. I can take care of myself. I’m a big girl now,” I snapped, maybe more than I had intended to. It’s hard not to react that way when treated like a child.

  “I’d feel much better if someone helped watch your back,” Jack said.

  Yeah, Martin would watch my back, all right. By the giddy look on his face, it would be my ass though, and not the area above. Lily and Martin were perfect for each other, I knew that from the start, and his behavior now only confirmed my thoughts. Perhaps I needed to convince him the new lime beer was the best thing since buttered bread. Maybe he’d leave me alone and head back to his were-soul mate.

  “I can take care of myself,” I repeated. Were they not listening to me or just ignoring me? Whichever one, it was annoying.

  Jack pulled his wallet from his pants pocket and handed a business card to Martin.

  “Look, I have to go. Martin, it was nice meeting you. Take care of her. Here’s my number, call if you need me.”

  Jack paused and gave me a puzzled look I couldn’t quite read. There was no goodbye kiss, which sucked.

  “Rylie, please be careful.” He paused, then turned and walked out the door, taking the box of bullets with him. More than likely to hand over to the police. If they called, I would avoid them. I’d thought it over and decided there was no need to involve the law—they would only complicate matters in my life. I’d take care of this on my own. I was werewolf, hear me roar.

  Martin nodded and smiled at me. Kind of a creepy smile, actually. But, whatever, he was apparently proud of his assignment. “So do you want me to, like, hang around your office? I’ll just chill out here on this comfy leather chair.” He patted the arm.

  “Look, Martin, I’ve got everything under control. You can leave.” I gave him a stern look.

  “You know, the package from Lily was
n’t the only reason I stopped by today.”

  No kidding. I wasn’t stupid. I guessed as much by the devilish smile on his face when he arrived.

  “No? You don’t say.” I arched a brow. How was I going to get rid of this guy?

  “Nope. Rylie, it’s just the other day, you seemed stressed. I wanted to offer my help. Maybe a shoulder to lean on. I’m a great listener,” he said.

  Oh dear heavens. Why me? Why was I being punished? I mean, his offer was nice and all, but I had a feeling he wanted to give me more than his shoulder.

  “It’s nice of you to offer, but I’m fine, really.” I shuffled papers to make it appear I was swamped with work. I didn’t glance up to see if lust filled his eyes.

  “Talk to me, Rylie. I’m here for you. Tell me your deepest, darkest problems. I want to help.”

  The day from hell, that’s what this was.

  “Martin, I really need to get work done. I have no deep problems to share.” Not with him at least. “I’m swamped here, plus I have clients coming in soon. Thanks for stopping by.” Why couldn’t my phone ring now that I needed it to?

  “Were the bullets silver?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “Um, yeah, they were silver. All three of them,” I blurted out.

  “Three? I thought he said two?”

  “I got one the other day before Jack did.” Why was I telling him this? It would only prolong his stay.

  “I had no idea. No wonder he wants someone to watch after you. Anything else going on you’d like to share?”

  Ugh. What the hell, maybe if I told him everything he’d go away. That, or for sure he’d stick around. I couldn’t win. Possibly he’d have some idea about whether or not Lily, in fact, would send minions to try to scare me.

  “Lately, a couple of thug werewolves have followed me around, and last night they chased me. I outran them, though.”

  “You’re kidding. How terrible. Do you know who it is? It’s Lily, isn’t it?” He scowled.