by Stella Night
Logan extended his hand. “Thanks, I really appreciate that.” After a hearty shake, he reached for a business card and handed it to Josh. “And again, I’m sorry. I hope you don’t take what I said about your sister the wrong way.”
Josh laughed as he walked away. “It’s okay. I’m familiar with that temper. Let me know if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll see you tomorrow night. Upstairs at Old Masters Books. Just ring the bell at the back entrance and come on in.” He waved and left Logan to the ashes.
Chapter 3
“So, Celia dear, how are things going?” Gemma Gilbert’s emerald green eyes sparkled as she poured tea into a delicate china cup adorned by hand painted roses.
“Everything is fine.” Celia took the cup and narrowed her eyes as she tilted her head. Mrs. Gilbert wasn’t exactly known for idle chit chat. As a cherished elder of the pack, her words were usually accepted as gospel. She did not partake in gossip, either. With that in mind, an invitation for morning tea was cause for suspicion in Celia’s book.
Mrs. Gilbert sipped daintily then offered Celia a plate of her famous homemade cookies. A sweet smile graced the older woman’s unlined face. The only clue to her age was her white hair.
She set the plate on the low table before them and said, “We’ve all been a bit worried about you, dear. You’ve lost all your sparkle since the fire.”
Celia carefully set her cup on the table as she stood and walked toward the window. If an elder like Mrs. G. was worried, that meant others in the pack felt the same way. Great. Can’t run with them, can’t shift, and now they’ll think I’m mental. Wait until they find out the Alpha’s sister can’t reproduce.
Gazing out on Main Street, Celia sighed. This was one of the few windows facing the street that did not have a view of the spot where the Hungry Boar had stood. She turned toward her hostess and hesitated for a moment. Then the words just seemed to pour out. She repeated the conversation she had with Ella.
“Josh says ‘just get over it’ but I can’t do that. That must be a guy thing.”
Mrs. Gilbert sat calmly sipping her tea. Celia glanced at her for a moment, then continued.
“Plus, I’m twenty-two years old and I’ve only shifted once. To top it all off, my wolf has not made so much as a peep.” Celia dropped into the chair, her head in her hands. “I’m the Alpha’s sister. Hell, I’m his only family. I need to find a mate, someone who will have Josh’s back when push comes to shove but I have no desire to fall in love. And I can’t see being tied to some guy just because it’s what I should do. I almost did that with Rick.”
The older woman reached over to pat her on the shoulder. “You know, dear, sometimes with younger females, shifting comes and goes, especially halflings. You shifted in a high adrenalin situation, when you thought Ella needed you most. And since you are not full blood shifter, it’s possible that’s all that will ever happen. It doesn’t make you less of a wolf or less of a member of your brother’s pack.”
She brushed a stray curl from Celia’s forehead. “But your wolf will speak when the time is right. And I wouldn’t worry about a mate just yet. But I’m sure that anyone worthy of you would support Josh and the pack in every possible way.”
“ I know, but it bugs me. Everything bugs me these days.” Celia lifted her head and met Mrs. Gilbert’s emerald gaze. “And then this ‘arson investigator’ shows up, tromping through the shrine we made at the restaurant. And that bugs the crap out of me. He bugs the crap out of me.”
She closed her eyes against the memory of her first meeting with Logan Nilsson. Before Celia had walked away from him, desire had kicked in, hard and strong. A desire like nothing she had ever felt before. She heaved a sigh and slumped against the back of the chair.
Mrs. Gilbert chuckled. “Oh my, yes. He ‘bugs the crap out of’ me, too. He’s quite a tall drink of water, isn’t he?” She gave Celia a wicked wink and a smile.
Celia sat up and squeaked “Mrs. G!”
“What, Celia? I’m old, I’m not dead.”
Celia felt her cheeks warm as her friend laughed at her own remark. She stood again and went back to the window. She was well aware that if they continued that discussion, Mrs. Gilbert would quickly pick up on the tendrils of desire that thoughts of Logan Nilsson caused and that Celia was trying her best to kill.
“Ella and Josh have offered to help me open a day care center,” she said over her shoulder.
Another soft chuckle. “Ah, I see we’ve changed subjects. Well, I think that’s a splendid idea.” Mrs. Gilbert joined Celia at the window. “In fact, I will pitch in too. I think it will be a good thing all around. You can help with Eli, which will give Ella a break. The other mothers will appreciate it, especially during full moon runs.” She put her arm around Celia’s shoulders and gave a squeeze. “And it will keep your mind occupied with better things.”
Celia laid her head on the older woman’s shoulder and returned the hug. “Thank you. I’m considering this a loan, you know. I’ll repay you in full. With interest.”
“I’m not worried about money, dear. I’m more worried about you.” She led Celia to the door and opened it. As they stepped onto the small porch, Mrs. Gilbert lifted her head and sniffed. “Do you smell smoke?”
Celia sniffed. “Maybe. Your wolfie senses are probably stronger in that area than mine.”
Mrs. Gilbert pointed toward the woods. “Look, over there. That’s definitely smoke.”
As Celia turned her head to see what the older woman was pointing at, she heard the siren from the volunteer fire department. A black pickup truck she didn’t recognize raced down the street toward the camp sites just outside of town. She might not know the truck but she definitely recognized the driver.
***
Camp Whiskey Springs was owned and maintained by the pack. Logan watched as several men held a hose that shot water onto the burning mound of twigs and logs. Shortly after he reached the fire, the volunteers had it under control. More than that, they had flooded the area with far more water than was necessary for such a small fire. Volunteers with not enough training. Damn it.
Josh Masters joined Logan. “What happened here?” he snarled.
Logan had already started looking for signs that pointed to the cause of the fire. “Well, from what I can tell, it may have been no more than an unattended camp fire that got out of control. Hard to say with all the water.” He looked around, then turned to Josh. “Where are the campers?”
Josh shook his head. “No one has reserved this spot. In fact, I only have two campers right now and they are both down by the river.”
Logan kicked over a log and uncovered a partially burned matchbook that was mostly dry. He strode to his truck and grabbed a plastic bag from his tool kit. He returned to the log and, using the plastic bag like a glove, he picked up the matchbook.
“It’s too wet and charred to get any prints or DNA off it, but I can still make out part of the logo. Looks like a club name, maybe some flower petal, and ‘San Antonio’. I’ll save it in case anything similar pops up at the Geralds’ place.”
He glanced around and noticed that a crowd was beginning to gather. He turned back toward Josh and spoke quietly. “Do you recognize everyone here?”
Scanning the faces, Josh nodded. “Pretty much. There are a few tourists here and there that I don’t know but I’ve seen them around town. Are you thinking this is connected to the restaurant fire?” He looked down at the ashes at his feet, then watched as the fire fighters rolled their hoses up.
“Well, I’m not a big believer in coincidence,” Logan drawled. “And it’s been my experience that once an investigation begins, things can start heating up. Especially if you have a firebug already in the area.” He glanced around, taking in the scene. He pulled a notebook from his back pocket and made a few notes in it. “Right now, I’d rather err on the side of caution than — “ He stopped mid-sentence as he noticed Celia Masters approaching.
Her tawny hair gave off gold sparks wher
e the sun touched it. His eyes were drawn up those long legs, then to the t-shirt that hugged her other assets. The instant physical reaction took him by surprise again. He turned away to adjust his jeans, then turned back.
“Hey, big bro. What happened?” She smiled at her brother, the dimples in her cheeks framing her soft mouth. Logan hadn’t noticed the fringe of dark lashes yesterday. Her hazel eyes were unusual enough but the sooty lashes made them exotic. Man, she is gorgeous.
When her gaze met Logan’s, the smile disappeared. “Oh. It’s you.”
Logan nodded his head, unable to formulate words. Damn. What am I? Fourteen? “Uh, hey.”
Josh elbowed his sister and scolded her when she snickered at Logan. Then he said, “Nothing to worry about, Celia. What’s up?”
Logan couldn’t keep his eyes off her as she spoke.
“Mrs. Gilbert and I saw the smoke. Well, one of us smelled the smoke. We were a little worried but it looks like nothing.”
“It might be connected to the other fire.” Logan bit his tongue, trying to pull the words back. “B-but I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s probably nothing.”
“Oh. Does that mean you’ll be leaving soon?” Celia’s sweet tone did nothing to hide the resentment in her eyes. “Or will you still be tromping all over memorials to fine folks like the Geralds’?”
Logan spoke as Josh admonished his sister again. “Hey, man. It’s okay.” He turned to Celia. “I apologize for making a mess of things. I certainly didn’t intend to ‘tromp all over’ anything. But I want you to know that I found one ignition source under that memorial. That’s a big start to finding out how the fire started and who set it.”
Celia’s eyes narrowed and flashed bronze. “Well, Mr. Smartypants Investigator, aren’t you clever?”
Josh pushed his sister away, whispering furiously in her ear. Logan watched her walk back toward town, still unable to take his eyes off her.
I bet she’s a hellcat in bed.
Chapter 4
Logan stood in front of a small blue house with tidy flower beds. Violets nodded their blue heads in the shade of trees and red geraniums grew in window boxes that had been painted white to match the shutters. Rose bushes bloomed in a profusion of colors beneath the window boxes. Morning glories climbed trellises on either side of the small porch. The front door was painted a sunny yellow. In addition to the smaller elm trees in the front, a huge oak tree near the driveway shaded much of the house from the midday sun.
Dropping his duffel bag to the sidewalk, he looked at the address Josh had given him, then looked at the house again. You’ll know it when you see it.
Nestled amongst the old west facades of the rest of Main Street, the house stood out like a beacon.
He picked up his bag and walked up the steps. Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door swung open.
A tall woman with luxurious white hair and emerald green eyes smiled at him. “Well, hello. You must be Logan.” She held out a slender hand.
Logan shook her hand. He noticed that she took her time releasing his. He felt his cheeks color. “Yes ma’am.”
She wagged a finger at him. “Oh, don’t you ‘ma’am’ me. I’m Gemma Gilbert but you can call Mrs. G. just like everyone else around here does. Come in, come in.” She opened the door wide and ushered him in.
“Would you like something to drink? Or perhaps a snack?” Mrs. Gilbert led the way into a sitting room.
“No, ma’am … no thank you, Mrs. G.” Logan sat on the edge of the sofa as she chose an arm chair next to it. “Thank you for letting me rent a room. This will be so much more convenient than a hotel in Kerrville.”
“It’s no trouble. You’re in luck. Our tourist traffic has been light this season, so I have the room available.” She reached into her pocket. “In fact, it’s more than a room. It’s an efficiency apartment. And you are welcome to come and go as you please. Here’s your key to the front door and the key to your room.”
Logan took the keys from her. Gemma Gilbert was an attractive woman, but he could not put his finger on her age. Regardless, she must have been a stunner in her younger days. Those green eyes, the wavy white hair, and her porcelain smooth skin, plus a willowy shape would give many a man pause. He might even be in danger of his own crush if he had to stay in Whiskey Springs very long.
Clearing his throat, he said “It’s very generous. Thank you. Again.” Logan felt his face grow warm again as he stumbled over his words.
Mrs. Gilbert chuckled softly. “No worries, Logan.” She sat back and crossed her ankles demurely. “So, how are you finding our little town. Josh said you’re from Boerne?”
Nodding his head, he answered. “Yes, ma’am.” At her stern look, he hung his head. “I can’t apologize. If I didn’t call you ‘ma’am’ and my mother ever found out, she would have had my hide, even if it was from the grave.” When he looked up, her green eyes were smiling. “Anyway, Mrs. G., I am finding my way around. Everyone, well almost everyone, has been more than helpful. Lots of friendly folk.”
Mrs. Gilbert lifted one brow slightly. “Good, good. How did you end up being sent here?”
“Well, Jack Kincaid in Boerne knows the guy who wrote the insurance on the Hungry Boar. His company needed an arson investigator that was not attached to the fire department. That would be me.”
“Oh, you know Jack?”
“Yes ma’am. We’re lifelong friends. His parents took me in when my family was killed in a fire.”
Mrs. Gilbert nodded her head. “Nilsson, Nilsson … I remember that fire.” To answer his questioning look she said “News travels from pack to pack. And, as I understand it, your family was considered pack in Boerne even though they were human.”
Logan smiled. “Living with shifters has been an eye opener sometimes but I can’t imagine anything else for me. The only thing I miss out on is full moon runs. In every other way, they have considered me one of their own.”
“Well then you’ll fit in around here just fine.” She stood and smoothed her slacks over her hips. “By the way, Josh said to let you know that dinner would be at seven. Their apartment is above the bookstore. And he also said to tell you jeans and t-shirt are fine. Now, let me take you upstairs to your room.”
Logan picked up his bag and followed her. Smiling to himself, he watched as she put a little extra into the sway of her hips.
***
At seven o’clock, Logan rang the bell at the back door of Old Masters Books. He had a bottle of wine in one hand and fresh flowers in the other. Gemma Gilbert had cut the flowers from her back garden, telling him that they were Ella Master’s favorites.
The door was open, leading into a tidy kitchen with a large table and several chairs. Josh Masters came around the corner in answer to the bell. “Hey, Logan. Come on in.”
Logan offered the wine then shook hands with his host. Then he noticed the apron. “You cook?”
Josh nodded. “I do, more so right now. Ella’s got her hands full with the baby and I’m more than happy to help out.”
“Don’t leave him standing down there in the kitchen, love,” chimed a feminine voice from behind Josh.
Logan caught his breath as a woman stepped from behind Josh. He had heard stories about Ella Masters’ beauty in Boerne, but they didn’t do her justice. He could see why Josh had fallen for her. Her voluptuous curves set her apart from the shifters who tended to have more athletic builds. Masses of dark curls hung around her shoulders and highlighted her sapphire blue eyes. When she smiled at him he could swear the whole kitchen lit up.
She held out a hand to him and said “I’m Ella and it’s very nice to meet you.”
Logan shook her hand and then offered her the flowers. “I’m Logan and I have it on good authority that these will put me in your good graces.”
“Oh, thank you. These are lovely.” She held the flowers to her nose and sniffed delicately. Then she smiled again. “ And I know just where they came from. I’m going to take these upstairs and
put them in water. Josh, why don’t y’all come on up?”
At the top of the staircase, Josh led Logan into a book-filled study. Leather chairs sat around a low table in front of a stone fire place. Ella had filled the space with white candles in varied sizes. The glow was warm without the heat of a fire in the unseasonably warm temperatures.
Logan looked at the book shelves that covered two of the walls in the room. “So, Jack told me you’re a book collector.”
Josh offered Logan a chair. After opening the wine, he poured for everyone and sat down. “Yeah. We both love the classics. It’s part of what drew us together. Ella jokes that I built the bookstore to house my collection.” He paused to wink at his wife. “I can’t say that totally I disagree with her.”
As they talked, Logan watched Josh and Ella together. He knew they had been married for a few years and had a small child, but they still acted like newlyweds. They were rarely more than an arm’s length from each other, often taking one another’s hand or finding an excuse to touch one another.
The sudden realization that he wanted this - the love of a lifetime, a life-mate, a home - hit Logan like a ton of bricks. He wanted nothing more than a family of his own.
“Logan?”
Shaking his head slightly, Logan apologized. “Sorry. I was in another world.”
Josh chuckled. “That’s alright. You haven’t really had any rest since you’ve been here.”
“Yeah, I tend to become a little obsessed when I’m working a case. But this has been different. It’s usually in and out without another fire break during my investigation. I have the distinct feeling that there’s something I’m missing.”
Ella’s brow furrowed. “Do you think the two fires are related?” She looked from her husband to Logan. Josh patted her hand reassuringly.
Logan shook his head. “I honestly don’t know at this point. They could be. It just depends on whether or not I find evidence linking them. Is there anyone new in town? Someone you don’t recognize or someone who has recently moved here?”
