The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls Book 2) (14 page)

“No idea. They showed up on Birdie’s desk when she ran out to the Shop & Save.”

Ivy stiffened, her body suddenly wound like a coil. “Why would someone do that?”

“To cause trouble. There’s no other reason.”

She cursed softly. “I don’t like the idea of being watched like that.”

“I can imagine.” It was a violation of her privacy, although not an actual crime. “Do you think Charlie’s in danger?”

A dark shadow passed through her gaze before she shook her head and looked away. “He’s with my parents.”

But there was no ring of assurance in her tone.

She worried the seam on the leg of her jeans. “You think someone’s trying to stop us from getting married?”

“Maybe. Who stands to gain if the truce is called off?”

“No one, really. It benefits both families, the way I see it. Mine more than yours. Not that I think anyone on your side is behind this.”

He nodded, happy she’d said that. “I see it that way, too, but think about it, and if you come up with any names, let me know.”

“I will.” Her mouth bunched to one side. “I don’t like this at all.”

He tossed the pictures on the desk, then reached out, took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’ve already told you I’m in. Nothing’s going to make me change my mind.”

She stared up at him. “Same for me.” Her words were hesitant.

“Why do I hear a ‘but’ in that answer?”

She sighed out a long breath. “My family and my pack have a lot of…less than honorable sorts in them.”

His hackles went up. “You think you’re in danger? Who stands to benefit from hurting you or Charlie?”

She shook her head and smiled, but it looked forced. “No one I can think of. I’m sure it’s nothing. I’m sorry this happened. Probably just someone being foolish.”

“It’s definitely that. And if anyone tries to hurt you, they’re going to find out pretty quickly what a bad idea that is.” He pulled her to her feet and tugged her close so that she stood between his legs. “No one is going to hurt you, and no one is going to stand in the way of this marriage, so long as that’s what you want.”

Her smile softened into something genuine. “It is.”

He teased a gentle kiss across that smile. “Good. Now let’s go have lunch where the whole town can see us. I’m sure Birdie’s already told everyone she can think of and posted it on her Facebook page, so prepare yourself for table visits.”

“Small towns,” she said knowingly.

He grabbed his hat. “That and also there’s going to be a lot of curiosity about the woman who thinks I’m a good catch.”

She laughed as he opened the door, a happy sound he was glad to hear again. If these pictures were the beginning of something bigger and Ivy ended up in danger, he would very easily leave his badge behind to deal with her tormentors in a permanent fashion.

And if they thought otherwise, they were fools.

Ivy was surprised at how right Hank had been about the table visits. All sorts of people stopped by, proving that Howler’s was a very popular choice for locals and tourists alike. The array of supernaturals present was pretty amazing too. After the ninth interruption, Bridget started running interference, which made Ivy like her even more.

Bridget’s buffer also finally allowed them to eat. Better still, Ivy had Hank to herself. Which was the best part of the meal. They were tucked away in a booth in a private corner and he’d sat on the same side as her, meaning she could almost hide behind him if she wanted. Maybe that had been his plan. Keep her hidden in case there was some kind of danger.

She thought about the pictures for a moment, about what they might mean and who they might be from, but she couldn’t come up with much. Someone wanted Hank to know about Charlie, that was plain, but who? Was there a chance Charlie was in danger? That caused her mother’s instinct to clang in alarm and her ache for her son grew stronger. She pulled out her phone and sent her brother, Sam, a text.

Check on Charlie when you get a chance? Make sure he’s all right? Thanks.

Didn’t mean Sam would do it, but she had no one else to ask. As far as being in immediate danger, it was hard to be afraid of anything sitting next to a werewolf Hank’s size.

He pointed at her food with a French fry. “How’s your steak salad?”

She laughed. “You mean that half pound of sirloin with the two lettuce leaves and the slice of tomato? Your sister doesn’t skimp on the meat, does she? It’s great.” And almost gone. Being happy gave her an appetite, and it was hard not to be happy around a man who was crazy about her. The only piece of the puzzle that was missing was Charlie. Her heart ached with his absence.

“Pretty sure you got the friends-and-family deal.”

“Which one does that make me?”

“Both.” He smiled before popping the last of his French fries into his mouth. “You okay?”

She nodded. “I’m great.” She just wanted her son by her side. Safe. And where he belonged.

Bridget came to the table and set two bowls of peach cobbler in front of them. A hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream melted into each one. “Still hot from the oven, so be careful.”

“More food?” Ivy leaned back, wondering if she should unbutton her jeans. “I’m not sure I can.”

“At least try it.” Hank handed her a spoon. “The peach cobbler here is legendary.”

Bridget leaned against the side of the booth. “I can box it up to go if you want.”

But the aromas of peach and cinnamon already teased Ivy’s nose, making her mouth water. “I’ll soldier through.”

“That’s the spirit.” Bridget grinned. “You guys need anything else?”

Hank looked at Ivy.

She shook her head. “Everything was wonderful, thank you.”

Bridget backed away, pointing at her brother. “Don’t forget. Dinner at Titus’s tonight.”

Hank groaned. “Yeah, all right.” He stuffed down a spoonful of cobbler.

As Bridget went back to the bar, Ivy questioned him. “Titus is your brother, right?”

“My brother and the fire chief. We all get together at his house the week of the full moon for dinner and a run. There’s no getting out of it. Not with what’s going on with us. He’ll want to meet you in person, because I’m sure Bridge has told him everything.”

The tiniest bit of anxiety played along Ivy’s nerves. She ate some cobbler in an attempt to stifle that feeling. The cool ice cream and the sweet, hot peaches and sugary flaky crust made her pause for a moment to enjoy it. “Wow, you weren’t kidding about the cobbler being legendary.” She took another bite just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, then she answered. “We don’t need to get out of it. I’m sure it’ll be fun. And I should meet your brother. I have to meet him sooner or later anyway. You think he’ll like me?”

“You have nothing to worry about. He’s been after me to find a woman for years.”

“I should get home soon then. I’ll make a dessert to take over, although I’m not sure I can compete with your sister’s cobbler.”

Hank shook his head. “She didn’t make that cobbler. She just pays the salary of the chef who did. Anything you want to make is great. Or you could buy something. There’s a new shop on Black Cat Boulevard called Delaney’s Delectables. They sell all kinds of sweets. The woman who runs it is fairly new to town, like you. She’s a vampire.”

Ivy stared at him. “It’s one thing to know Nocturne Falls is pretty open about supernaturals, it’s another to hear them discussed as regular citizens.”

He shrugged. “The tourists think we’re all playing parts. It makes life a lot easier than trying to hide who you are.”

“And what if a visitor realizes you’re not playing a part?”

“Remember the waterfall we drank from on our run?”

“Sure.”

“That water comes from an enchanted spring. Humans think drinking the water from that spring has the power to grant wishes. What the water actually does, thanks to the magic involved, is blur the edges of reality a little.”

“How can you be sure everyone drinks it?”

“That spring feeds the town’s reservoir and it’s the bottled water you’ll see being sold in all the shops. It’s everywhere.”

“And it only affects humans?”

“Supernaturals are immune.”

“Wow.” This place was unreal.

He nodded and took another bite of cobbler.

She lifted her spoon, then paused. “How do you know it’s enchanted?”

“The family who started this town did it. Actually, the witch who works for them. It’s a big part of what makes this whole place work.”

“That’s not the Merrow family, is it?”

He snorted. “No. Nocturne Falls was founded by the Ellinghams. Vampires. The woman who runs Delaney’s? She just married the middle son, Hugh Ellingham.”

“I might go down there just to see a vampire in person.” She’d never seen one before, and her curiosity was strong. She shrugged. “I guess I’ll have to wait until after dark.”

He finished his cobbler and put his napkin on the table. “You can go anytime. The Ellinghams also have some kind of magic that makes them immune to the sun.”

“Wild. I’ll head down there when we’re done.” She rested her spoon on the table. “The Ellinghams sound powerful.”

“They are. But they don’t abuse it.” He put his arm around her, drawing her in. “Enough about them. It’s time for your surprise.”

She settled against his warmth. “You mean it wasn’t the cobbler?”

“Hardly.” The spark in his eyes was a mix of happiness and anticipation. “You ready to find out what it is?”

She smiled, unable to help herself. She had no idea what he could be up to. “Let the wooing commence.”

Hank figured when they walked into Illusions, Ivy would know they’d come there to get her an engagement ring and the surprise would come to an end. He’d assumed wrong.

She leaned into him and whispered, “Is this about getting me a job? This would be a very cool place to work.”

“A job? No.” He led her to the diamond case. “It’s about getting you a ring.”

Ivy’s lips parted, disbelief etched in her gaze. “What?”

“Is that question because you think I should have picked it out on my own or because you didn’t think I was getting you a ring?”

“I…” She shook her head and looked like she was trying to blink away tears. “I didn’t expect a ring is all.”

“Even better.” He gestured toward the case. “See anything you like?”

Willa, the owner and one of the fae citizens in town, met them on the other side. “Hi, Sheriff.”

He’d called ahead to let her know what he was coming in for. “Willa Iscove, this is Ivy Kincaid. My fiancée.”

Willa smiled at her. “Hi, Ivy. Congratulations to both of you on your engagement.”

Ivy nodded and squeaked out a, “Thanks.” She cleared her throat, then spoke to Willa again. “Could you give us a minute?”

“Sure. Give me a wave when you’re ready.” Willa left to help another customer.

“Hank, I don’t know about this.”

He frowned. “Having second thoughts about marrying me?”

“No!”

Her emphatic response pleased him but left him more confused. “What’s wrong then?”

She kept her voice low. “You shouldn’t be spending your money on—I mean, you’re taking on me
and
my son. I just don’t want you to think I’m…” She sighed. “This isn’t coming out right. I don’t need anything but a plain band.”