The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls Book 6) (30 page)

“And neither do I,” Delaney said.

“But,” Roxy went on, “Delaney said if anyone would know, it would be you because your mom has a pretty intensive library of spell books, and because you’re mentoring a young witch, so you must be pretty knowledgeable.”

“I like to think so.” Pandora smiled. “I spent years trying to figure out why my magic didn’t work, so I’ve done my time with those books. And now I’m super curious to hear what you’re after.”

Roxy sat up a little straighter. “I want a spell that will turn me into a shifter. Specifically, the same kind as Alex Cruz. A panther shifter.”

“Oh, fun.” Pandora’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll have to do some research, but I’ll see what I can come up with. In fact, I’ll swing by my mom’s on the way home and have a look through that library.”

“Really?” Hope rose through Roxy’s body like a current of spring air. “So you think it’s possible?”

Pandora chewed on her bottom lip. “I think it might be. I feel like I’ve heard about a spell like that, but let me do some research before I give you a firm yes. Hey, maybe I can tell you tomorrow at the signing. I plan to swing by anyway. I’m going to bring Willa Iscove with me. But be prepared. She’s probably going to go total fangirl. She loves your books. She got me reading them.”

Roxy smiled. “I love her already. Is she a witch too?”

“Nope. She’s fae. And legitimately the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. It’s a fae thing. They’re like unnaturally pretty. Totally not fair to the rest of us, but there you have it.” Pandora’s phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. “Huh. Speaking of witchy things, Agnes Miller just texted me to call her about tomorrow.”

Roxy tilted her head. “Is Agnes a witch?”

“Yep. Besides the regular books she carries, she handles a lot of grimoires and spell books too. I should call her real quick.” Pandora looked at them. “Do you mind?”

Roxy and Delaney shook their heads at the same time.

“Great.” Pandora dialed. “Hey, Agnes, what’s up?” She listened intently as she ate the remaining crumbs on her plate. “Uh-huh. Really?” Pandora glanced at Roxy. “No problem. I’ll ask him, but I’m sure it’ll be fine. Okay. See you then.” She hung up.

“Everything all right?” Delaney asked.

“Not exactly.” Pandora looked at Roxy. “You didn’t say anything about having a stalker. What the heck is going on?”

Roxy explained as briefly as possible. “But why would Agnes call to tell you about that?”

“Alex Cruz was in her shop doing some recon, and Agnes offered to have me bring in Kaley, my boyfriend’s daughter, to read the auras of any male customers who show up to see if they mean you harm.”

Roxy flattened her hands on the table. “I had no idea that was even a possibility. But I really hope this guy doesn’t show up tomorrow. I don’t want any trouble. It’ll be chaotic enough with the signing and the parade.”

Delaney patted her hand. “It’ll be fine.”

“I agree,” Pandora said. “One guy against an assorted bunch of supernaturals? He’s got no chance.” She stood. “And now I better get going. I have a lot of work to do before making it to Cole’s at seven. Thanks for the cake, Delaney.”

Delaney started to get up. “I’ll walk you out.”

“Rest, mama-to-be. I know where the door is.” Pandora waved as she hiked her briefcase strap onto her shoulder. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

Morning came bright and early, and as Alex was carrying his mother’s things to her car, a gleaming black Bentley pulled into Roxy’s drive. Roxy got out of the back, an overnight bag in her hand. Stanhill, Hugh Ellingham’s rook, was behind the wheel. She waved to him, then walked over to Alex. “Hiya.”

“Hi. How was your night at Delaney’s?”

“Oh, you know. Full of girl talk.”

He popped the Caddy’s trunk. “You two all right now?”

“Yep. We talked it all out. She told me about the history of the town and the Ellinghams and everything. Even about the water and the spell that’s in it to keep humans from figuring out the truth about this place.”

“You really did talk it out. Did you get any writing done?”

“A little.” She leaned against the car. “Kind of sad your mom’s going home today. I haven’t eaten that well in a long time.”

“She’s not happy she’s missing the signing, but I told her I know people. And my freezer is full of meals. You’re welcome to join me anytime.” He put his mother’s bag and cooler in the trunk and shut it.

Roxy smiled. “I like your mom. If you give me a few minutes, I’ll go sign a set of books for her to take home.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know.” She lifted one shoulder. “But I want to. She’s the mother of the guy I’m crazy about. I need her on my side. And I have to come over and say goodbye.”

He laughed, warmed by her words. “She’s already on your side, trust me.”

“I do.” She stared up at him.

He tried to read her expression. “Are you worried about today? Because you shouldn’t be. It’s going to be fine. Even if this guy shows up, I’ve got it covered.”

She nodded. “I know. I’m not worried. And I think I’m going to be too busy to get worried.”

She continued to study him, but he couldn’t read her. “There’s something on your mind. I just can’t figure out what.”

She pursed her lips. “I was thinking that you could kiss me hello from now on.” She ran her fingers along the line of the car’s trunk. “If you wanted to, that is.”

Hell yes, he wanted to. He leaned in and laid one on her. “Does that answer your question?”

She laughed. “Very well.” She took a step back toward her house. “I should go get ready.”

“What time do you need to be at the bookstore?”

“The signing is from one to four. I told Agnes I’d be there at twelve thirty.”

“Okay. I’ll drive you. If you want, you can come over here and have lunch, then we can go.”

“I might be too nervous to have lunch.” She fiddled with the earring dangling from her right ear.

“You have to eat something. That’s too long to go without food.”

She laughed. “I can tell your mother’s been visiting. Okay, I’ll come over. In fact, let me go grab those books for your mom and then I’ll come say goodbye to her.”

“Excellent. I’ll keep her occupied until you show up.”

She turned to go, then stopped. “You didn’t see anything going on around my house last night, did you?”

“No, and I did a perimeter check this morning. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Good. Thanks. See you in a bit.”

He watched her go, distracted by the sway of her hips and the flavor of her berry gloss on his mouth. He was still smiling as he went inside.

“That happy I’m leaving, huh?” Carmen turned back to the sink and put the last of the breakfast dishes into the drainer.

“You know I have a dishwasher.”

“Eh, this is faster.”

He doubted that, but if she wanted to hand-wash his dishes, he wasn’t going to put up too much of a fuss. If there was anything he knew about Carmen Cruz, it’s that she liked to feel useful. “I’m not happy because you’re leaving.”

“Then why were you smiling?”

“Because I’m a happy guy.”

She turned to face him again. She leaned against the sink, taking off the rubber gloves she must have also brought with her. “You’re in love.”

“I’m not in love.” No way. Not yet. It was too early for that. Much too early. But if Roxy really was his soul mate—

“You smile like a man in love. Your father gets the same look every now and then. Mostly when I make flan.”

“I like Roxy a lot, but our relationship is very young, Mom. I’m happy to just let it happen right now.”

She pointed at him. “You’d better protect that woman. Whoever this nut is that’s after her, you find him and put him in jail.”

“I’m working on it. And I will. Promise.”

“Don’t leave her side today.”

He wouldn’t actually be at Roxy’s side, but he wasn’t going to explain the details of the operation to her. “I won’t, Mom.”

“Good.” She put the towel down and sighed. “I suppose I should get ready to go. The car is packed?”

“Except for your toiletry case, your purse and you, yes.”

She pushed off the counter and headed for the guest room. “I’ll be out of your hair soon enough.”

“Mom.” He rolled his eyes. There was no winning this conversation.

A knock at the door claimed his attention. Roxy waved from the other side of the sidelight.

He let her in, barely waiting until she’d crossed the threshold to kiss her again.

“What was that for?”

“You said to kiss you hello from now on. So I am.”

She grinned. “You’re a quick study. I like that.” She hefted a dark red tote bag with her name and logo—a sly smile with fangs—printed on the side. “I brought the goods in one of my signature book bags.”

“My mother’s going to love that.”

“What am I going to love?” Carmen walked out of the hall, fastening a bracelet around her wrist. “Roxy, hi! I didn’t think I’d see you before I left. Alex told me all about your troubles. I’m so sorry. But he’ll take care of it, you’ll see.”

“I have no doubt he will.” She lifted the bag again. “I brought you a little gift since you can’t make the signing today.”

Carmen clapped her hands. “What have you done?”

“Just the first five books in the series, all signed to you, plus a bunch of swag for you and your book club.”

More hand clapping ensued, this time accompanied by shrieks of happiness and a few exclamations in Spanish. Then Carmen hugged Roxy. “Thank you. You are a dear girl. I’m so glad someone so good and kind has come into my son’s life. It’s about time.”

Roxy laughed. “Good thing I bought the house next to him, huh?”

“It was fate,” Carmen said, nodding. “You two are meant to be.”

Roxy glanced at him. “I guess time will tell.”

“That’s what I told her.” Alex took the tote bag. “I’ll go put this in the car with the rest of your stuff. Roxy needs to get ready for her signing, so why don’t you say goodbye and we can let her get back to her day. Plus, you need to get on the road, Mom. It’s a long drive. I don’t want you driving after dark.”

Carmen rolled her eyes. “My son, the worrier. Fine, I’m saying goodbye and getting the rest of my things. Thank you again, Roxy.” She hugged Roxy. “I’ll see you soon.”

“You’re welcome.” Roxy hugged her back, grateful for the woman’s efforts to bring her and Alex back together. “Have a safe trip home.”

“I will.”

Carmen went off down the hall again, and Roxy took a few steps toward the door. “Alex, I’ll see you in a bit.”

He nodded. “Thanks again. That was really sweet of you. I’ll be the favorite son for a long time now.”

Roxy winked at him. “And if you don’t want to lose that status, you’d better keep me happy.”

He laughed. “I’m aware.”

She left, smiling, and a few minutes later, he had his mother in the car and on the road. It was good to have his house to himself again. He stretched. Today was going to be intense. Roxy might not think her stalker was going to show, but Alex did. He needed to be sharp and focused. The crowd at the bookstore and in town would only make things more difficult.

With that in mind, he started to change into shorts and a T-shirt for a run to clear his head and use up some of the pre-game energy coursing through him. Then he stopped. What was he thinking? He couldn’t leave Roxy alone.

He jogged to her house instead and knocked on the door.

Roxy answered a few minutes later in a robe and with her hair wound up in a towel. She was bare-faced, and her skin was pink with heat. She looked beautiful. “Hey. Out for a run?”

“Not really. I was going to, but then I realized I can’t leave you alone. In fact, you really shouldn’t be here by yourself right now.”

“You’re too late.”

His hackles rose. “For what?”

She cocked her hip to the side. “To join me for my shower.”

He grinned, the imagined threat gone. “Clearly, I suck at my job.”

Her brows rose and her mouth bent in an amused line. “There is so much I could say to that, but I’m not going to because we might not make it to the bookstore.”