Chapter 17

The next day the atmosphere was thick with tension and suspicion. None of the staff lingered to talk to the customers. They kept close to one another. For the most part, the patrons didn’t notice that they were the subject of distrust.

Corey came down with Caitlyn for breakfast, and Remi decided she should get to know her. Emery was obviously very serious about her, and Corey must have some deep feelings about him because she didn’t run the other way after the attack the night before.

Corey watched the girls serve the customers as she ate. When Iris went by carrying an order, Corey looked at Remi. “So, all of the people that work here are supernatural’s?”

“We call them paras.” Remi smiled. “And yes, they are.”

“Paras,” Corey said quietly and sipped her coffee. “Except you.”

Remi grimaced. “I’m mostly a normal.”

“Mostly?” Corey set her cup down, giving her a wide-eyed look.

Not even sure how to explain, Remi shrugged. “I’m normal with a little extra, the ability to tell what others are.”

Corey’s expression changed to excitement. “So, you can look at someone and just know if they’re a regular human or not?”

Running her finger around the edge of her cup, Remi nodded. “Yeah.”

“That’s kind of cool.” She took another small bite.

“It wasn’t at first. I thought I was going insane.” Remi remembered what it had been like at first. She’d known it was possible because Doyle used to rhyme off the natures of each body that came through the door. Then after he died and the Lewis quadruplets had come through the door, she’d turned to Nadine and said. “Wow, four identical wolves just walked in.” It had been a heart-stopping moment in her life. She’d freaked out later when Darien got up for the night shift, and he’d just sat there grinning like it was a wonderful thing.

“I bet it was crazy finding out you weren’t as normal as you thought.”

Pushing her empty cup away, Remi looked at her for a moment. “How long have you known about the para community?” She grinned. “You’re taking all of this a little too well to have just found out.”

Corey wiped her mouth and placed the napkin neatly over her plate. “I grew up with a shifter for a best friend.” She shrugged. “You can’t be around a family like that and not know something’s different.” With a half-smile, she glanced around. “Since I’ve been on my own, I’m drawn to places like this.” Leaning forward, she rested her arms on the table and clasped her hands. “I feel out of place with regular old humans.” Her cheeks flushed slightly, “when I met Emery, I couldn’t take my eyes off him.” She smirked. “He’s so…” she waved her hand around, “I’m not sure how to explain it.”

Remi laughed, “I can see it on your face. You don’t have to explain.” As happy as she was that Corey seemed like a good fit, she still had to speak up to be sure. “You do know the risks of having a relationship with Emery.”

A serious look appeared on Corey’s face, and she nodded. “I know. I don’t think he’d ever intentionally hurt me, but,” a pained looked filled her eyes, “things happen, right?”

Remi sighed. “Yes, they do.” Story of my life lately, she thought, things happening, one right after the other. “Just be careful. For your sake and Em’s.”

Corey studied her for a moment. “Emery told me you’re not his sister.”

Snorting, Remi grinned. “No. I’m not. I’m the mother in his world.”

Corey laughed. “I figured that much out by the way he looks up to you.” She shrugged. “Figuratively speaking.” She offered her a small smile, “he loves you.”

Remi didn’t know what to say to that. Kyran came in, giving her a good excuse not to reply at all. He headed straight for her.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that you never sleep.” He said with a grin as he sat down.

Remi yawned as if on cue. “It’s not by choice most of the time.”

Nodding, he looked at Corey. Remi couldn’t help noticing that his eyes lingered on her neck more than once. “How are you feeling this morning?” He asked her.

Corey tilted her head, a look of anxiety on her face. “Fine. I’m just a little apprehensive about going outside today.” She looked at the clock, “But I have to get home and change so I can get to work.” Giving Remi a half smile, she stood up. “Thanks for everything, Remi. I’m sure I’ll see you later.”

Kyran stood back up again, “I’ll walk you to your car.” Looking down at Remi, he grinned. “I’ll be right back. Hopefully, there will be a free cup of coffee waiting for me.”

Stacking the dishes, Remi got up. “I’m sure I can find one around here somewhere.”

She watched them walk away and then turned and almost walked right into Iris. She looked at the door. “So, that’s Emery’s girlfriend?”

Remi held out the dishes for her to take. “It looks that way.”

Iris sighed. “Another one off the market.”

Remi’s eyebrows went up.

Iris shrugged. “What? I know faeries and vamps shouldn’t hook up, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a sexy one when I see it, and your Emery,” she made a dramatic moan, “he’s sexy with a splash of boyish charm.”

Remi shook her head and motioned for Iris to go to the kitchen and then followed her. “It seems to me that all the males around here are.”

Iris leaned on the door so it would open. “Yes, they are. Lucky us.”

Laughing, she held the door for Iris and then released it after she’d gone through it. Berk turned around and looked them both up and down.

“Only man talk would have you two looking so pretty and flushed.” He waved the spatula at Iris. “Give. Who are we talking about?”

Iris put the dishes in the bin and grinned. “All the sexy, charming males that work here.”

Berk fanned his face with the cooking utensil. “Boss lady does know how to pick them.”

“Uh huh,” Iris nodded and picked up a plate to finish the order for delivery.

“I don’t pick them based on their looks or sex appeal, guys.” Remi objected.

Iris looked out the server’s window. “Speaking of sex appeal, here comes Kyran.”

“No, we know you don’t, Remi.” Berk put the eggs on the plate. “But it doesn’t hurt at all.” Adding the toast, he nodded to Iris. “Now, if you could just hire one that leaned more to my way of thinking, I’d be one happy puppy.”

“Oh, Berk,” Iris grabbed a cutlery roll out of the tray, “I have a friend whose brother is just your type. I can hook you up.”

Berk glanced up at the next order and then at her before she went out the door. “My type as he’s sexy or gay?”

She laughed. “Both. But he’s a normal.”

Berk gave her a wide-eyed glare. “I’m in. I don’t care if he’s normal or not.”

She winked and pushed the door. “Okay.”

Kyran came through the door before it closed.

Berk made a soft rumbling sound in his chest. “Good morning, Detective.”

Raising an eyebrow at Berk’s purring, Kyran nodded. “Morning, Berk.”

Remi moved down the counter and picked up the coffee pot to pour him a cup. “Any news we want to hear?”

Holding out his hand for the cup, Kyran shook his head slowly. “Not yet. We should know more later. Just waiting on some reports.”

It wasn’t good news, but it wasn’t all bad either, so Remi decided she’d take it and go find something to distract herself.

“Need a hand?”

Remi glanced over her shoulder at Kyran. “Daytime a little slow for you?”

He smirked. “It’s definitely quieter, with a lot less dancing.”

Writing her countdown before she forgot it, she turned back to him. “Hey, dancing has been known to happen during the day shift too.”

“Really? Who do I have to bribe to see this?”

“Remi, the accountant’s office just called. Apparently, they can’t reach him on his cell, so they asked if we could have him call in when he gets here.” Nadine stood at the door, a case of coffee in her hands.

“I guess that means he should be here soon.” Remi hugged the clipboard to her chest and gave Naddy a look. At the top of her list, right after Emery’s attackers and her staff being safe, she hoped whatever Attis had done to the auditor yesterday held, and he’d be finished here today.

“I’ll tell him when he comes in,” Nadine said with a quiet nod before she left again.

“This really hasn’t been your week.” Kyran sighed with a quiet sound as he moved one of the cases so she could see behind it.

“And it’s not even close to ending,” she gave an exaggerated moan and shook her head. “At least the auditor will be done here today.”

“Are you really locking Darien in a cage tonight?”

She nodded and wrote down her count. “Yes. It’s heavily barred, surrounded by stone and concrete, sealed behind a solid steel door.”

Kyran paused and looked at her. “That answers my next question.”

“What question?”

Kyran leaned against the shelf, crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s going to sound stupid to you.” He shrugged. “You’ve been exposed to more of the para than I have, but I wondered how vicious Darien is when he shifts.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “The cage you just described says it all.”

Remi shifted a bottle to see how many were behind it. “He’s only bad when the shift is from the full moon.” Pausing, she looked at him. “Okay, he can be vicious if he shifts pissed off, but he still controls it.” Remi got lost for a moment remembering the first time she had seen Darien shift. It had both scared the breath out of her and excited her. Of course, he had controlled it, and in seven years, she had never actually seen him during a moon shift, only heard him through the steel door. That was all she needed to know and never wanted to see.

“So, it’s true. They have no control during the full moon.”

“No, he doesn’t. A few other paras have to work harder for control during the full moon, like wolf shifters, and some of the cats.” She flashed him a big smile, “Most of the para communities are affected one way or another.”

“I’m pretty sure a lot of normals are too,” he added, straightening to move another case for her.

“They are.” She flipped to the next page on her inventory list. “Serenity After Dark is insane on the full moon.” Quickly counting, she continued. “The normals are all am ped up, and the paras either want to bite them, spell them, or eat them.” She gave him a forced grin. “It’s never boring.” Kyran pulled a case down so she could open it and see if it was full.

“So, what do you do?” He set it back on the shelf. “I mean, your main peacekeeper is locked in a cage. I imagine it drives Darien crazy knowing all of you are going through that when he’s not there to help.”

Moving over to the next shelf, she noticed an empty space and took a second to double-check what was supposed to be there by her list. “He…”

“Hates every second of it.” Darien’s groggy voice came from the doorway.

Remi turned to watch him come in, looking like he hadn’t slept at all. “You’re up early.”

Darien shrugged and nodded a greeting to Kyran. “I wanted to get a few things done before tonight.” He glanced at the clipboard she held. “Like finish the alcohol inventory.”

Smirking, she held it out to him. “It’s all yours. I was just killing time until Berk and Soren were done with lunch prep so I could figure out the order.”

“Do they sing every day?” Kyran asked, stepping back from the shelf.

Remi glanced at Darien, whose eyes were laughing. “Yes, they do.”

Raising his eyebrows, he looked from one to the other. “I don’t think I’ve ever met two people that are always that happy.”

Taking the cup out of Darien’s hand, she took a sip. “I suppose it’s better than having to work with crabby people.” Handing the cup back to Darien, she smiled and headed toward the door. “I’ll go get started on the order.

“Remi, hang on a sec.” Darien handed a surprised Kyran the clipboard and followed her. “I need to talk to you.”

She was afraid to ask what about because the way her week was going made her feel nervous when someone said that. She smiled at Kyran. “Just put the clipboard on the shelf and go grab some breakfast.”

Kyran looked down at the list in his hands and set it on the shelf like it might bite him.

She waited until he went into the kitchen before really looking at Darien. He had that stormy look in his eyes again. “Let’s go in the office.”

He held out a hand for her to lead the way.

Remi stepped into the office and held her breath as he closed the door. “What’s up?”

Darien looked at her for a moment, several emotions going through his eyes. “I’m not really comfortable about tonight.”

Tilting her head, she gave him a bland look. “I don’t think the moon cares much for your comfort.”

Brown eyes glared at her. “Not about my change. About not being here with everything that’s going on…”

The fact that he stopped talking made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. “What are you thinking?” She held up her hand. “We can’t be closed tonight. Not on short notice, they’d tear the building down.”

Taking a deep breath, he lifted his hands in frustration. “I know. Too many rely on coming here during the full moon...”

Remi put her hands on her hips and looked at him. “So, what then? You look like you’re going to combust spontaneously.”

He snorted. “Close.” He took a deep breath, his large chest noticeably rising and falling. “If I asked you to stay upstairs tonight…”

She shook her head. “Not a chance.” Remi couldn’t recall seeing Darien this anxious before. “Look, the harm none spell is good. Better than good. Baker and Boden tested it.” She smirked, trying to lighten his mood. “Actually, it was quite entertaining to watch them try.”

“Do I want to know?”

“Let’s just say they can think violent thoughts toward each other, but as soon as they try to act on them, they’re laid flat out staring at the ceiling.”

Darien blew out a breath. “Still, it’s magic, Remi. There always seems to be some kind of loophole. Some charm, talisman, or damn herb that negates a spell. Just…”

“Hey.” She offered him a small smile. “Calm down. I’ll be fine.”

Darien paced on the spot. He looked like an animal trapped in a cage.

“Dare.”

With a soft growling sound, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer, leaning down so they were face to face. “Just stay inside the building. I don’t care what’s going on. You do not leave the building. Don’t go upstairs alone. Take Emery with you.” His eyes bore into hers with a look more serious than she’d ever seen. “Promise me, Remi.”

Nodding, she tried to keep her pounding heart quiet. “Okay, I promise. Calm down…”

“I can’t calm the fuck down. There’s a sick killer out there,” he released her and pointed to the door, “they’ve already attacked you and Emery, and I’m going to be locked in a damn cage.” He took a deep breath; his fists were clenched at his sides. “Any staff that’s here can stay here. There’s enough room upstairs, and we have two empty rooms downstairs. I don’t want anyone out there that doesn’t have to be.” He dropped his head down and looked at the floor. “Anyone that has to leave can park out back, within the spell boundary, so they can get to and from their cars…”

“I’ll tell them,” She moved over and stood in front of him, placing her hand on his chest over his heart. It was beating so strong she could feel it. “Everyone will be okay, Darien.”

Heaving out a loud sigh, he placed his warm hand over hers. “I really hate this.”

“I noticed.” She could see the conflict in his eyes.

“If I had a choice…”

“You don’t. You’re a werewolf, and that won’t change.” She took a shaky breath, trying to appear calmer than she was; seeing him like this caused her to feel panicky. “Freaking out isn’t going to help anyone.”

“I’m just,” he placed his other hand on her hip; she could feel his fingers flexing against her, “I can’t even do what I’m supposed to do…”

“You take off one night a month, Darien, and not by choice. I’m pretty sure that’s allowed.”

His eyes darkened as he looked down at her. “That’s not what I meant.” She watched him clench his jaw a few times as his eyes moved over her face. Releasing her hand, he cupped her jaw so she couldn’t have looked away if she’d wanted to. “Nothing can happen to you, A ghrá.” His voice was raw with emotion.

A shiver went down her spine, “Darien,” wanting to ask what that word was he used, was stalled in her throat as she stood there and watched his brown eyes take on a yellow hue. That only happened when he was close to changing. He stood there, breathing deep, his breath brushing over her mouth, his eyes holding hers captive. The hand on her hip squeezed, and she gripped his arms, feeling the tension.

Remi didn’t know how long they stood there like that, inhaling each other’s breath, their eyes drawing the other in. His eyes didn’t change, just stayed streaked with yellow. A knock on the door didn’t move them.

“Remi?” Nadine called from the other side.

Darien took a deep breath and straightened away from her.

Blinking, she looked at the door. “Yeah?”

The door opened enough for Nadine to stick her head in. She looked at Darien, one eyebrow going up. “Is everything all right?”

Remi nodded, still feeling breathless. “Did you need me?”

Leaning in the small opening, Nadine shrugged. “The accountant’s office called again; they’re sure he should be here by now.”

Darien rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe he’s just running late.”

On any other day, Remi wouldn’t have thought any more about it, but with all that had happened in the last few days, her stomach tightened. Placing a hand over it, she looked from Nadine to Darien. “I don’t like it.” She waved her other hand around. “Am I being paranoid?”

Opening the door further, Naddy stepped into the small space. “If your guts are telling you to worry, then you worry.”

Growling softly, Darien closed his eyes. “Where’s Kyran?”

“Sitting out front.”

Darien looked over at her. “Go get him.”

She nodded and then hesitated at the door and gave him a strange look. “Are you okay?”

Remi looked from one to the other. “What’s going on?”

Giving Nadine a look before he turned to her, he shook his head. “Nothing.”

Remi watched the silent appraisal Nadine gave Darien, then she turned and left to get Kyran. Darien went to step by her, but she stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Dare?” The last thing she needed right now was more secrets. “What was that? What aren’t you guys telling me?”

Letting out a long breath, he reached over and brushed the hair back from her face. “It’s nothing.” He gave her a lopsided smile that was probably meant to put her at ease, but it didn’t work. “Let’s get through tonight, and then I’ll explain.” He rolled his shoulders. “With the moon right now, everything’s more intense.”

“You don’t usually struggle this much.”

Dropping a quick kiss on her forehead, he straightened. “The stress of bodies being found and people I care about being attacked isn’t helping.”

It made sense. Everyone was more on edge than normal. She hoped that was all that was going on. “Okay, but seriously if you need to take off for some quiet time or whatever, then do it.”

Darien nodded but didn’t look right at her. “Okay.”

Remi glanced at the door, “Are you going to ask Kyran to track down the auditor?”

“Yep.” He moved and put distance between them. “I’d like to know before I’m locked up that he’s just a slow-moving man.”

Flipping her hair back from her face, she gathered it behind her head to put it into a braid. “God, I hope he’s just slow...”

“Rem, a customer wants a refund. He didn’t like his food.” Nadine leaned around the door.

Remi shrugged. “You can do it.”

She smirked. “He ate all the food he didn’t like.”

Remi just stared at her in disbelief. “So, there’s no food to refund?” Nadine nodded. Sighing, Remi looked at Darien; even he had a grin on his face—the joys of customer service.

“Go help. I’ll talk to Kyran.” Darien stepped back so she could go out front.