Bite the Big Heartache (Monstrana Paranormal Romance 2)

She grimaced and threw her hands up in the air. One minute in, and they were already fighting. She wouldn’t get anywhere with him if they continued this way.

Taking another steadying breath, she smiled up at him and tilted her head to one side. “Speaking of the past, I have something I know you’re going to like.”

She stepped aside and waved her hand at the heap of a car sitting behind her. His gaze moved in that direction and Stasia got the satisfaction of watching the blood drain from his face. His jaw fell open and his eyes grew to the size of hubcaps.

“Is this a...?” He pressed forward to get a better look.

“A 1970 SS454 Chevy Chevelle,” she offered, biting her bottom lip.

“And does it...?”

“Include the original LS6 engine?” She grinned. “You bet ya.”

He ran his fingertips softly over the rusted hood and reverently made a circle toward the trunk. Pausing to look inside at the rough black leather interior, he completed his round and stood staring at the muscle car.

“I’ve always wanted to get my hands on one of these.”

“I know.” She stepped next to him and couldn’t help but bounce on the balls of her feet. “I remembered.”

He turned his head to look at her. She saw distrust and maybe even a hint of pain in his eyes. But there was something else. A resignation, as if he were folding in a high-stakes round of poker.

“Why are you here, Stasia?” The question sounded mournful coming from his lips. “What do you want?”

“I want you to fix up this car for me.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “Whatever the cost, send me the invoice. I want this baby to shine.”

“Is that all?” He pressed his lips together. “I’m sure there are a hundred mechanics much closer to New Hart and the castle who would do just as good of a job. Tell me why you really chose me and make it the truth.”

She hesitated, remembering again why she and Billy had become such fast friends. He’d always had the uncanny ability to see right through her. To know when she was holding back and hiding the truth. She’d never been able to pull one over his eyes. It had been their friendship’s eventual downfall.

“I was sent here by my boss to interview you,” she said in a rush. “She wants a story on the alpha who returned home from America without a pack. I swear, I didn’t know it was you when I took the assignment. I never would’ve...”

She cut herself off. Even if she’d known it was Billy from the get go, she couldn’t promise that she wouldn’t have taken the job. The urge to succeed in her career was too great. Even now, standing this close to him brought back an old ache to her chest. But, she couldn’t let that get in her way.

“You want to interview me?” He stared at her, dumbfounded.

“Yes, to get the story on what happened to you in America.” She splayed her hands out in front of her. “The rumors are already out there. I know reporters have visited Molodoy. It’s only a matter of time before someone publishes the story. We just want to set things straight. With an exclusive interview on Lochness Broadcasting’s channel, you can do that. Put those stories to rest and end the stream of reporters knocking at your door.”

He blew a puff of air out his lips and closed his eyes. “So, let me get this straight. You’re bribing me with the car of my dreams to do an interview with you?”

“It’s not a bribe. It’s an incentive.” She cringed at her choice of words. Viktor would laugh at her and tell her that she was talking like a royal. That just wasn’t her. “The car is yours to fix, either way. But if you accept my proposal, I’ll spend a couple days getting the details on your story and then we’ll do an official filmed version. Simple and quick. You control the story. When it’s all done, you never have to see me again.”

He turned back to gaze at the car. “You always did want to work in television.”

She laughed softly. “You remembered.”

“I also remember how stubborn you were. Never would take no for an answer.”

She didn’t respond, but smiled to herself. There weren’t many people who would argue that point with him.

“If I don’t agree to your terms, you’re never going to leave me alone, are you?” He worked his jaw, the muscles tensing and releasing.

“Never.” She couldn’t hide the laughter in her voice. “I could get used to living in Molodoy again. Your sister is a lot of fun.”

With a heavy sigh, he started back toward the garage. Stasia rushed to keep up with him. He stopped in front of the doors, with his back to her, and pressed a hand to the metal surface.

“For the record, I’m doing this for the car, not for you. And for the peace and quiet.”

She danced a little jig and smiled so hard it felt like her cheeks were going to burst. Suddenly, he turned to glare at her and she paused mid dance move.