“Maybe,” Belle said. “But I’m thinking we should seriously put some distance between us and her. I’m not liking the vibes she’s throwing at the moment.”
“I’ve never liked them, but I believe it’s better to keep communications open rather than cut them altogether.”
“Oh, on that we agree. I just think we should find a different venue to attend for a while.”
“Which would affect you more than me.” Aiden definitely wasn’t a fan of the place, so I generally only went there with Belle.
She sighed. “I know, and it’s a shame, because owner aside, the place rocks. And it’s not like we’ve many other dance venues open in the reservation—and don’t you dare suggest those ballroom things Aiden drags you to. They don’t count.”
I unlocked the SUV and climbed in. “I’m not entirely sure how m
any more we’ll be going to. His feet are constantly in a bruised state.”
Belle laughed. “Well, he can’t really complain when he was given fair warning of your three left feet. But he’s a damn werewolf—why aren’t they healing between shifts?”
“He reckons the damage is so constant, his natural healing magic is struggling to keep up.” And while he had been joking, I also suspected there was a tiny grain of truth in the statement.
Belle snorted. “Then he needs to take the hint before the healing ability throws up its hands in disgust and gives up.”
After a quick check of the mirrors, I pulled out and headed home. “It’s hardly fair he gives up something he loves because his partner sucks at it. I have suggested less frequency, however.”
“A good move for both of you, I think.”
It didn’t take us long to get home, but as we drove down the lane that led to the parking area behind our building, lights pulled in behind us. My heart leapt, and fear surged… and then I realized it was Aiden’s truck. He parked beside us and climbed out, a backpack and what looked to be a sleeping roll slung over his shoulder.
As Belle walked over to unlock the café’s back door, I stopped and waited for him. The man moved with predator’s grace, and despite the cold, warmth curled through me. “Are you planning on going camping tonight?”
“Yes—here.”
“And why would you do that when you’ve a perfectly good bed—” I stopped as realization hit. That curl of warmth got stronger.
“Until that bastard is tracked down and neutralized, you can’t risk staying at my place. I’ll do everything in my power to protect you, but my place is an open book when it comes to magical forces. He can gain access far too easily for my liking.”
“I can place protections around—”
“Why bother when your building has already proven capable of withstanding his assault?”
I wasn’t sure that was entirely true, but all I said was, “I appreciate the offer, but in reality—”
“I’m not entering into a discussion about this, Liz.” His voice was flat—determined. “He can’t attack the magic protecting this place and defend himself from physical attack at the same time. No witch can. If he does try to enter, I will stop him.”
“You can’t stay awake all night, Aiden. Not when you’re working.”
“I’m not tomorrow—it’s my day off.”
“But you’re on the following days, so the argument remains.”
“Which is why I have the bedroll. You’ll know the minute he attacks, and I’ll know the minute you wake in fear.”
I wanted to wrap my arms around him and hug him, but we were still in the street, and he tended to avoid overt displays of affection when in public.
“Okay, but I do have a queen bed, so there’s no need—”
“It’ll be entirely too distracting if we share a bed. Besides, there’s the ‘no sex with boyfriends in the building’ rule you and Belle have going.”
And with very good reason—neither of us wanted to remember past partners whenever we walked into our bedrooms. We both knew it took far longer for the heartache of a broken relationship to heal when memories echoed.
But this situation was very different to those others.