Storm Shift (The Charming Shifter Mysteries Book 1) Read online

  She hung up the phone, then pulled up to the stop sign and turned left. She thought she caught a wave from him when he turned right, but couldn’t be sure.

  “Never seen you act this way, girl,” Cecil said, smirking. “I saw you two macking on each other in the meadow.”

  He laughed.

  “So?” she said, slugging his arm. “He’s interesting.”

  “Uh huh.”

  “He’s not like the residents of Charming.” Her face flushed with heat.

  “Okay.”

  “Would you stop? You’re the ‘girl a minute’ guy.”

  “I’m not saying anything. I like sex. I’ll bet you do, too, if you make time for it.”

  “Who says I’m not making time?” She balled up her fist to punch him. Something flickered in the road ahead, in front of her vehicle.

  “Look out!” Cecil cried, pointing out the windshield.

  Her foot slammed on the brake. The Jeep came to a stop a whisper in front of…

  “D’Raynged!” After pulling on the parking brake, she stabbed the window button. The window rolled down and she shouted out to him, “What is this, a death wish?”

  “I only wanted to get your attention,” he said, in his smooth, Southern drawl.

  “Mission accomplished.” Her heart beat as fast as a jack-rabbit fleeing a predator.

  He sauntered to the driver window. Bloody track marks lined his face, making gruesome trails from his eyes to his jaw. “I’ve mourned the loss of my tribe…and of Olivia. Now that I’ve finished, I find myself with nowhere to go.”

  “I’m sorry about your loss, but…what are you telling me for?” Chia cocked her head.

  “I thought you might be able to help.” His head tilted to the side, too, mimicking her. He placed his hands on the window frame.

  “Help, how?” Her forehead furrowed. She stared at the huge gold ring on his middle finger.

  Bearing three crimson stones circled with tiny diamonds, it looked just like a vintage Buccellati ring she’d seen in a magazine ad recently—the kind costing around thirty-two thousand dollars.

  Did I miss seeing it? Did he have it in his pocket? Did he take it off a dead…?

  A shiver interrupted her thoughts.

  “Chia,” Cecil hissed. “Don’t fall for his tricks.”

  “I assure you, I’m not up to tricks.” D’Raynged’s eyes appeared blue and sincere, without a trace of crimson. “I’d heard you lost your grandparents and you live in a house all by yourself. I’ve got plenty of money to pay rent. You’ll hardly see me. I keep odd hours and, if I have a dark place to sleep…” One shoulder rose and fell in a graceful arc. “I won’t be a bother at all.”

  Cecil clenched her arm. “Chia, no. Hung will…”

  Chia clapped her palm over Cecil’s mouth. “Zip it, dawg-man. This is my decision. Besides, Hung’s not the boss of me. We barely know one another.”

  He shoved her hand away.

  She turned her attention to the vampire. That rolling warmth filled her limbs, powering through her bloodstream. Does he have something to do with it? Was he tracking me each time I experienced it? She had far too many unanswered questions inside, but at least some things were put right today.

  He licked his lips and swallowed. “You’ve got something inside you…I can’t put my finger on it. I’ve put out a few feelers in the community for answers.”

  “What kind of something?”

  “You know.” He grinned like a Cheshire cat.

  “I don’t know. Also, I don’t know about having you as a roommate.” She fingered the still-tender skin at her neck where’s he’d sucked sustenance from her. The thought of living with a vampire sounded crazy and dangerous. The thought of living with this vampire sounded intriguing, however. Maybe it will provide a few answers to this blood vibration I keep experiencing. Her fingers drummed the steering wheel. “You say you have money?”

  “More than you could ever dream of having.” He straightened and slid his hand into his pocket. When he pulled it out, he held a fat roll of bills. He peeled off a generous amount and handed them to her. “My deposit.”

  She blinked. “These are…These are hundred dollar bills.”

  “There’s plenty more. I can pay you six months in advance. If it proves equitable for us both, we can renegotiate in six months’ time.” He tucked the remaining bank roll into his pocket and smoothed his jacket.

  “What if it doesn’t prove equitable, as you put it?”

  “The money is yours to keep. Consider it a token of our…” He looked up and away, then back to her. “Consider it a token of our mutual understanding and alliance. Here’s another sweetener for the deal—If I am residing with you, I shall protect you from my kind.”

  She blinked. “That’s a plus, now that I know you exist.”

  “Indeed.” He bowed.

  “I need to confer with my friend.”

  D’Raynged stepped away from the vehicle. “As you wish. I’ve nowhere to go, as I already stated.”

  He stood ice-block still, his eyes trained on her without blinking.

  Chia pressed the up-window button. She turned to Cecil, waving the hundred dollar bills in his face. “Look at this.”

  “I know,” he said. “That’s some mad cash. But he sucks blood for a living. I’m sure you don’t want to know where he got that money, or how he got it.”

  He shuddered.

  “Probably not. Did you catch an eyeful of his ring? Sweet baby Jesus, that’s a five-figure piece of jewelry. But, if I don’t get a bigger income stream, I’m going to lose everything. Town manager is more of a glory position than a well-paying gig. My grandparents were awesome individuals but they failed miserably at managing their assets. I’ve barely begun to go through all they owed on the house, the land, and other things. They were in deep debt. I swear, I don’t get any creepy vibes from D’Raynged, other than he’s a vampire. What do you think?” She leaned toward him. “Should I, or shouldn’t I?”

  He shrugged. “He does seem different than the one who killed my aunt. It’s your decision.”

  She threw her arms around his neck. “Good. Thanks for supporting my choice. I used to sort things out with grandma or grandpa. But now…” She sniffled. “At least I have you as a good friend. Everything will be fine. Don’t tell Hung, though. I don’t want to sully things before they’ve begun.”

  Cecil made a movement like locking a key to his lips. Then, he play-tossed it over his shoulder. “I’m not a gossip.”

  She nodded, pressing the down window button.

  “Okay,” she said to D’Raynged. “We’ll do it on a trial basis. See how it goes.”

  D’Raynged bowed. “I am indebted to you.”

  “Oh. One more thing. How did you find out my grandparents died? Until today, I didn’t know you existed.”

  A mysterious smile played at the edges of his lips. “Aren’t some secrets better left unsaid?”

  “Not really.” She frowned. “You didn’t have anything to do with their death, did you?”

  His lips pressed into a crisp slit. “I assure you, I do not feast on the elderly. I merely heard rumors in town.”

  “I see.” She nodded, scowling. People in this town know too much about everyone else.

  “Okay…I’ll be home later tonight. I might be bringing a friend.” She suppressed a smile at fantasies of what she’d like to do with Hung Durand. “What time would you like to get moved in?”

  “I shall arrive before dawn. Will you be up?”

  The engine of the Jeep sputtered, like it might die any second. She gave it a little gas while still in park. “Hell, no. I’m fast asleep at dawn.”

  His smile widened, now playing sweetly around the corners of his mouth. “Perhaps, you shall make an allowance tonight? I assure you, it won’t take long to get me settled.”

  The thought of sneaking out of bed with Hung Durand sleeping in it, and getting a vampire settled in her house, gave her pause. She hoped he sle
pt deeply. A few ideas of ways to wear him out, made her lips curve up in a smile. Then, she puffed up her cheeks with air and blew her breath out slowly.

  “I suppose.” I’ll make something up. “I don’t suppose you know where I live, right?”

  She arched an eyebrow.

  “Seven miles down the road you call Fairy Magic Lane but which there is no record of it actually having been named that.”

  She squinted hard at the vampire. “You sure know a lot about me.”

  He waved his hand. “It’s incidental, I assure you. Now, shall we say, five am? I need to find a good woman to fuck and feed on tonight. All this nourishing blood I had earlier has urged my mind heading in other directions.”

  “I don’t need details of your love life.” Chia swished her hand in front of her face, trying to eradicate the imagery that had been stirred by his confessions. “See you then.”

  D’Raynged lifted his hand in farewell, and then sauntered into the woods.

  Chia watched him disappear, engulfed by shadows and light. I hope I made the right decision. She clutched the bills in her hand, sensing the lure of a livable income for a change.

  Turning to Cecil, she said, “Where am I taking you? Dirty Jack’s pub?”

  “You know me so well,” he said with a smile.

  “I do,” she said. She put her foot on the gas and sped toward town, and the promise of a night with Hung Durand.

  Chapter 20

  Chia sat at Sunshine Sally’s counter, her entire body quivering in anticipation.

  Where is he? Where is Hung Durand?

  A late dinner crowd lingered in the rustic atmosphere. Antlers served as chandeliers, their golden globe light bulbs lending a warm glow. Dead animal heads were plastered high on the walls, like majestic, yet macabre overseers. The animals stared at nothing, through their sightless, glass-ball eyes. In the bar-room next door, a cover band played an old Foreigner tune, “Feels like the First Time.” The tinkle of glass and silverware, and the buzz of conversation added a backdrop to the noisy music.

  Chia hummed along, pivoting back and forth on her stool.

  Fawn, Sunshine Sally’s manager, rushed toward her, a tray of beer bottles and frosted glasses in hand. Her mussed hair looked messier than usual, suggesting the night had been busy.

  “Are you sure I can’t get you anything? A cold one?” She repositioned the tray.

  Chia leaned into her forearms, swiveling her seat. “No, thanks. I’m waiting for someone and I want to wait to see what he wants to do…stay here for a drink, or…”

  Heat rose in her neck.

  Fawn set the tray down and wiped a trickle of sweat from her face with her arm. “Who is this Prince Charming who has you all aglow? Can’t say I’ve ever seen you like this. Not with the slim pickings in Charming.”

  “He’s someone I met recently. He doesn’t live around here.” Chia pressed her palms into the white Formica counter.

  Fawn picked up the tray. “If you change your mind, let me know.”

  She stepped around the corner of the counter, leaving Chia to her own anxious musings.

  A few minutes later, the bells hanging from the front door clanged.

  Chia’s head spun toward the entrance.

  Hung strode through the doorway, his eyes scanning the room.

  She waved and stood up to greet him.

  Seeing her, he brightened, quickening his steps.

  “Hey, sexy,” he said, pulling her close for a quick hug. He eased back slightly and kissed her on the cheek.

  On the cheek? Uncharacteristic insecurity strangled her good mood.

  “What are you up for? I could use a drink and some good grub. You?” He looked around the restaurant.

  “Sure,” she said. Had I misread his intentions? Is this merely a friendly dinner date? “That sounds great.”

  She led him toward a booth in the back.

  When Fawn looked over at them, Chia pointed to it.

  Fawn gave her a thumbs-up.

  As Chia slid into the burgundy vinyl covered seat, she found herself tongue-tied. She fiddled with the fork resting on a white paper napkin.

  Hung placed his palms on the table. He smiled at her. “How are you doing after that ordeal? You okay?”

  She let out a long breath. “More or less. You?”

  “About the same.” He leaned back, placing his arm along the back of the booth. “Except, I do this kind of thing for a living, so…” He shrugged. “It probably affects me differently than it does you.”

  “You kill people?” Chia crushed the paper napkin. Then, realizing she’d need it when her meal arrived, she smoothed it out with her palm.

  “Not if I can help it. I’m a merciful guy. I bring in bad guys for a hefty sum. I’m good at what I do.”

  Chia chewed on her lip, summoning up her courage. “Will you come over tonight? After dinner, I mean? For drinks, or…”

  Good god, I feel like a puppy in the window of a pet store.

  Hung scratched his cheek and stared at the table. “I’m afraid I can’t. I have to head on to the next job.”

  Chia’s mood swirled down like a strong flush of the toilet. “I see.”

  Stupid, stupid, stupid. You concocted this whole story about how you and Hung would be swept away into some fairytale romance.

  She picked up the fork and crushed the metal against her palm to keep from feeling out of control.

  He looked up and away from her, nodding to someone.

  Chia craned her head around the side of the booth.

  Fawn scurried up to their booth with water and menus. “Can I start you off with something to drink?”

  “Rum and coke for me. You?” He nodded toward Chia.

  “Same.”

  It’s probably just as well he must leave tonight. No sense getting attached to someone I’ll never see again.

  “Coming right up,” Fawn said, adding a wink. She lifted her eyebrows at Chia, indicating her approval of Hung.

  Chia smiled, letting out a sigh. She relaxed her grip on the fork between her fingers, allowing it to clatter on the table.

  “I wondered when you were going to ease up on that fork,” Hung said with a smile. He tugged his earlobe, then picked up the menu and tapped it on the table. After placing it back in front of him, he cleared his throat. “You did great handling the situation in the woods.”

  “Did I?” She sat up a little taller.

  “You did. I’m impressed. I love a strong woman.”

  “Do you?” she said.

  “I do.”

  Stop acting like a high school girl.

  “Thank you,” she said. “I know my way around the wilderness.”

  He straightened his menu. “I was extremely impressed with the way you dealt with that vampire. Are you sure you don’t feel stirrings of obsession for him?”

  He frowned.

  “Not a one. My neck still hurts, though.” She reached up to stroke the bite marks.

  Before arriving at Sally’s, she had swung by the pharmacy to get some ointment. Sitting in her Jeep, she had dabbed it on to keep infection at bay, in case vampires carried extra germs.

  “I’ll bet it does. Stay away from him. He seemed on the up and up but you can never trust a vampire.”

  Her mouth opened to say, “He’s going to be my roommate,” but she shut it tight.

  “You know a lot of vampires?” she said, instead.

  “I’ve come across a few.” He flipped open the menu and glanced at it. Then, he shut it.

  “I thought they were mere myths. D’Raynged is my first.” Chia slid her menu away from her. Since she came here all the time she didn’t need to look at it.

  “Don’t think they’re all the same.”

  “I won’t.” She picked up her water glass and sipped, her gaze drifting to the old grandfather clock against the wall.

  8:45. I can get back by 10:30 and watch TV or something.

  “Nice kiss we shared, by the way.” His eye
lids lowered to half-mast.

  She did a double-take. Her breath caught in her throat. “It was.”

  A bloom of heat and hope uncoiled in her belly.

  Fawn returned with their drinks. She placed a couple paper coasters on the table and sat the drinks on top. “What can I get you?”

  “I haven’t even looked,” Hung said. “What about you, Chia?”

  The easy way her name rolled off his tongue set off fireworks inside. “I’ll have a turkey burger, please. With fries.”

  “You got it. And for you…” Fawn looked at Hung, tapping the tray with her fingertip. “I think you’ll enjoy the Brawn-Burger. That comes with fries and a side salad. It’s huge.”

  “Sounds perfect. Thanks.” Hung handed her back the menus.

  After Fawn departed, he lifted his glass. “Where were we? Oh, right. Kisses.”

  Chia’s hand curled around the cold tumbler of rum.

  “Kisses,” she said, lowering her gaze.

  “Here’s to many, many more.”

  Sweet baby Jesus. His words had the effect of a detonation inside, lighting her up from head to toe.

  “You mean that?”

  “I do.” He clinked his glass to hers, then lifted it to his lips. Never taking his eyes off hers, he sipped. “You okay with that?”

  “Yes.” Way okay. “What about you?”

  “One hundred percent. There’s something different about you. I like what I see so far.”

  “I thought you wanted to hurry up and leave,” she said in a rush.

  “What? No! I’ve been looking forward to seeing you. I was a little disappointed at being called away. I didn’t want you to think I was bailing on you. Not sure when I’ll get back but you can be certain I’ll beeline it to your door.”

  She smiled. “You mean bird-line it.”

  His forehead creased. “What?”

  “Shifter with wings? Get it? Bird-line it?” Her smile increased.

  He laughed and reached across the table for her hand. “Bees, birds, whatever.”

  A rush of pleasure filled her. She let out a deep breath and settled into the moment. Tomorrow she’d see about her grandparents’ burial place. She’d bury them herself in the middle of the goddamned bone-yard if that’s what it would take.