I shrug, setting a plate down on the drying rack beside me. “Yeah. That’s fine.”
She squeals. “Thank you so much. You’re a doll. I’ll see you next week.”
And then she’s gone.
I finish up the dishes, no longer in a hurry, and then collect my bag, sword, and hoodie. I’ve made it a habit to keep the blade with me at all times, the slight weight on my back a reminder that I’m not unprotected.
I shut off the lights and I’m just about to open the door when I spot a man standing across the street. All the lights are out inside the diner and he’s positioned away from the streetlight making him hard to make out, but the hairs on the back of my neck are standing. I get the feeling he’s staring right at me. I stare back and catch a glimpse of red in his eyes.
Fear freezes me before I stumble back a few steps away from the door. The man never moves. I glance toward the parking lot, spotting my Audi right where I left it. In the furthest spot on the lot because I hadn’t wanted to be parked close to anyone.
The ten yards or so between it and me feels like a mile.
Can I make it to my car before him? I’m fast. But vampires are faster. I curse. What reason does he have for standing out there, lurking?
“Come on, Isa. Pull yourself together,” I mutter to myself. Just because I was attacked by vampires it doesn’t mean every vamp is out to get me. It doesn’t mean it’ll happen again. But my attacker’s words echo in my mind. “Because we can,” he’d said. What if this is him, or another one like him? Someone who hates my kind enough to attack me for no other reason than because they can without repercussions?
Oh God. I’d been so stupid. Thinking I could just go on with my life.
I slump into one of the booths toward the back, away from the windows, and pull my phone out with shaking fingers. I dial Josué’s number before I realize he can’t help me and hang up. Okay. Plan B. I’ll try Zheng.
I call him and wait. The line rings once, twice, six times.
Voicemail.
Dang it.
I try again.
Voicemail again.
I wipe my clammy hands on my knees and stare at the screen of my phone. I don’t know who else to call. Feeling desperate I try Natalia. She doesn’t pick up. Against my better judgment, I try Brian next.
“You’ve reached the voicemail box of…”
I hang up.
My heart skips a beat and the urge to shift sweeps through me, but I fight it. My wolf can’t open doors and she can’t use my phone. I peer out the window again.
He’s still out there. What is he waiting for? A knot of dread expands in my chest. It crawls through me and my entire body begins to shake. I squeeze my eyes shut. I need to get it together. I can’t think if I panic.
My breaths are ragged as if I’ve just run a marathon. My chest heaves up and down. I press my forehead down on the cool surface of the table and force myself to slow down my breathing.
Think, Isa. Just think. Don’t. Panic.
The idea to call Rafael leaves me as quickly as it comes. I swallow hard and chew on my bottom lip until I’m certain I’ve bitten through the tender flesh and the tang of copper fills my mouth.
I try Desmond.
He answers on the second ring. “Isa?”
“Oh, thank God,” I choke out the words on a sob.
“What’s going on?”
His voice is hard, and a sense of urgency has me rushing to say, “I just got off work and there’s a vampire outside. I think he’s waiting for me. I’m alone and my car is far away and—”
“Breathe, Isa. Take a breath. Slow down.”
I try to do as he instructs but I can’t seem to slow down.
“Where are you at?”
“Suzy’s.”
“Okay. I’m on my way. I’ll give you a lift. We can get your car tomorrow morning.”
I nod even though he can’t see me. “Thank you.”
“Just hang tight. Go in the back. I’ll be there in ten.”
35 Isabella
I’m huddled on the floor in the kitchen hiding behind one of the cook stations. My knees are pressed to my chest and I have my arms wrapped around them as though through sheer will, holding myself tight will keep me from falling apart and shifting.
My phone chimes and I lift it to glance at the illuminated screen.
Des: I’m here.
“Thank God.”
I squeeze my eyes shut once before forcing them open. Desmond is here. I’m safe. He’s a big strong wolf and he’s the Southwest Pack Hunter. Whoever is outside won’t want to mess with him. You can’t go after a Pack wolf without consequences.
Besides, he’s probably gone by now anyway. I’m okay. Everything is okay.
Me: Be right out.
I push myself up from the ground, my legs still shaking as I shove my phone in my back pocket and try to catch my bearings.
I take several deep breaths and press my hand over my chest. My heart is racing but there isn’t anything I can do about it. I make sure my saber is still snuggly secured on my back and I force myself to move toward the front of the diner. My steps are slow, and I keep checking my surroundings to make sure I’m still alone. I know the vampire couldn’t have gotten inside. The doors are all locked. I would have heard if he’d forced his way inside. But I still feel the urge to double and triple check.
I spot Desmond’s Escalade parked right out front and a small sigh of relief escapes me. He sees me
