Chapter Ten
Holly sat in a chair, sipping on her tea as the pretty, elegant redhead slid into the seat across from her inside Muccino’s deserted dining room.
“I’m Cady Vrost,” she introduced herself. “Nice to meet you.”
“Holly. Holly Taylor,” she answered.
“And who’s this?” She looked at Hannah, who was seated beside her, a stuffed toy clutched to her chest. Enzo had found it in the back office. It was a toy that Adrianna or Julianna had left behind at some point, he had explained. Upon closer inspection, Holly had realized it was, ironically, a wolf.
“This is Hannah,” Holly said. “My niece.”
“Hello, Hannah,” Cady said. “You have a pretty name. My son is about your age, I think.”
“I’m sorry, she, uh, doesn’t talk,” Holly explained.
“That’s all right,” Cady replied smoothly. “Now, Dante explained to me what happened in the fire—”
“Please, don’t hurt her,” Holly interrupted. “She’s just a child. I’ll do anything.” A million scenarios had run through Holly’s head as she and Hannah waited for whatever was coming. They knew this big secret now, and, apparently, there were many more people involved. Were the werewolves going to lock them up? Or worse? For a second, Holly had considered taking Hannah and running, but she had a feeling that wouldn’t do much good. But she decided she would sacrifice herself if it meant Hannah would survive.
Cady looked at her with confusion. “Excuse me?”
“We … we know your secret,” Holly said. “Now … you have to keep us quiet.”
“What?” A look of horror crossed the other woman’s face. “We’re not … I mean, we’re not going to hurt you. I promise. Look, I’m not one of them. I mean, I’m human. One hundred percent.”
“Oh? Then why are you here?”
She smiled. “I’m what they call VP for Human Relations. I’m the go-between for the humans and Lycans—that’s what they preferred to be called—and I smooth things over when stuff like this happens.”
“So … these things happen a lot? I mean, humans get to see Lycans … transform?”
“We have laws in the place that prevent it from happening, but it does happen once in a while. That’s why you have stories about werewolves and such. But, I assure you, we don’t want to hurt you.”
“How do you keep your secret then?”
“We do what we can to get humans to agree to keep quiet, but we try not to hurt anyone, as long as they don’t hurt any of us. In extreme cases, well … there are ways to make you forget. Magical ways.”
“Hold on,” she said, holding up a hand. “Magic?”
Cady nodded. “Yes. Witches and warlocks exist and they can perform magic. They can create these potions that do a variety of things. In the past, we’ve used a confusion potion that makes memories unreliable, but, thankfully, witches and wolves have put their resources together and we’ve developed a real forgetting potion. It can erase your memories of ever seeing Lycans.”
Holly gasped. Would they give it to them? What else would she forget?
“But we don’t go around giving the potion to everybody. We decide on a case-to-case basis.”
“And what are you going to recommend in our case?” Holly asked.
“That would depend entirely on you,” Cady said.
“We won’t say anything. I promise,” Holly said. “I … I know you probably hear that a lot, but I’ll sign anything. I’ll do anything.”
“Cady, is everything all right?”
Holly’s head whipped around when she heard the unfamiliar voice. Standing behind her was another woman, petite with dark hair. Based on the color of her eyes, she knew this was a Muccino.
“Hello,” the woman greeted warmly. “You must be Holly. I’m Frankie Anderson, Dante’s sister.”
“Dante told you about me?”
She laughed. “He did, but I’m afraid your reputation precedes you. I’ve heard nothing but begging and pleading from Lucas and Adrianna that I have to call the nice lady from across Muccino’s so I can set up a playdate with their new friend Hannah.” Frankie waved to Hannah, who then shyly waved back.
“Oh, you’re Lucas and Adrianna’s mom,” Holly said.
Frankie nodded. “Sorry, it’s been really busy. Last minute change of plans for the holidays, and I’ve been tearing my hair out trying to get everyone in line. Then my husband springs this California trip on me.” She shook her head. “So, I’m kind of in charge.”
“In charge?”
“Of New York,” she said matter-of-factly. When Holly flashed her a confused look, she slid into the empty chair beside her. “Sorry, I’ll try to make this as brief as possible. Yes, we’re werewolves. Or Lycans, as we like to call ourselves. We exist all over the world and group together in clans in different cities. Presiding over each clan is an Alpha. My husband, Grant, is Alpha of New York. I’m his wife, though I’m also technically Alpha of New Jersey, as well. It’s a long, boring story,” Frankie said. “Anyway,” she continued. “We keep our existence a secret from humans. Can you imagine if the government found out? We could be put in jail or become science experiments.” She leaned forward and placed her hand over Holly’s. “Lucas and Adrianna, and my other daughter, they’re Lycans, too.” Frankie glanced at Hannah then looked Holly straight in the eye. “I’d do anything to protect them.”
Holly understood. Though she didn’t give birth to Hannah, she would do anything to keep her safe. “I give you my word I won’t say anything. I mean, I don’t know how to prove to you that I won’t talk, but I’ll do it.”
“Nonna Gianna seems to like you, and so do my kids,” Frankie said. “Among other people,” she added with a wink. “It’s not up to me, though. We have a council that governs us, and there are certain things we need to do now that you’re in the know. But I’ll make you a deal. You sign an NDA now, let us keep tabs on you, and we will petition our council so you can be one of our Alliance families. Basically, you would fall under our protection, but it does come with some responsibilities. However,” she said, her voice now serious, “I can’t tell you how important this is. There will be consequences if things go south.”
A chill ran through Holly. Though her demeanor was friendly, it was clear Frankie Anderson was not a woman she should cross. “I understand. I’ll cooperate, I swear.”
“Good,” Frankie said with a nod. “Now … I’m sorry about the fire in your restaurant.”
“The fire!” She had been so preoccupied that she had forgotten about it. The pit in her stomach grew. “Oh no …”
“Holly, calm down,” Frankie said. “You don’t want to see … I mean, you should prepare yourself. Believe me, I know. But things will be okay, I promise.”
She felt all the blood drain from her face. “I … my boss … Sharice …”
“I think she’s already outside, talking to the fire chief. They’ve put out the fire, but … I’ll be honest with you, you don’t want to see it. Not yet.”
“I just … it was my …”
“These things … they happen sometimes, but don’t worry. Your insurance will cover it, and we will help any way we can. Accidents happen, after all.”
“This wasn’t an accident.”
Holly froze as Dante marched into the room, a grim look on his face. “Cady,” he began. “Can you please take Hannah to the kitchen? Matt just arrived. He brought some food for everyone and is setting it up there.”
Hannah looked at Holly with hesitation in her eyes.
“Hannah,” Cady began. “Do you like horses? I have some pictures on my phone of my son’s pony. Chestnut’s a real beauty and gentle, too. Maybe I could take you with us sometime for a riding lesson or two?”
“Go on, sweetie,” Holly urged Hannah, “go with Miss Cady and look at those pictures. I’ll be with you in a bit.”
Hannah took Cady’s hand, and they walked toward the hallway leading to the kitchen in the back.
“Holly,” Dante said as he came closer. Concern marred his face. “Are you all right? How are you feeling?” He quickly drew her into his arms and crushed her into a hug.
She was so surprised that she didn’t protest. Instead, she sank against him. The warmth of his body soothed her, and his scent filled her senses. “I’m fine,” she murmured. “Thank you for saving us.” She pulled away, and when she saw Frankie’s amused expression, felt warmth creep up her cheeks.
Frankie shot Dante an odd look, then cleared her throat. “What do you mean it wasn’t an accident?”
Dante’s face turned grave. “I tried to get in though the back door first, but someone had jammed a crowbar across the handles.”
“Holly, what do you remember?” Frankie asked.
Her blood froze in her veins. “I … I was working late, and I heard the door open. I thought it was one of the staff or maybe Sharice, coming back because they forgot something. I didn’t bother turning around, and then I felt this pain in the back of my head and then … nothing. Oh God.” Her breath hitched, and it was hard to breathe. “Someone tried to …”
Dante put his arm around her shoulders to pull her close. “No one will hurt you, I promise,” he said. “I’m going to make sure of that.”
The tone of his voice made her shiver. What did he mean?
“Do you have an idea of who it could be?” Frankie asked. “A rival? A former boyfriend?”
Holly shook her head. “No idea. I mean … I can’t think of anyone who would do that. I’ve only been in New York for a couple of months. But maybe I wasn’t the target.”
“It could be the restaurant itself. Or the owner. Or any of the employees,” Frankie said. “We have close ties with the Police Commissioner and they’ll put your case on top priority.”
“We need to make sure they stay safe while whoever’s trying to hurt them is still out there,” Dante said.
“Of course,” Frankie agreed with a nod. “But I’m afraid I don’t have any of our security guys to spare. I could ask Killian or his brothers, but it’s the night before Christmas Eve. We’re running on a skeletal staff.” She turned to Holly. “I want you to be safe, of course. I can talk to the Commissioner, and see if he can assign someone to patrol outside your apartment.”
“No,” Dante growled. “I’ll protect her. They can stay with me.”
“What?” Holly said, her voice raising. She pulled Dante’s arm from her. “No. I’m not going to let whoever is doing this disrupt our life. We are not leaving our house.”
“Then I’m staying with you,” Dante said.
“Y-y-you can’t do that,” she stammered. “I’m not going to let you sleep in my apartment.”
“I’ll sleep out in the hallway if I have to,” Dante retorted.
“Dante, Holly, please,” Frankie said, placing one hand on her brother and the other on Holly. “There’s no need to fight. Holly, Dante’s right. Whoever tried to hurt you and Hannah is still out there. They’ll find out that you guys survived, and they might try again. Dante staying with you is the best option. He’ll fight them off and call us for backup if needed.”
Holly opened her mouth to protest, but then closed it. Though she denied it, she knew they were right. She had to put her personal feelings aside for Hannah’s safety. She let out a long exhale. “Fine,” she said with a shrug. “Just one night, right?”
“Sure,” Dante said.
“It’s settled then,” Frankie said. “I’ll check with Nick if they’re ready to take Holly’s statement. Then Dante can take you and Hannah home.”
***
Holly finished giving her statement to the detectives, telling them everything she could remember, plus the story they rehearsed to explain how Dante was able to rescue them. Once they were satisfied with the information she gave them, they let her go.
“My car’s out front,” Dante said, placing an arm round her.
“I have to get Hannah,” she said, shrugging him off and walking away. She went to the kitchen door and stuck her head inside. “Hannah, honey, it’s time to go home.”
Hannah was sitting behind a desk, stuffed wolf still in her arms, as she munched on a cookie.
“Hello, you must be Holly,” the man who stood next to the desk said. “I’m Matt, Enzo and Dante’s brother.”
“Oh.” She blinked. It took her a moment, but then she realized he looked exactly like Enzo.
“Yeah, we’re twins,” he said with a sheepish smile. “Anyway, I bet you’re probably ready to go home, aren’t you Hannah?” Matt asked.
Hannah looked at Holly. Though her face was expressionless, her eyelids were drooping.
“All right, sweetie, it’s time to go home.” She walked over and picked up Hannah in her arms. “Thank you,” she said to Matt.
“No prob,” he said. “I’ll clean up here.”
She nodded at Matt gratefully and then left the kitchen. When she got back to the dining room, Dante was waiting for them. “Ready?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said. “Dante’s bringing us home,” she whispered to Hannah. “And he’s going to stay the night, okay, sweetie?” She was already getting heavier, which meant she was falling asleep. She turned to Dante. “Okay, let’s go.”
“Here, let me take her,” he offered.
Holly was too tired to argue, so she handed Hannah to Dante, who took the little girl in his arms. She tried to ignore that flip-flop feeling in her stomach when Hannah snuggled against Dante and wound her little arms around his neck, like he wasn’t some stranger they had just met a few days ago.
Dante led her out the front, through the dining room. But, as she walked out the door, Dante cursed softly behind her. “Wait, Holly, stop.”
When she looked up, she realized why he wanted her to stop. Her heart dropped.
Three firetrucks blocked the street, but not her view of Petite Louve. The front window had a big hole, probably where Dante had burst through. Several hoses snaked through the hole. She ran across the street to take a closer look, ignoring Dante’s calls.
It was dark inside, which was probably a blessing. The smell of smoke was strong, but it seemed the flames hadn’t reached the dining room, though several of the tables and chairs had been overturned. Her heart thudded loudly as she thought of her kitchen. She prepared herself as she trudged to the alley that led to the back door.
There were still several people milling about, including a couple of policemen and firemen in uniform. The back door opened and Sharice stepped out, her face in complete shock. Following behind her was Enzo, who quickly enveloped Sharice into a tight hug.
“Sharice!” she called and jogged over to them.
“Holly … I …” she pulled away from Enzo and then embraced Holly. “Oh my God …”
“The kitchen … how bad is it?”
“The kitchen?” Sharice dropped her arms to her sides and took half a step back. “Jesus, Holly, you could have died! And you care about the kitchen?”
“Sharice, this is your restaurant! Your investment!” she cried. “If those guys who tried to burn it down were after me—”
“Shush!” Sharice stopped her short. “I have a lot of insurance and an even bigger trust fund. We’ll be fine. We’ll have to move our grand opening out by a month at least, but that’s no problem. You and Hannah, I can’t replace.”
“She shouldn’t have been here,” Holly muttered. “Hannah could have …” A sob tore from her throat and, even though she tried to stop them, tears flowed down her cheeks.
“Shh … it’s fine, you’re good,” Sharice said as she hugged Holly. “It’ll be all right.”
“Holly?” Dante’s voice was gentle, and she felt his warm hand soothing her back. She stepped away from Sharice and looked up at Dante. Hannah slept soundly on his chest, not moving at all, and he didn’t seem to mind. However, his face was drawn into a scowl and his shoulders were tense. “Why are you crying?”
“She’s been through a lot,” Sharice said. “She needs to cry it out.”
He seemed to accept her explanation and nodded. “Let’s go. I’m taking you home. I need to swing by my place first and grab a few things. I’ll be quick, I promise.”
“Fine,” she said. “Can you go ahead? I need to talk to Sharice.”
“Sure. Hey Enzo, can you help me out?”
“No prob, bro,” Enzo said. “You need anything, you call, okay?”
Sharice nodded. “Thank you.”
When Hannah and the two men were out of earshot, Sharice raised a brow at Holly. “Dante is taking you home and staying over?”
“Enzo?” she countered with a smirk, crossing her arms.
“That’s different,” Sharice said. “He offered to help me inspect the damage. Not sleep at my place.”
“Oh please, Hannah’s going to be there.”
“Then why?”
Holly let out a long sigh, then explained to Sharice what had happened, leaving out the whole Lycan part. “So, he’s just going to be there for protection.”
“Holly!” Sharice cried. “Someone really is after you.”
“We don’t know that,” she said. “It could just be a robbery gone wrong. They didn’t expect me and Hannah and maybe they panicked.”
“We don’t have anything valuable that’s easy to carry out, except the cash in the safe, but it wasn’t touched.” Sharice said. “Something here just doesn’t smell right. But I do feel better knowing Dante’s going to be with you. Enzo said he rescued you?”
“Yeah, he did.”
“Oh my God. Girl, he literally ran into a burning building to save you. He didn’t even know you’d be in there.”
“I …” It was true. But why would Dante do that? “He’s a good guy; he’d do it for anyone,” she reasoned.
Sharice shook her head. “God, you are so blind, Holly That man has it bad—”
“I’m tired, and I’ve had a long day,” she interrupted. “How about you? Are you headed back to Atlanta tomorrow?”
“I haven’t decided, but I’ll take a later flight if I have to,” Sharice said. “Anyway go and get some rest. I’ll wrap things up here. Frankie Anderson’s being super helpful. I’m just glad she’s got friends in high places. This should make it easier.” She drew Holly in again for another hug. “I’ll call you with what I’m going to do. But don’t worry about it; I’ll take care of this. You just take care of yourself.”
“I will.”
“And Merry Christmas.”
Right. It was probably past midnight now. It was December 24th. “Merry Christmas to you, too.”