Chapter Three

Lainie pulled back into the parking lot behind town hall, ready to call the day over. Between old man Leary complaining about his neighbor’s dog crapping in his yard and Miss Singleton out on the edge of town swearing she saw a dragon flying overhead the previous night, Lainie kept checking the calendar to see if a full moon was rising. There were just too many nutcases out today.

As she approached the back of the sheriff’s department, she noticed Gavin Covington slipping out the back door, his slender frame straight as a gentle wind tousled his already unruly light brown hair. Gavin was an interesting individual, human, but deeply entrenched in the paranormal community having been adopted when he was barely five years old by Farren Covington, alpha of the major wolf pack in Draven Falls. Lainie always assumed he was a deputy because the Paranormal Council needed a connection at the sheriff’s department. Of course, that wasn’t the only oddity about Gavin. He was also part of a triad with Drey Hawkins and Caitlin Carver. Lainie didn’t know all the facts surrounding the union between the three, but rumor had it magic had been involved when they were all younger, and it stirred up some major drama among the witches. She wasn’t sure if whatever happened back then was the reason Agatha Rochester ceased leading the nine covens now, but Lainie strongly believed it was.

“Done for the day?” she asked as Gavin drew near. “Was your shift filled with as much craziness as mine?”

Gavin ran his hand through his hair as he paused in front of her. “I blame the heat. It makes people be all stupid and shit.”

She nodded, laughing softly. “Agreed.”

He chuckled, looking at her with his pale green eyes. “You’re about to leave this for an even hotter climate. I can only imagine what the heat makes people do down in Bull Creek. Sure you don’t want to change your mind?”

Lainie shook her head. “While I’m not looking forward to the blistering heat down there, I am looking forward to escaping the family drama here. Besides, Dimitri’s already stirring up shit down there. Someone has to keep him from getting himself into too much trouble.”

Gavin just laughed as he started toward his car. “I’m not sure which one of you I feel sorry for the most—you or your brother.” He waved at her over his shoulder. “See you tomorrow. I need to get home to my own little tribe.”

Lainie said good night as she moved to the back door of the sheriff’s department to swap out the keys to her cruiser for her own car keys. It was definitely time to go home. Her temporary home, that is.

Thirty-seven minutes later, Lainie pulled into the parking lot of Josh Rayburn’s apartment complex. At first, Lainie felt odd being in Josh’s place all by herself, the silence almost overwhelming, but after a while, she came to enjoy the solitude thoroughly , being on her own, able to do whatever she wanted when she wanted. It was nice to come home, strip by the door, and not have to worry about clothes again until she was ready to walk back out the door once more. It had only been a couple of days, but already she knew she was eager to be in Bull Creek, in her own place, in charge of her own destiny without her father around to micromanage her time. That’s the part that thrilled her the most.

Of course, being surrounded by Josh’s things also stirred some old memories. Her father had made sure to ruin that relationship, but now that she was no longer under the dictator’s thumb, maybe it would be possible to reignite an old flame. Josh always took such great care of her, made her feel safe, special. She wondered if he would be interested.

Sliding out of her car, Lainie gripped the keys in her right hand as she slipped her purse strap over her shoulder. It was time for a beer and a hot shower, then she’d worry about dinner. So lost in her thoughts of her move to Bull Creek, she didn’t notice Miles leaning back against the wall by her front door until she was almost upon him. She stopped, taking a deep breath and gripping her keys tighter, slipping the end of one between two fingers as a weapon just in case. “What are you doing here?”

He glanced at her, a crooked smile twisting his lips. “We were at your father’s a bit ago,” he told her. “I was surprised you weren’t there, but then your father said you weren’t necessary for the details of the merger.” He shrugged. “Let’s just say, it didn’t sound like you, and I happen to think you’re quite necessary for this…deal. So, I wanted to come talk to you myself, make sure your father wasn’t lying to my father.” His eyes narrowed as he stared at her. “Or to me.”

“Oh, I’m sure my father thinks he’s telling you both the truth.” Lainie shifted slightly, spreading her legs and bracing in case Miles decided he didn’t like her answers. “He probably thinks I’ll change my mind and be the obedient little girl he expects me to be. However, I have no intention of doing so.” Then, it suddenly clicked that he was at Josh’s apartment. “How did you even know I was here? I haven’t told anyone I moved out of the house.”

Miles shrugged his thin shoulders. “Let’s just say I like to keep an eye out on my investments. After our meeting at your father’s, I kind of assumed this deal would require close attention in order for me to get what your father promised me.”

“You’ve been following me?” she asked, her voice tense. “Kind of against the law, dude. And so not cool. Don’t let me catch you doing it again, or I will haul your ass into the station.” She paused and took a deep breath. She was almost out of Draven Falls and away from idiots like Miles Hemingway. “There is no deal, at least, not one that involves me. I’m not your investment or my father’s bargaining chip. Not real romantic.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m not marrying someone I don’t even know, not to mention someone I don’t love. You shouldn’t want that, either.”

“What I want is what your father promised me,” he growled at her, and Lainie felt the hair on her neck stand up as her panther hissed within at the apparent threat. “Matings have happened like this for centuries. The deal has been made. Your father offered and mine accepted. You don’t get to back out of it. I won’t allow it.”

“You won’t allow it?” She couldn’t believe what she just heard. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but I don’t need you to allow it. Contrary to what everyone seems to believe, neither you nor my father are in charge of my life. Only I can decide what’s best for me. I’m sorry my father tricked you and your father into believing that I would even consider this deal, but trust me, it’s not happening. Now, I think it’s best if you leave. Now.” Her panther’s hiss came out in her voice. There was no way she would allow herself to be intimidated by this asshole.

Miles pushed himself off the wall, his hands in his pockets as he took a step closer to Lainie, his head cocked to the side slightly. “I will get what your father promised me,” he threatened. “I don’t care what our fathers work out or what you say. They made a deal, and it will be honored. Count on it.”

Lainie just stared at him, doing her best to keep her breathing calm, so as not to reveal how scared he made her feel. She took him down once, but that was by surprise. She wasn’t sure she could take him when he saw it coming.

Miles leaned in close enough for Lainie to smell his body odor, taking a deep breath of her scent, his eyes closed. When he opened them, he smiled, and started to walk away. “You will be mine, Lainie Everest. I was promised.”

She didn’t move, but rather stayed still, staring at her front door, her body trembling slightly as she clenched her fists down at her sides, the key digging into her flesh. The reek of him still clung to her nostrils, and her panther hissed its disgust. Now, I really need that drink and shower.

She heard a car start up and pull away and only then did she force herself to move. She had just over a week left. She slipped the key into the lock, turned it, and entered the small apartment, making sure to lock the door again as soon as she was inside. Miles was stalking her, and she hadn’t even noticed. She would have to be more careful, pay closer attention to her surroundings. Miles Hemingway wasn’t taking no for an answer.