Page 2 of Wedding for My Werewolf

“Nonsense.” Flora didn’t release her arm, still guiding her inexorably towards the wide front porch. “I have a room set aside for special visitors.”

“But—”

“The only other option is the motel back down the highway. Three miles, with night coming on.” Flora peered up at her. “Is that what you want?”

A highway motel compared to this grand old house, the windows already glowing gold against the evening shadows?

She managed to shake her head and Flora grinned again then swept her through the heavy wooden doors into a warm lobby filled with overstuffed armchairs and the scent of cinnamon. Behind a polished counter, a pretty woman bounced a chubby baby on her hip. The baby’s skin was pale blue beneath a tiny, adorable tuft of bright green hair tied with a white bow.

“Alison, dear, our new guest is here.” Flora finally released her arm.

“Welcome!” Alison’s smile lit up her face. She adjusted the baby, who grabbed at her long dark blonde hair. “Will, honey, can you take Emma?”

A massive figure emerged from a back room—a huge troll with blue skin and a shock of green hair. He gave her a friendly grin as he gently gathered the baby in his enormous hands.

“Welcome to Fairhaven Falls.”

She managed to return the smile before casting a despairing glance around. Despite the warmth of her surroundings, the inn was far too luxurious for her limited budget.

“I’m really not sure?—”

“Don’t even think about arguing with Flora,” Alison interrupted. “None of us ever win that battle.”

“That’s because I’m always right,” Flora said complacently. “Now show our girl to the blue room. The one with the mountain view.”

“But—”

“Now, stop your fussing.” Sharp black eyes focused on her face. “We all need a little help sometimes. And besides, it’s only for one night, isn’t it? You’ll have another alternative tomorrow.”

“If I get the job—” Her mouth dropped open. “Wait a minute. How did you know?”

But Flora was already gone. Alison gave her a sympathetic look as she grabbed a key and came around the counter.

“Don’t worry about it. Flora is a law unto herself.”

“But she’s right. I have an interview for a live-in position tomorrow. How did she know?”

The other woman laughed as she began leading her upstairs.

“That is the million dollar question. All I can say is that she knows things. She also loves to meddle, but her heart is in the right place. She’s the reason Will and I are together.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes. She loves matchmaking.” Alison opened the door to a pretty room with a polished wood floor and an embroidered blue quilt on the bed. Tall windows looked out at the mountains, still visible against the evening sky. “I hope you like the room.”

“It’s beautiful.” A lump caught in her throat as she ran her hand over the silky fabric of the quilt, and she had to fight back tears again. “But are you sure I should be here? If she’s interested in matchmaking, I’m the last person she should pick. I’m not looking for a man.”

Alison laughed.

“Neither was I.” Something in her expression must have given her away because Alison put a sympathetic hand on her arm. “You’ll be fine.”

She managed to nod, and the other woman pressed the key into her palm.

“Bathroom’s through there, extra blankets in the chest. If you need anything, just dial one. Why don’t you get some rest? You look like you need it.”

Still stunned by the rapid turn of events, she sank onto the bed after Alison left and leaned back against the pillows. Both the pillows and the mattress were deliciously soft and comfortable, and exhaustion crashed over her like a wave. She meant to only close her eyes for a moment, but the soft ticking of an old clock and distant murmur of voices downstairs lulled her into the deepest sleep she’d had in weeks.

CHAPTER 2

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