Page 34 of Cider
“I mean, we talked about finding out about the whole stock issue.” I looked down at the immaculate counter. “We just became mates. I don’t want to be asking him for favors.”
Lys filled her cup up with coffee. I hadn’t known vampires could be affected by caffeine. Learn something new every day.
“If there’s one thing that Titus enjoys, is taking care of the people he loves. Trust me. Took me nearly twenty-five years to get my independence.” She poured a good amount of sugar into her drink. “Talk to him. Talk to all your mates now. You’re all part of each other’s lives now. I can guarantee that they’re going to want to help you.”
She had a point.
“Alright. I’ll talk to them.” I finished my tea. “I think this issue with Samuel might be personal. He’s not going after any of the others as of yet. I need to find out why.”
Lys took my cup and hers to a sink behind the counter. “Same. This guy is a sleaze ball. What if we spy on him?”
I ran my fingers through my hair. “Actually, that was one of my thoughts. Igor said she’d spy on him for me.”
She blinked. “Igor? The talking Venus Flytrap?”
I grinned. “That’s the one.”
She laughed. “That’s a brilliant idea. Let me know if I can help.”
I stood. “Thank you, Lys.” I paused in the doorway. “Really.”
She nodded in response before I turned to leave. I walked back to my store. I pulled my phone out and called Billy.
“So,” I bit my lip. “What do you think about asking Titus and Jack for help? With my situation?”
“I think it’s a good idea.” Billy yelled at one of his workers about moving a plant somewhere. “They might have different ideas that just the two of us wouldn’t think of.”
“I’ll text them.” I smiled as Billy cursed. It sounded like he dropped something on his foot. “I’ll see you after closing.”
Hanging up, I sent a quick message to Igor, letting her know to go ahead with the plan before I pulled up a text message and attached both Jack and Titus to it.
I hate asking for help. It’s just something I don’t like to do but, I could use some help with the Samuel situation. He escalated it today.
Dots appeared almost instantly. Twenty bucks it was Titus.
Do I need to get rid of him?Yup. I’d been right.
No. No mysterious disappearances. Yet. Igor is going to spy on him for me. I’d like help figuring out what to do next, though.
Jack beat Titus to a reply.
I’ll see what I can find myself, too. That guy is squirrely.
A chortle slipped out as I unlocked my store, flipped the open sign, and went behind the counter. Jack called him squirrely. I didn’t know if that was cute or funny. Probably both.
I went in the back since there were no customers yet and started the familiar process of making my hot cider. I’d started making this drink years ago, before I’d graduated high school.
I’d always been a little weird. I mean, I am a fox shifter, but I was always bigger than other girls. That would sometimes mean that other kids weren’t always so nice. They were only ever rude once, though.
They found their faces meeting my fist, or if Billy was around, his. But, it never failed that after that happened I went home and started making this drink. My grandpa had taught it to me when I was in the fourth grade and it had stuck with me.
When I’d made my tweaks to perfect it, that had felt like an accomplishment. I loved watching people take their first sip. The looks of shock, enjoyment, or pleasure always made me feel good. It was something that I had continued to make to get those looks.
Now some jackass was trying to take that away from me. I didn’t know how he’d managed to figure it out. I’d find out and make him pay. My fox barked in agreement.
Chapter 18
“Cider!” Large arms encircled my waist from behind, swinging me around to look up into Titus’ handsome face. His grin was all teeth as he held me to him. “You’re off in your own little world. I tried to get your attention several times.” His right hand cupped my face, running his thumb along my lower lip.
