Page 23 of Help Wanted, Vampires Inquire Within
“That doesn’t count,” Adelle said. “The pack wasn’t behind the herb garden because it was another one of Toby’s sudden obsessions. This is much different. You’re family, Jack, and we’re ready to make the gargoyle and nymph family too.”
“Mason and Skyler,” Jack murmured, touched by Adelle’s words.
“Mason and Skyler Clover,” Adelle said. “That sounds right.”
Jack pulled in a deep breath. “Thanks everyone.”
If he lost Skyer and Mason, at least he got to come home to the Clover Pack. That was the best consolation prize he could ever ask for.
Chapter 8
Mason
Jack showed up a little early for their meeting. All three spots in front of the bar were open so he could easily pull up to the curb and park without having to do any tricky maneuvering. When he walked around the car, Mason saw he had bags in both hands.
Mason admired him as he walked to Joy’s entrance. He was wearing dark jeans and a black Henley that showed off his sleek body. The moment he saw Mason and Skyler standing in the open doorway of Joy, he smiled broadly.
“I have gifts,” he announced, holding up the bags.
Mason could feel the tension radiating off Skyler even as she tried to smile. “You didn’t need to bring anything.”
Several of the vampires they’d interviewed brought gifts. Usually, it was expensive jewelry for Skyler and nothing for Mason. It would be interesting to see what Jack brought.
“I don’t have to do anything,” Jack retorted. “But giving gifts is one of my favorite things!”
He slid past them and inside. Rissa and Zan were behind the bar, going over a list and very obviously ignoring the three of them. It was sweet how much effort Rissa and Zan were putting into not looking at them.
Jack set everything down on a table and stepped back with a sweep of his arms. “Please open them! I can’t wait any longer!”
Skyler hesitated, but Mason took her hand and drew her to the table. “Let’s see what he got you.”
“The smaller bag is for you, Mason,” Jack said.
“You got Mason a gift?” Skyler asked with the hint of a real smile.
Jack looked confused. “Of course I did. Why would I leave Mason out?”
“I might not be as cute as you, but I still deserve gifts,” Mason teased.
Skyler blushed. “Of course you do. You’re the best!”
Jack made an impatient sound. “You’re killing me here. Someone open something!”
Chuckling, Mason dipped his hand into the bag and found a box. Flipping it open, he found a simple copper disk on a chain. “Um, this is nice.”
Jack laughed. “It’s a shifting charm. When you’re wearing it, your clothes shift with you. I’ve bought one for every member of Clover Pack over the years, but they never remember to carry them around. I thought it might be easier for you if I put it on a chain.”
Mason was touched by Jack’s thoughtfulness. “I had one but lost it after the first fight with the durmin. I wanted to get another one, but I’ve been busy.”
When he noticed Skyler trying to hide her frown, he was quick to reassure her. “I lost it because I wasn’t paying attention. Nothing to do with you or the durmin.”
Jack looked thrilled. “Feel free to lose this one. That means I get to buy you another gift!”
Mason chuckled and opened his arms. Jack didn’t hesitate to press himself against Mason’s body. After a sleepless night, he finally felt relaxed now that Jack was touching him. It would be better if he could hold both Skyler and Jack in his arms, but at least Skyler was close by.
He reluctantly ended the hug and turned Jack to face the nymph. “Skyler, what’s in your bag?”
She didn’t look enthusiastic, but opened the bag anyway. Then her eyes went wide and she pulled out a massive pastry box. The word Aurora LA was stamped on the top with a Los Angeles address underneath.
