Page 17 of Unforeseen Mate

“Let me guess; he’s sent sizes and color preferences, and I’ll just need to approve it.”

The corners of Iver’s eyes crinkled. “You know Mr. Reynolds well.”

“Where’s the best place to get lunch?”

“Define best—most expensive, Michelin starred, or just plain old good eating.”

“As Colby is paying, I’m inclined to say most expensive, but actually just plain old good eating would be my preference.”

“Are we headed to the ladies clothing boutique or the marina?” asked Iver.

“Boutique and then marina.”

“In that case, the Bah and Moo would be my choice.”

Hayden laughed. “Let me guess, they specialize in lamb and beef.”

“Aye. Their cawl is delicious and makes for a lovely lunch.” At Hayden’s raised eyebrow, Ivor added, “It’s a traditional lamb stew with leeks, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and otheringredients. If you’re so inclined, their Welsh rarebit is excellent, and they mix their cheese with a local beer—good stuff.”

“Sold. Let’s go eat lunch. I’m buying.”

“I was told Mr. Reynolds was picking up the expenses.”

“So he is,” said Hayden. “Let’s order really expensive drinks to go with it.”

Ivor tried to hide his bemused expression but failed.

After an entertaining lunch, Ivor drove him to the clothing boutique, where there was a package of clothing waiting—everything from casual things to something worthy of a fancy night out in London. He had to chuckle at the fact that Reynolds had included panties—skimpy, fancy ones, but they were there. Most alphas Hayden knew wouldn’t have purchased panties for a woman, but then Reynolds didn’t know that Fallon was Hayden’s fated mate. He had to admit the clothing would come in handy.

If he had to shimmer to get Fallon out of there, her clothes would be disintegrated in the realm in between. That was another unique aspect of hellhounds—they could shimmer with a human in tow, but they had only a small window of time in which to do it or the human would be irreparably damaged. Generally shimmering in tandem was a means of last resort, but it was good to know Fallon would have her choice of clothing.

Ivor delivered him to the dock and showed him the boat, tossing him the packages and his bag once he was on board.

“I slipped my number into your bag. If you need me, call. I can fly choppers or fixed wing, I’m a capable sailor, and they haven’t invented a vehicle I can’t drive.”

“You’re a good man to have around, Ivor. I appreciate your help.”

Ivor tipped his cap. “Always happy to be of service to Mr. Reynolds.”

He turned on his heel and headed back down the dock. Hayden shook his head. Colby had a unique ability to bring people together and commanded a fierce loyalty from those who chose to follow. Shaking his head, Hayden made his way below and stowed the gear, made himself a strong cup of coffee, and headed topside to make ready to leave.

Hayden waited until the sun started to dip below the horizon before untying the boat-christened the Laughing Lynx-and began to make the journey to Lundy Island. Once darkness fell, Hayden turned off his running lights and transponder, making locating or following his boat difficult if not impossible.

With only the night sky and the ocean wind as companions, Hayden headed out to skirt around the southwestern tip of the United Kingdom before steering north up the western coast, into Bristol Bay and toward Lundy Island.

ABRAHAM

Lundy Island

Bristol Bay, England

“Have we heard from Nora?” Abraham asked Mrs. Crane.

“Nothing, sir, and Dr. Kent is proving to be uncooperative.”

“Dr. Kent is going to be a thorn in my side,” chuckled Abraham.

“Do you plan to get rid of her after Nora has killed her target?”

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