“I’d feel better if I knew you were safe,” Allegra agreed before her friend could argue.
The busy morning rush had passed when they arrived at Storm in a Teacup café.
“Isabella’s behind the counter,” Dylan whispered. “I’ll order breakfast. You sit in the corner to monitor the café and any new arrivals.”
Esther and Allegra navigated the tables and remaining customers, finally reaching a vacant one in the far corner.
“I didn’t expect a glamorous blonde,” Allegra said.
“Isabella is gorgeous, isn’t she? She teaches self-defense and fitness classes at the community hall.” Esther leaned closer to Allegra. “Rumor says she used to be an assassin, but I don’t know if that’s true.”
“It’s true,” a feminine voice said from behind them. “Saber thought I might assist you, or at least my contacts. He told me you come from Val-des-Loups. I visited once. Your country is beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Allegra said, envious of Isabella’s beautiful violet eyes.
“All right. I have half an hour. Tell me everything.”
After an encouraging nod from Dylan and another from Esther, Allegra told Isabella about the assassination of her parents and her brother, the problems she’d experienced with the council, and someone shooting at her. She finished with a description of the runes, a precis of the letter Pierre had written, plus details of the silver dagger they’d discovered this morning.
“Wow,” Isabella said. “You think the council wants to rule the kingdom, and they’re willing to dispose of you in any way they can to gain control?”
“Yes, but I’m unsure if they are aware of the runes.”
“Do you believe what your brother wrote in his letter?”
“When I picked them up last night, I felt power and magic, so yes, I believe they’re an important part of what is happening.”
“But I thought your parents were the king and queen, and Pierre, your brother, only helped when necessary?” Esther said.
“No, Pierre worked for the kingdom for years, so if he told me to hide the runes, maybe they needed to be at the chateau. Nothing changed until my brother died. I won’t know for sure unless I learn anything from my research today.”
Isabella listened intently, nodding as Allegra spoke. When she finished, Isabella leaned back in her chair and thoughtfully tapped her fingers on the table.
“Something smells fishy,” she said. “And you’re in danger if someone is loitering around your house. I might have a way to find help.”
Allegra felt a spark of hope. “What do you mean?”
“I have a European contact. He’s part of an organization that deals with supernatural threats. They’re based in France, and they have many resources at their disposal. They might even help you figure out what those runes mean.”
“That sounds amazing.” Dylan leaned forward. “But how would we even contact them?”
Isabella spoke up. “I’ll make a call. I know the guy who runs the organization. He owes me a favor or two. I’ll see what I can do.”
“And our loiterer?” Esther asked.
“Saber is concerned about that. We thought it best to report this to the local cops,” Isabella said.
Allegra gasped. “But I thought they were humans. Esther, no Dylan. Didn’t you mention that during the tour of Middlemarch?”
Isabella raised her hand. “They’re human but have shifter mates. I suggest that Esther and Allegra have a night in while Dylan meets us and helps with surveillance. Our cops, my husband Leo, Dylan, and I will stake out your place tonight. If your watcher was there last evening, they might return. We’ll also check out any strangers. If our lurker comes from your kingdom, they’ll need to stay somewhere local. We’ll reconnoiter today and try to find them.”
Dylan frowned. “Do you think they’ll hang around Middlemarch?”
“Possibly.” Isabella’s gaze turned thoughtful. “It’s worth a shot. We’ll keep you safe, Allegra. I promise.”
Allegra’s heart swelled with gratitude. She’d had no one to help her at home, leaving her vulnerable, but now, with Isabella, Esther, and Dylan by her side, she had a chance of survival.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
