Tak shook his head.
Atticus put his phone back in his pocket and realized Tak needed reassurance that no harm would come to his mate. “I have a top-notch security system, and my staff is quite adept at handling trouble.”
“Are they?” Tak fired back. “They did nothing when Joy was slapped.”
“They’ve been warned about that incident.” Atticus thought about their precarious situation. “What are your plans for Hope? I can’t drive her to Austin myself—I’d be forced to leave Joy unguarded. It would be better if someone came to collect her.”
“Dammit.” Tak shut his eyes and heaved a sigh. “Her father will never let me live this down. Do you know how long it took me to earn his respect? And now I have to tell him to pick up his daughter because Vampires are hunting us. I used to thinkmyfather was tough, but that man is tougher than beef jerky that’s been left out in the sun for a week.”
Lucian gave him a pat of solidarity. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ve known him since Lakota was a boy, and hestillhates me.”
Tak gripped Lucian’s head and gave it a playful shake. “Go watch the security cameras. I’m counting on you, brother. Salem, bring the rest of the pack up to speed. They need to prepare. Wolves who stick together can take down Vampires.” He winked at Atticus. “Isn’t that right, my friend?”
Atticus nodded, respecting the synergy of wolves. They knew how to assemble and work together to rip a man to pieces, limb from limb. “If they come, be swift with your actions. Never hesitate. Vampires view that as a vulnerability, and they’ll use it. Call me if you kill one.”
Chapter 12
Hope and I clutched hands as we drove to Dragonfly’s in the back of Atticus’s van. We remained silent while Atticus kept the radio at a low volume. It didn’t seem right to leave Salem behind, but I understood the reasoning.
It still left me unsettled.
Atticus called his employees in advance to empty the topside restaurant. We arrived to a quiet entrance, the cooks energetically preparing meals as we cut through the kitchen to the elevator.
Once we reached his private office, I gasped in disbelief. He had converted his personal space into a bedroom. A large canopy bed with sheer curtains tied to the corners replaced the wooden desk. Two Tiffany lamps on either side were switched on, the mellow light illuminating the colorful lampshades. I looked at the couches on the left and noticed the statues were pushed against the wall.
How on earth did they get this giant bed in here? And so fast?
The idea of them doing all this in less than a half hour made me smile. “Where’s your desk?”
“They moved it into a storage room to fit the bed. There’s a private bathroom in the hall. This room should also be stocked with snacks and necessities. Is this to your satisfaction?”
“And then some.”
Hope approached a long table in the center and looked at the array of drinks and fresh fruit. She lifted the lid to a canister and peered inside. “Did you make these cookies?”
“One of my cooks did. They should be fresh sugar cookies.”
I gave the room another scrutinizing gaze, noticing small touches like fresh flowers, lotion, and candles. “You did allthis… for us? In that short of time?” This Vampire continued to surprise me at every turn.
A smile touched his lips. “My employees are indispensable, and I compensate them for their time and effort. There are extra blankets over the couches. I don’t have a good sense of what temperature is comfortable, but if you get chilly, I can bring a space heater down. I’m afraid my book collection is a little dull for your taste, but I can locate whatever you desire, my lady.”
Nonplussed, I set my oversized travel bag down. “I thought we were going to your house? How long do you mean to keep us here?”
“The roads aren’t safe to travel, and Vampires always have the advantage at night. We’ll leave once I find a secure way to transport you. Tak is already making arrangements for Hope.” He gestured to the wall opposite the door. “If you have a sweet tooth, the freezer’s filled with ice cream and frozen yogurt. Help yourself. Silverware is wrapped in napkins in the adjacent cabinet. Can I order you something from the kitchen? Anything you like.”
We had skipped dinner, but I was too anxious to eat at the moment.
“We’re okay for now,” Hope said while looking at all the snacks. “How do we find you?”
“Send me a text message or call. I’ll be on the premises. Don’t venture any farther than the bathroom by yourself. I made a promise to keep you safe. You’re not a prisoner, but if you wish to come out, I’ll escort you.”
When he left, Hope and I settled in.
“Prisoners in a gilded cage,” I mused.
“Look.” She held up a word game and gave it a shake, rattling the contents inside the box. “He thought of everything.”
Nearing the bed, I spotted plush slippers on the floor. This was a scene out of a fairy tale. Meanwhile, a nightmare was unraveling.
