“Are we doing something naughty?” Vivian strolled into the hallway, all loose and cat-like, her gaze sharp.
She was looking for something. She was looking to make trouble between Ryder and me, sure, though I didn’t know what her angle was there. We were in love. We were living together. We were going to get married.
She was out of luck if she thought she could drive a wedge between us.
But it was clear she was still a hunter looking for living breathing beings who were not supposed to exist.
Hell, maybe she thought I was something supernatural. Being the Bridge for the god powers to be set down and stored was a power no other human had.
A chill washed down my spine as it suddenly occurred to me that I could be the something she wanted to tag and bag and throw into a governmental test lab.
Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen.
“We were just talking over the motel options,” I said. “Sand Garden is the best.”
Ryder stepped out of the bathroom. “It will have a room open for sure. Need directions?”
She bit her bottom lip, then smiled. “In a town this small? I don’t think I’ll have any trouble finding it. But,” she looked up through her eyelashes at him, “I still haven’t had dinner. I wouldn’t want Delaney to get jealous, me keeping you all to myself, but maybe you and I could get a bite to eat and catch up?”
Someone else might not have seen it, the slight tightening of Ryder’s stance, the way he hitched one shoulder down just that smallest amount. But I’d been staring at Ryder for years.
When he was a boy, and the way he threw a rock in the water made me wonder how he could be so strong and amazing.
When he was a gangly teen, and his voice wobbled and his laugh deepened.
When he’d broadened, put on muscles and height and fallen into the easy manner that drew people to him like bees to nectar.
He didn’t like this woman, and just like he’d told me, he didn’t trust her.
“Or,” I said, “you two could catch up tomorrow. You must be tired from your long drive.”
She raised her eyebrows and gave me a look of mock-shock. “How do you know I had a long drive?”
“Your car has California plates.”
“Maybe I’ve been in Oregon for a while.”
“Have you?”
She laughed, and it sounded forced. “No, not really. I drove straight through, and Iamawfully hungry. Are there any cute little diners you can take me to, RyRy? Please feed the little birdy?”
She reached over and held on to his forearm. Laying a claim on him. Exerting her control.
Ryder was a lot less subtle than I’d been. He picked up her perfectly manicured hand and dropped it off his arm.
“Delaney and I had plans,” he said.
“No, that’s okay,” I interrupted, because Ryder was right. She should not be left to wander around Ordinary alone. Not until I got the word out that there was a hunter in our midst. Ryder taking her to dinner was the best move. He’d keep an eye on her, and I could get the info spreading through town.
“I’m probably going to turn in early after I do a little paperwork anyway.” I put my palm on the small of Ryder’s back and gave him a little push toward her so he’d know I was on for his plan.
“You want me to bring you back something to eat?” he asked.
“Naw. I’ll just make a sandwich.”
“Or that pie,” Vivian said. “Although how sad is it, you sitting here all alone eating an entire pie while I’m out on the town with your handsome boyfriend?”
“Fiancé,” I corrected. “You two have fun.” I gave her a big ol’ smile which made her frown, so I kept smiling. “Don’t eat anything I wouldn’t eat.”
