Merry smiled. "I'm glad I had a chance to meet you, too."
"Now, on to more important things. You said you're staying at a hotel nearby?"
"I am, but I'm looking for an extended stay rental. Maybe an Airbnb apartment or house. I'll be here for a little while and the hotel's a little pricey for more than a few nights."
"Well, I may be able to help you with that," Ava said with a smile. "I happen to own several rental properties and I happen to have a vacant one right now. It's just a few blocks away and not far from my own home."
Merry's eyes widened. "Really? How much is the rent?"
Ava named a monthly number that I knew was lower than she usually charged and I bit back a smile. The witch tended to take in strays.
It seemed Merry suspected the price was too low because she asked, "Are you sure that's not the weekly rate?"
Ava laughed. "No, that's the monthly rate. I'm willing to keep it month-to-month if you're not sure how long you'll be here."
"Are you certain it won't be a problem?" Merry pressed.
"I'm sure. You'll be doing me a favor. I just had some repairs and renovations done but I'm not ready to make it available for long-term tenants yet."
Finally, Merry smiled. "That sounds lovely."
"Good," Ava said, clapping her hands together. "Marcus can take you over so you can check the place out and make sure it will fit your needs."
Shit. I should have known she would do that to me.
I could tell that Merry wanted to tell her no, but didn't want to offend her savior. It was up to me to say something.
"Ava, maybe it would be better if you or Savannah—"
"Unfortunately, we have deliveries this afternoon and I'll need her help." Ava turned to Merry. "Marcus is one of the kindest, most honorable men I know. You'll be safe with him and from him. I give you my word."
Merry studied her and I could tell she was weighing both Ava's words and expressions. Finally, she said, "Okay." Then, she reached for her coffee and took a sip before breaking off another piece of the scone.
"May I speak to you a moment, Ava?" I asked.
"Of course. I'll be right back, Merry."
I waited until the office door was shut behind us before I spoke, and even then I whispered.
"Ava, that woman has been traumatized. Not just today, but for several days last year. By Rhiannon and Caleb. She's not comfortable with me. She practically ran away from me yesterday at the grocery store and she wasn't in any danger then. She's too nice and private to tell you all of this, so I'm doing it for her."
Ava patted my arm. "I'm pretty sure she's not the only one who's scared half to death. But you both need to get over it because something is coming. And Macgrath and I will be having a conversation with Andre Dumont about how one of his entourage chased a woman into our store. A human woman. And I couldn't exactly explain all of that to you in front of her."
I sighed because she had a point. She had to say something to Dumont. If she didn't, it made her, and Macgrath, appear weak. Honestly, I didn't want to be there for the discussion either. So, I focused on the other portion of her statements. "What is coming?"
She shrugged. "When I know, you'll know."
"I hate this," I muttered. "I have premonitions just like you do. Why in the hell can't they just be clear and easy to read? Why is it always hints and foreshadowing?"
"I'm sure it's some kind of solar interference or even the Goddess' hand."
"That's comforting."
Her purple eyes brightened as she grinned up at me. "Just be your usual self—strong, silent, but sweet—and you'll grow on her in a matter of hours."
I wanted to sneer at her but I had to smile, too. She always knew what to say to amuse me.
"Fine, I'll take her to the rental house and show her around, but stop trying to throw us together. If she ever realizes what we are, I don't think she'll be calm enough to listen to reason." We were also damn lucky that she hadn't seemed to notice Ava's words about her wards.
Ava cocked her head and narrowed her eyes at me. "I think she's a lot stronger than you think. And Iknowshe'll surprise you." She patted my arm again, but this time the gesture felt a little condescending. "Now, I'm going to get you the key and you can take Merry to the house."
She went back into the office and I could hear her talking to Merry, giving her details about the house and how cute the neighborhood was.
And I knew that I was in deep, deep shit.
