Two security guards sat in the front seat, and the three of them climbed into the back. Zander motioned her into the middle, and she decided it was too cold to argue with him, so she slid to the middle. She didn’t need to be protected, but the sooner the doors closed, the sooner they’d all be a little warmer.
The short drive to Mordnik took three times longer than it’d taken when they’d arrived. Not a big deal, and Emmy actually enjoyed looking out into the darkness at the endless snow, lit only by their headlights.
“The restaurant is called The Hearth,” Zander said as they pulled into town. “It’s been here since shortly after the town was formed around the original radar array, though it’s on the third owner. And no, there isn’t a hearth, or a fireplace. Best not to mention that to the staff.”
Emmy hadn’t seen the town yet, other than her curious look at the Google satellite and street views. It was tiny, three main roads connected by cross streets, and she didn’t see much of it tonight, taking one of the cross streets to the farthest main road. Lights glowed in windows, and everything had that weathered, practical look of a place built tosurviverather than impress.
“Your parents are staying at the B&B,” Zander continued. “The owner of the restaurant is also the cook. There’s a menu, but most people eat his dish of the day.”
Emmy nodded, not trusting her voice.
“I flew in the ingredients so he could make braised lamb shanks with root vegetables his dish of the day.”
She turned to look at him. “You had him make Dad’s favorite meal?”
Zander sighed, his expression unreadable. “This is going to be difficult enough without your father thinking I don’t respect him. Small gestures matter.”
The SUV pulled up in front of a low building with the name painted above the door, weathered and faded. Warm light spilled from a single window, and Emmy could see people moving inside.
“Here we go,” Spence murmured.
Emmy took a breath, squared her shoulders, and reached for Spence’s hand.
This was going to be a disaster.
But at least it would be a disaster with braised lamb.
Chapter 13
Zander reached out mentally to scan the restaurant before they walked in, a habit born of centuries of caution. They’d arrived fifteen minutes early, specifically so the three could be seated when Aaron and Sophia arrived, but he found their brain patterns on the left-hand side of the building, about halfway back.
Both had extremely strong shielding, and he wouldn’t probe for their thoughts, but he could sense their energy. Aaron’s familiar controlled presence along with Sophia’s steady strength.
But mostly, he had to smile that his old friend had beaten him to it, claiming the strategic advantage of being seated first.
They’re already here,he telepathed Spencer.
Should I warn Emmy?
No. Acting like it’s a big deal will just further stress her.
He pulled the heavy door open and held it for them, then followed them inside, where the brutal cold quickly fell away. He might not feel the cold as he had when human, but when it wasthiscold, he appreciated stepping into warmth.
No crackling hearth greeted them, just the low, steady rush of warm air from vents tucked along the walls, carrying the faint metallic tang of heated ducts. The wood floors creaked under their boots, absorbing the heat that rose in invisible waves.
He breathed in, but mostly scented the roasted lamb and fresh bread. He parsed beneath the food scents and realized there were a whole lot of bear shifters, followed by wolves, then humans. A few big cats, and … yes, one dragon and one swan near the back left of the room. Of course.
The bear shifter behind the bar gave them a bored nod. A brief dip into her thoughts, and he knew she recognized him, and that she’d seen every possible variation of supernatural drama and was unimpressed by all of it.
Beside him, Emmy spotted her parents and froze.
Zander’s hand went to the small of her back to steady her, and he registered Sophia’s attention sharpening when she noted the contact.
Fuck.
He walked, guiding her, and kept his hand on her back. This wasn’t about hiding what they were to each other, but he hadn’t wanted to do this right off the bat.
Aaron rose from his seat as they approached, his movements controlled and deliberate. He was a large, imposing man, with the kind of presence that makes people instinctively step aside. His dark hair showed some silver dusting at the temples, though Zander knew the look was deliberate, so his ancient friend could stay in Chattanooga longer.
