Page 19 of Spooks & Specters

Again, there was no deceit in his scent. “Well done.”

“It won’t take them long to notice I’m missin’.”

“If that becomes a problem, I’ll deal with it then.” Isadora quickly left that horrible area of San DeLain and merged onto the interstate.

Since the back passenger window was still broken, conversation was impossible. It was better once they were on city streets though. Isadora showed Jamail her restaurant and her home. Then she drove him to the next block, which had a small apartment complex that she owned.

She parked in his reserved parking spot, turned off her vehicle, and faced Jamail. She held up a key ring with two keys on it. “Here you go.”

“What’s this?”

“The keys to your new apartment. You’re on the third floor. It’s a one bedroom, one bath. It comes fully furnished, but you’re welcome to replace whatever’s in there.”

Jamail goggled at her.

“Just let me know if you do want to get rid of whatever is in there. Don’t throw things out. Tomorrow afternoon we’ll go shopping for appropriate clothing.”

Jamail stared at the keys. “For real? They mine?”

“Yes. These are yours. Everything I promised you twenty-four hours ago was true. You’re going to work in my restaurant. You’ll start off as a busboy and work your way up.”

“Work my way into what?”

“That depends on you. It all depends on you. Now, let me show you your new place so you can get settled. Tomorrow we will go shopping, and tomorrow evening we will have dinner at my restaurant in my office. I’ll answer any questions you have, then tell you my rules and expectations. Does that sound good?”

Jamail nodded hesitantly. “Imma gonna get paid?”

Isadora quoted his starting salary and then laughed when his eyes bulged in his head.

“For real?”

“Yes. Also, you don’t have to worry about paying the rent, cable, or utilities. I provide that for my people. But I’m going to provide more for you because on the nights you’re not working at my restaurant? You’ll be with a tutor.”

“Holy shit,” Jamail whispered.

Isadora popped the trunk and got out. Jamail joined her, grabbing his duffel.

“I’m also going to give you a crash course at dinner tomorrow about the paranormal world. Since you’ll be working at my restaurant, you’re going to meet a huge assortment of nonhumans. Especially on certain Monday nights each month.”

Jamail followed her toward the elevator. “Am I gonna have to talk to them?”

“At least be introduced to them, yes. And you’re also going to have to learn how to address the paranormal leaders of San DeLain.” There was so much to do. She was actually looking forward to it. It’d been a long time since she’d taken someone under her wing.

“Fuck. Is they all as scary as you?”

Poor, sweet child. He had no idea. “Yes, but you’re under my protection.”

Although, after she got through explaining each paranormal’s ability, he might have nightmares for a solid month.

“You’ll be fine, Jamail, because no one fucks with what’s mine.”

A Picnic Basket Full of Trouble

Chapter One

HUDSON TIPTOED out of the bedroom, careful not to make a sound as he closed the door behind himself. He hoped he had exhausted Connie enough that the other dragon hadn’t heard him leave; after all, he had made love to Connie twice and Kit once that night. His body still buzzed with pleasure.

Nonetheless, he had to be quick.

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