Page 40 of Death and Donuts

“I’m on my way to see Curran about Hakon’s death,” Shepard said. “Their ring is missing.”

“They should be more careful with their possessions. I would take great care not to misplace you.” She made a sound thatresonated in my chest and made my pulse race. “I dream of your taste, Shepard.”

He fumbled with the call, trying to take it off speaker, and the SUV swerved.

“You’re on speaker, Effora,” Cross said. “Keep talking like that and your boy toy will end up driving off the road.”

She laughed.

“Cross, I heard you were keeping unusual company. Perhaps I can interest you in accompanying Shepard in entertaining me. I’ve never had a wolf and a vampire at the same time.”

I tried hard not to let my shock or jealousy show but knew Shepard caught me when he inhaled deeply.

“I think Shepard finds sharing with me a tempting invitation, Effora,” Cross said. “But, respectfully, we’ll need to decline. The missing ring must take precedence. We don’t believe it was misplaced but taken.”

“Taken? Who would—” She swore. “Does that bitch dare?”

“We know nothing yet,” Cross said. “But Shepard will keep you apprised of what we learn. Guard yourself well, Effora.”

Shepard disconnected the call.

“So she’s tasted you?” Cross asked Shepard with a grin.

Shepard flushed scarlet, which I would have found adorable if I wasn’t so worried about Adriel being alive.

CHAPTER TEN

The huge doubledoors of the mountain entrance were shut tight as we parked in the insanely large parking lot at the base of the winding stairs.

When we reached the doors, Cross pulled on a thick rope. A low sound echoed inside the mountain, and a small chest-height panel opened right in front of me.

“Oh. Er, uh, I…um,” a gruff voice stammered.

Cross nudged me back a few steps, and I saw a set of brown eyes gaze from my chest to my face then back again before Shepard stepped in front of me.

“Shepard Ulv and Brodier Cross, as requested by King Curran,” Shepard said.

The panel slid shut abruptly. Metal clanked together as the massive lock retreated, and the heavy wooden door opened.

We stepped into the largest entryway I had ever seen. Not only was the gilded ceiling three stories high, but it had to be a quarter mile deep. Gold columns were positioned in rows to keep the massive space from caving in onto the white marble floor.

Four dwarves in silver armor guarded the door while a dwarf in gold armor nodded to us.

“The king has been anticipating your arrival, Alpha,” he said. “I’m Tryn, the leader of His Majesty’s personal guards. If you will follow me, I will take you to him.”

I was not physically prepared for the trek through the mountain. It would have been paradise for Vena, but I was out of breath by the seventh staircase.

“Out of curiosity,” I asked between panted breaths, “are there any elevators or escalators in this place?”

“There is only one elevator, which is designated for the royal family should there be a need to escape quickly.” The guard didn’t wheeze at all as he talked.

Having to traverse this mountain regularly probably kept him in shape, but I was ready to end the torture.

By the thirteenth staircase, we had entered the heart of the mountain where the dwarves lived. My gaze darted around as a market came into view. I spotted stalls for food, clothes, and jewelry. Children ran around as adults shopped.

The scent of grilled meats filled the air. Yet, for an entire dwarf population to be stuck inside the mountain, the space didn’t feel stifling. Fresh air came from somewhere and carried away the grill smoke.

Once we passed through the market, I saw a few more areas designated for living and recreational space. Six dwarves played a game in a blocked-off section. It reminded me of basketball but was very aggressive with a lot of body-checking.

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