Page 7 of Howl You Doin?
“He would be stupid not to. I tweaked the formula and if he leaves it on his skin for fifteen minutes the effects last for days.”
“How many days?”
Papers shuffle and crackle as he rummages. “It will be a trial period, of course. Let’s see, where the hell did I put the blasted—Ah, here we are. It should last four to seven days after the initial fifteen minutes,andit is lighter and waterproof.” His voice takes on a boastful aspect as if he had a breakthrough. If the stuff really does last days, I suppose he has, and Vlad will be hard-pressed to not accept it.
“Trying to get back in his good graces?” I ask, as my attention lands on the large window and the sliver of moonlight peeking through the heavy navy-colored drapes. My skin crawls with the need to let my wolf form take over and agitation rides up my spine.
“I thought it couldn’t hurt.”
“I’m still beating the shit out of you next time I see you,” I grunt, recalling how my new suit was destroyed that night, and all the bullshit that came after.
I end the call, not bothering to waste niceties on him, as I stride toward the door and send another message to Felix. Frank’s financial advisor is human, but the way he works with numbers is astounding. Any investment information he gives is always spot on, as if the man has foresight with money.
Me:
Good. Thanks for the info.
Felix:
The Ostara was delivered yesterday and set up in the maze as you directed.
Me:
Excellent.
After seeing the marble statue of Ostara, the pagan goddess, staring down at the egg in her hand at a gallery in London, I had to have it on sight. Something of her visage called to me, and I paid full price, not offering to have Felix haggle over the details.
Felix:
I would advise you to throw another gala and soon. The guests are raving. Most likely because George has spread pictures far and wide.
My lips twitch at that. Felix’s ex-husband, George, is quite the character, and has been a guest in the castle since it opened. Although the two men have divorced, they’re still amicable, and Felix knew sending George would help put the place on the map.The white-haired old man has become a favored visitor. Even Vlad likes him, and Vlad doesn’t like anyone.
Me:
I’ll see what I can do.
Another gala? An idea pops into my head as I remember a movie about a castle with a beast that Aubrey and Bernadette were discussing animatedly a few days ago before she and Vlad left for Greece. Aubrey did mention an idea about the maids and waiters wearing costumes, and if the dinner could be choreographed, it would attract even more guests. More to think on tomorrow.
I slide the phone into my pocket and shut the door to my room behind me, determined to get to the woods as quickly as possible. My nose crinkles automatically at the distinct smell of cookies and the peppery smell of spice in the air. Damn and blast, her scent is everywhere if it can reach this floor.
Jaw grinding in my mouth, I realize I will have to go the long way around the castle to get to the woods. A servant’s stairway is at one end of the long hall, but it opens in the kitchen, and her smell will be stronger there. Luckily, her post comes to an end soon, and I’ll finally be rid of her. I just have to avoid the foul woman until she leaves.
I cover my nose as I make my way through the deathly quiet castle, cursing the chef to kingdom come.
Chapter 2
Whitley Whitt
O’Doyle Rules.
My cupcake-coveredflip flops thwap softly across the black-and-white checkered kitchen floors I mopped only a couple hours ago, as I carry a tray full of goodies. Gripping the tray firmly in my hands, I make sure nothing slides off.
My spoils being muffins, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and cherry tarts to complete the ensemble, my mouth waters at the sight. This is about to be the best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth, just as soon as I can get back to my room.
The smell of cocoa brings back peaceful memories of baking with Grandma, and how Papa would grin and sneak more marshmallows into my drink when she wasn’t looking. My grandparents ran a bakery until the day they died, and it was probably one of the best places to grow up as a kid. No matter how long it’s been, I miss them terribly.
Just a couple more months and I’ll have enough funds to buy back the bakery—more importantly, I’ll have a home again.
