Page 13 of Chasing Secrets
Chapter Four
“Are you sure you don’t want a bag?” Casey asked, glancing at the six boxes of donuts and two boxes of coffee Vaughn had just purchased.
Casey was a petite and anxious human who only seemed to be at peace when baking. Vaughn didn’t know the guy’s story and had never asked since he didn’t believe in prying into people’s lives. He already had enough chaos dealing with his pack.
“Thanks, but I can manage carrying these to the parking lot,” he replied, giving the bakery owner a friendly wink before sliding the boxes off the counter and into his arms. Casey hooked one handle from the coffee boxes onto each hand. “But I’d appreciate it if you could place a jelly donut on top so I can try eating it on my way to my truck.”
Casey smiled and placed a jelly donut on top of the boxes, nudging it close to Vaughn’s mouth. “I don’t see how you guys eat all these and still stay in shape.”
Shifter DNA. Plus Vaughn ran in his wolf form whenever he could. “Good genetics.”
“Enjoy your breakfast.” Casey quickly moved to open the door for him just as Vaughn’s Bluetooth rang.
“Could you press the button for me?” He leaned slightly so Casey could reach it. “Thanks, hon.”
The smell of cinnamon and roasted beans had his mouth watering, and he couldn’t wait to get home and chill with a donut and cup of liquid heaven.
“I got six dozen donuts and two boxes of coffee,” Vaughn said as he exited Swirls and Pearls bakery.
“Swear,” Wade said through Vaughn’s Bluetooth. “You better not devour an entire box on your own. These greedy bastards will demolish those donuts before you make it halfway through the door.”
Vaughn chuckled. “I asked you to ride with me. But baby Wade was still cuddled in his blankie, crying about putting his wittle feet on the cold floor. You’re lucky. I was able to snatch the last container of milk in the bakery for your baba.”
“Fuck you,” Wade snorted. “I’ll meet you at the door when you get here.”
“Mates get first choice, asshole. Remind those animals or Zeppelin might pick his teeth with their bones.”
Vaughn took a bite of the donut perched on top of the boxes. No hands required. The jelly filling was delicious, with just enough powdered sugar to make him look as if he was rabid.
“I’ll make sure Preston and Jalen are first in line.”
“See you in a few.” Only Vaughn’s mouth was full, so it sounded like he’d said, “She ya imma fu.”
“You’re eating the donuts!” Wade snarled.
After swallowing, Vaughn licked his lips. “Should’ve gotten your ass out of bed. If I’m the one to fetch them, I get to eat as many as I want.”
He hung up, even though Wade was still bellyaching. That would teach him to get out of bed the next time Vaughn made a donut and coffee run.
Not that they needed coffee. The pack house had two coffee machines and plenty of grounds. But it never hurt to support the local businesses in town.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, Vaughn felt a prickle race along his body.
In the early-morning hour, as the sun began to creep over the horizon, something, or someone, was watching him.
He attempted to re-dial Wade, but the shifting coffee forced Vaughn to use both hands.
There was no telling who it might be. Vaughn had a list a mile long of people or “others” he’d pissed off in his two and a half centuries of living.
It could be anyone from a soul-sucking demon to his own mother, who would happily end him. He seemed to gather enemies like others collected stamps or vintage baseball cards.
Did anyone still collect stamps?
The thought made him feel ancient, even though he appeared to be a human in his late twenties.
As soon as he entered the parking lot, that prickly feeling grew stronger. He looked around at the dark corners that the morning light hadn’t yet reached.
Vaughn muttered a curse when he realized his keys were stuck in the front pocket of his jeans. Good going, genius. He was really hoping not to waste six dozen donuts, but if whoever was watching made an appearance, he might not have any other choice.
