Page 102 of Dreams of Magic

The man paused just outside the door, letting it swing shut behind him. She noticed he looked a little familiar but couldn’t place his face. He was tall, maybe an inch shorter than Marshall. He had short black hair, green eyes, a pointed nose and thin lips. He wasn’t classically handsome with sharp features and eyes hard as stone.

For a second, no one spoke. She noticed the man also sniffed the air the way Marshall and Chris had. Wondering what they were smelling, she took a sniff in his direction and instantly knew why.

He had a spicy herbal scent that mixed with the usual woodsy pine scent she’d become so used to. He was a werewolf. But she guessed he wasn’t a part of Silver Lake, or they wouldn’t be reacting like this to his presence.

Marshall spoke, a slight growl in his voice, “Hello stranger. You are in Silver Lake territory without my permission. So, who are you?”

“My apologies Alpha, I did not know this town was claimed.” He spoke with a very distinct French accent, “I am a lone wolf. I was just grabbing some food as I passed through. I assure you, I mean you, your pack and this town no harm.”

Marshall studied the man, “What is your name?”

The man placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly, “I am Pierre Toussaint, from Grenoble, France. I have been traveling around the United States for the last five years, just enjoying the sites.”

“Grenoble is a beautiful city. There are few views that could rival it in America. And how long do you plan to stay in our little town?” Chris asked.

Pierre smiled, “There are a few for sure. I am only staying one night at the bed and breakfast before I continue on my way South.”

“The B and B here is wonderful. And I trust you will stay out of trouble while you’re here.” Marshall’s tone made it clear that he was giving an order.

Pierre bowed his head in acknowledgement, “Of course Alpha. I merely plan to take a walk before retiring to my room for the evening. I am not looking for any trouble.”

“Alright, then I wish you a good stay and a safe journey.” Marshall held out his hand and Pierre shook it without hesitation, then with a nod farewell, he headed off in the direction of the bed and breakfast.

They all watched his retreating form until he turned the corner at the end of the street, then Chris sighed, “I don’t like the idea of lone wolves hanging around while we’re already dealing with so much. Their loyalties lie only with themselves.”

Marshall shrugged, “He didn’t seem to be lying, but I will check with the Gardner’s tomorrow to make sure he leaves.”

“Who are the Gardner’s?” asked Kenzie.

He smiled, “Four of the sweetest little old ladies you’ll ever meet. They are the four sisters who run the B and B. I’ll introduce you to them sometime.”

Chris chuckled, “He says sweet, but think more Golden Girls. They are sharp, witty, and swear enough to make a sailor blush. They’ll also put you straight to work if you stop by.”

Marshall pulled open the door to the Bistro, “That’s the damn truth. I was walking by one day, and somehow got dragged into cleaning their gutters.”

Kenzie scoffed, “Seriously?”

He nodded, “Yep! I don’t even know how it happened. But I’m more careful when I go by there now.”

She laughed, “I bet you are. Nothing like a little manual labor to toughen you up.”

He flexed his biceps, which were actually quite impressive, “I’m already tough.”

Chris gave him a little shove as they walked through the door, “Tough in the head maybe.”

They were all laughing as they reached the hostess bench where Eddie was standing.

“Hey guys! Just the three of you?”

Marshall smiled at Aiden’s brother like they were old friends, and she figured they probably were, “Yea it’s just us today. How are you doing kid?”

Eddie shrugged and smiled big, “I’m great! Working here is a breeze. We’ve almost saved enough for the jeep we want. You’ll have to help us supe it up though, it’s just stock.”

“Hell yea, that’ll be a fun project.” Kenzie found it super cute how excited he got over the idea of helping Eddie. He was such a genuinely good person. She couldn’t help being proud that he was her brother.

Eddie led them to an open booth and handed them each a menu, “Felicity will be right with you. Ya’ll have a great lunch.”

They all said thank you and he headed back to his post to help the next people in line.

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