Page 38 of Moonlit Temptation

If I built my own thing, who knows where it would be and how long that would take. Plus, it would eat away at the time I spend with Hunter too. That kid is a bright spot for all of us. Silas tells everyone that Hunter saved his life, but I'm inclined to think he saved us all.

He's technically my cousin, but it's easier for him to understand if I call him my nephew too, so that's what we do.

Since I have uncle status, I have the pleasure of indulging every weird idea his five-year-old mind comes up with. Especially the ones that I just know give Silas gray hair.

Light to my left catches my attention. Mrs. Carter's property is lit up like a Christmas tree. Her porch lights, yard lights, and what looks to be every single light inside the house are on.

“What the fuck,” I mumble, slowing my speed.

Mrs. Carter died last year, and as far as I know, her house has sat untouched the whole time.

Rosewood loves their gossip. No way someone moves into Mrs. Carter's old place without anyone hearing about it.

Unless it's the Hell Hounds making a move.

But just to make sure I don't give some new homeowner a heart attack, I hit the button on my watch and lift my wrist closer to my face.

“Call Aunt Dixie,” I say, pitching my voice over the sound of my engine.

“Calling Aunt Dixie,” the automated voice repeats a second before I hear the line ringing in my right ear. These earpod headphones were a fucking game-changer.

She answers on the second ring. “How's my favorite boy?”

Her familiar greeting tugs up the corner of my mouth, like always. I don't care that I'm well into adulthood and she says it to Silas and Nova too.

“Good, Aunt Dixie. Listen, I was out for a drive and I noticed all the lights are on at Mrs. Carter's old place. Did someone move in?”

“No, not that I heard. And I was just downtown this afternoon. Not to mention, Debbie was running her mouth for fifteen minutes while I waited for my coffee. I'm sure she would've jumped at the chance to spill that kind of tea.”

“Huh. Okay. I'm going to check it out.” Maybe something happened with the electric company. Or maybe it's some assholes playing in a dead woman's house.

She's quiet for a second, and I just know her wheels are spinning. “Spill it out, Lincoln St. James.”

I wince reflexively, the weight of her using my full name in that tone of voice.

“Nothing confirmed yet, but we're keeping eyes on anything that could link back to Crestview.”

There's a moment of dead air before she seethes, “Those motherfucking Hell Hounds.”

“It's preliminary at best, so don't go marching over there just yet.” I do my best to keep my voice even, a hint of persuasion.

She voices her displeasure, some rustling coming through on the line. “And you think they're squatting in Josephine's old place?”

I hesitate a moment. “The thought crossed my mind. It's been empty for so long, the timing seems suspicious.”

“Hm. Where are the other two?” she asks.

“At the garage, I imagine. I needed a break and someone needs to do a sweep.”

“Alright,” she says on a sigh. “Be careful.”

“Always am.”

“I know, I know. But I like to remind you.” I can hear the smile in her voice.

“I'll let you know what I find, if anything.” I pull into Mrs. Carter's driveway, slowing down.

“If you don't, I'm going to show up at your house later.” It's a promise and a warning.

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