Page 131 of Full Moon
"I'm going to secure the room. You get the vehicle," I say, my hand firm on Torben's shoulder.
His brow furrows. "Don't you want to help pick it out?"
I shake my head. "Not all species accept mine. I don't want to cause issues with the purchase."
My hand clasps his in a firm shake—a gesture meant to signify our interaction is businesslike, impersonal. Something easily overlooked by prying eyes. As I walk away, Torben's hearty greeting echoes through the narrow alley.
The end of the road looms ahead. As I turn right, two hotels come into view. One proudly declaresAll Are Welcome, while the other insists onDouble Occupancies Only.
The choice is obvious. I head for the first hotel. The lobby is modest but clean, a quiet hum of activity filling the space. Behind the front desk, a woman with amber eyes and blood-red nails regards me with a feline grace that hints at her true nature.
Big cat shifter. Something sleek and predatory. She tilts her head, her movements smooth and deliberate, and offers a smile that shows just a hint of fang. "How can I help you?"
"I need a room that will accommodate a family of five." I pull out the black card, tapping it lightly on the counter.
Her eyes widen slightly. She turns quickly to her computer, the smile on her lips widening as her crimson-tipped claws fly over the keyboard.
"I have two available. How many nights will you be staying?"
"Just one. We're passing through, and our mate needs to rest." I hand her the card, prepaying without a second thought. The sound of her nails clicking against the keys is almost hypnotic.
She hands me the keycard and credit card. "Take the stairs to the right. Third floor, second door on the left." She slides a pamphlet across the counter detailing the hotel's food services and emergency contacts.
"Thank you." I dip my head slightly before leaving. The air outside is crisp, and the town is surprisingly quiet. People are finishing their meals, heading home from work, and the usual evening bustle is muted.
As I approach the road where Torben disappeared, I see him pull up to the corner in a new mid-sized SUV. The window rolls down, and he grins at me. "I got a good deal on it, and it's all-wheel drive."
"Looks good, man. Do you want me to ride with you to get the family?"
He nods, laughter filling the small space between us. "Of course. Feray would hang me if I left you behind."
I climb into the SUV, chuckling. "Well, let's try to avoid any bodily harm if possible. I would love an uneventful ride the rest of the way home." I lean back in the seat, watching the town slip by through the window.
There's a calm before the storm, a lull that I know won't last. Once the girls are reunited, things are going to hit fast.
For now, I want Feray to have this peace—even if it's just for a little while longer.
