She waved her hand in the air and scoffed. “Liza, Ty talked us into having guards stationed outside twenty-four hours a day. He allowed them to remain in their vehicle and not have them literally standing at the door. Why in the world would I bother locking the door? That’s a little overkill, don’t you think?”
“Overkill?” I hung my head and covered my face with my hands. “Mom, listen to me. Castro isn’t someone you can be too cautious about. Trust me when I say that he is ruthless. Please, for the love of all the gods, lock your damn door.”
Mom cocked her head to the side and placed her hands on her hips. “Fine. If it means that much to you, I’ll do it.”
“Hey, kiddo.” Dad dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, then came over to me. “How have you been holding up?”
“I can’t complain too much… other than Mom leaving the bloody door unlocked for all the world’s criminals to enter as they please.”
Dad laughed and guided me into the dining room. Despite my side trip to the office, I’d arrived in the middle of their dinner. Their warm reception, though, had me smiling and momentarily forgetting my worries, including the unlocked door.
“Have a seat, Liza, and I’ll grab you some dinner.” Mom moved quickly to the kitchen, then returned with a plate full of pork chops, salad, and freshly baked dinner rolls.
My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten in several hours. The extra adrenaline from the creepers who’d photographed me had probably lowered my blood sugar levels, because I dug in ferociously, as if I hadn’t eaten in days.
Dad raised an eyebrow. “Do they not feed you at the Keller Estate?” He chuckled at his terrible joke.
As we enjoyed the delicious meal, I filled them in on my plans for the catering company. “You guys know how much I love to cook. I hadn’t given too much thought to how my career path might change once Ty and I were mated, but I can’t just drive around to people’s houses, taking charge of their kitchens, preparing meals for their families.”
“Why not?” Mom eyed me over her glass of water. “If it’s what you enjoy, your security detail can follow you anywhere. Right?”
“Well, that’s true. It’s just not that easy now. I’m the alpha’s mate. My responsibilities are to the pack. I can’t spend my days dealing with suppliers, speaking with potential clients, cooking, and serving them.” I grinned. “Luckily, I’ve figured out a solution. I’ll keep doing what I love but from the privacy of the estate’s kitchen. I’ve already carved out time each day on my calendar to cook. Plus, I’m going to hire an assistant chef. I’m hoping to find someone new and right out of culinary school. That way, I can teach them my way of doing things, and share my recipes with them.”
My father nodded in approval. “Sounds like you’ve put a great deal of thought into it and found a compromise that suits your new position as Ty’s mate. What does he think about you cooking meals out of the estate’s kitchen?”
I smiled, remembering Ty’s excitement over my new fall menu. “He’s very supportive. Plus, he’ll get to try new recipes all the time, so I doubt he’ll ever complain.”
Before I could delve further into the conversation, the earlier events at my office nagged at me. “Have either of you noticed anything strange going on in town?” I asked, my tone turning serious. “People lurking around or taking pictures when they shouldn’t be?”
My parents exchanged glances before shaking their heads. “Can’t say that we have,” Mom said, her brow furrowing with concern. “Why? What happened?”
I recounted the incident at the office of the two people who had been taking photos of me without my consent. Though they agreed it was odd, neither seemed overly alarmed.
“Maybe they were just tourists,” Dad suggested, trying to ease my worry.
“Perhaps,” I mused, although I remained unconvinced.
Presley Acres wasn’t exactly a tourist hotspot. Like one of those annoying tunes that gets stuck in your head, I couldn’t quite shake it. I promised myself I’d talk to Ty about it. Even if it was nothing, it was better to err on the side of caution, especially with Castro still lurking in the shadows.
67
TY
The late morning sun cast a warm glow over the trees lining the road as we drove to Cecily’s parents’ house. As fall arrived, and the days shortened, the trees began to change colors. There were still some green leaves defiantly clinging to the branches, but they were now mixed with the rich tones of reds, browns, and yellows—one of nature’s beauties I didn’t often take time to appreciate.
Right now, I’d have given anything to stop and just enjoy the crisp fall evening air, maybe even shift, let my wolf run and play in the fallen leaves. Tempting as it was, alpha duties demanded my full attention, and I needed to talk to the Bankses before someone else told them the truth about their daughter’s death.
Liza had offered to come with me for support. When she’d first suggested it, I’d hesitated. I was afraid that bringing Liza along would inflame the situation. Mr. and Mrs. Banks had been very disappointed that I hadn’t chosen Cecily as my mate. The news I had to deliver would only deepen their sorrow. But I had to agree with her after she’d pointed out, quite firmly, that as the alpha’s mate, it’d be expected of her to accompany me in such situations.
I stole a quick glance at Liza, her platinum blonde hair catching on the sunlight. She was so fucking beautiful. I recalled how she’d looked when she’d got into the car, the way her tight jeans molded to every curve of her ass, the simple blue shirt that clung to her every curve emphasizing her eyes. Her strength was breathtaking. Even after everything she had endured, she had become my mate with such grace. I wanted to reach over and show her my appreciation, but then I remembered we weren’t alone in the car.
My father sat behind us, his presence not only a cold shower to my fantasies about Liza and her jeans, but a reminder that this wasn’t a simple visit for pleasantries. My grip tightened on the steering wheel.
“Relax, Ty.” He must’ve picked up on my anxiety. “Remember, I’m here to help soften the blow.”
I nodded, appreciating his attempt to calm my nerves. His experience as a seasoned alpha would lend some stability amidst the unanswered questions that swirled around Cecily’s death. This was no ordinary visit. It was a task that required finesse, empathy, and an unshakable resolve.
My dad had called me yesterday before I left to meet with the Bankses and convinced me to wait until he could come with me this evening. He’d been Cecily’s parents’ alpha for decades and thought his presence might make it easier for them to accept the truth.
