Chapter 26
Luke felt Giselle tense and he could guess why. She didn’t want him to feel manipulated into something before he even understood it. Most of all, she wouldn’t want him to think everyone was pushing him into a relationship that involved a lifetime commitment. That lack of choice was the very thing that had driven her brother to take a long Vegas vacation.
But Luke didn’t feel manipulated, even though Cynthia had made it clear what she thought should happen. Instead he felt challenged, and in a good way. Giselle might have different DNA from his, but the more he thought about it, the more that fascinated him.
As for the world she lived in, he understood it better than she might think. It was the world of commerce, the world he’d grown up in and been trained for. The Cartwrights and the Landrys might each be a werewolf pack, but they were business oriented and apparently successful at it. No wonder his father and Harrison had become friends. Except for the werewolf thing, they had led similar lives.
He was beginning to see a grand new adventure spreading out before him, and that was exciting. If he could share that adventure with Giselle, the most fascinating female he’d ever known, he would be a happy man. Being accepted into her circle sounded great to him. He wasn’t clear on what the deal would be with kids in that scenario, but she’d said she couldn’t get pregnant, so that might not be an issue.
So far, though, nobody had bothered to explain a more immediate mystery, so he decided to ask the obvious question. “What were you three werewolves doing behind that revolving door?”
Benedict grinned. “I wondered when you’d get around to that.”
“Well, I just did. Care to explain? Especially since I still own this bar, and that means I own the revolving door and probably whatever’s behind it.”
“I’d be happy to tell you,” Benedict said. “In fact, this is going to make my life a whole lot easier.”
Luke gestured across the table. “Proceed.”
Benedict launched into an explanation that sounded almost as unbelievable as the existence of werewolves. Luke found himself glancing down at the floor. Beneath his feet was something he never would have imagined in a million years.
Cynthia’s eyes widened. “All that stuff is underground? And no one knows?”
“The werewolves know,” Benedict said.
“I can’t believe the secret hasn’t gotten out.” Luke continued to wrestle with the concept. “Somebody hears a rumor and somehow gets past security to check it out. In human form, everybody looks the same.”
“Yes, but they don’t smell the same,” Giselle said. “I knew the minute Mr. Thatcher walked into your suite that he was Were. And vice versa.”
“So a human wouldn’t pass the sniff test? Is that what you’re saying?”
Benedict nodded. “That’s the time-honored way we tell Weres from humans. Because you’re right. Any human walking in here right now wouldn’t have any idea we’re from a different species.”
“Well, obviously, I want to see this place.” Luke finished his drink. “Shall we go?”
“Me, too!” Cynthia swigged the last of her cosmo. “I wish I could see it all working, though, with the stream and the waterfalls in operation, and the forest sounds, and the moon. I think the moon is genius, considering the name of the bar.”
Bryce looked over at Benedict. “Can you see any reason not to turn on the water? We fixed that small leak. It would be good to test the system, though, and make sure everything’s working right if the playground will open again soon.”
Benedict’s gaze registered approval. “Good thinking, Landry. And for the record, I appreciate your help and friendship over the past few days.”
“Glad to be of service.”
“How about turning on the lights and sound system?” Cynthia asked. “I’d love to get the full effect.”
Bryce turned toward Luke. “It’ll run up your utility bill, man. And you’re the one on the hook for that until you sell the Moon to this dude.” He angled his head toward Benedict.
“What the hell.” Luke shrugged. “My little sister wants to see the show.” He glanced over at Giselle and smiled. “So do I, come to think of it.”
Cynthia left her chair and came over to kiss his cheek. “Thanks, Bro.”
“The controls are in the locker room,” Benedict said. “Follow me.”
“I want to see how you activate everything,” Bryce said.
Cynthia headed off right behind them. “I knew you two were cool, but I had no idea how cool.”
Luke caught Giselle gazing after Cynthia with a flicker of concern in her eyes. He shared that concern. Cynthia might think this werewolf stuff was fascinating and cool, but knowledge of it would have a cost. He wanted to know what that was.
He looked over at Mr. Thatcher, who was finishing his gin and tonic. “We need to talk.”
Cynthia popped back in the room. “Aren’t you all coming? I thought you wanted to see this, Luke.”
“I do. You go ahead and get things started. I’ll wait here with Mr. Thatcher until you say it’s ready for viewing.”
“Same here,” Giselle said. “Come and get us when it’s all at its spectacular best.”
“Don’t worry.” Cynthia flashed them a smile. “I will!”
Once she was gone, Mr. Thatcher squared his shoulders as if preparing for a blow. “If you choose to fire me, sir, I completely understand.”
“I’m not going to fire you, Mr. Thatcher, but I need to know from you and Giselle what happens next. I run a large business, and when we have a security issue, we fix it. I’ve heard a little about a council and some monitoring, but that seems too simplistic and easy. What’s the real scoop?”
Giselle put a hand on his arm. “You and Cynthia are in no danger. I promise you that.”
“Certainly not!” Mr. Thatcher looked horrified at the idea. “I would lay down my life for you and Cynthia. Not that it will be necessary,” he added quickly.
“That’s what I need to know.” Luke fought to stay calm. “Personally, I can take care of myself, but if anyone plans to harm my sister, there will be hell to pay.”
“They won’t,” Giselle said. “You have my word.”
He turned to her and found love and certainty in those green eyes. He was vastly reassured. “Then if we’re not going to be killed, how will you deal with us? We know the secret. Surely we’re considered a security risk.”
“That’s right.” She met his gaze without hesitation. “That’s why I was so determined that you wouldn’t ever know. But . . . then Bryce said something to me that I wasn’t able to forget. He said if I never told you, I was taking away your ability to choose whether you wanted to be with me or not.”
“Thank God for Bryce.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “He was right. And I’m fine with whatever has to go on with me. It’s Cynthia I worry about. I know I’m not her parent, but this is different. She was swept up in this by accident, and I want to make sure she’ll be safe.”
“She will be. We’ll work through it together.”
“Great. Just tell me how.”
“I’m not sure yet.”
Mr. Thatcher cleared his throat. “If I may offer some thoughts . . .”
Luke glanced over at the man—no, the werewolf—he’d considered a second father. To think he’d always considered Mr. Thatcher a little on the dull side. “Please do,” he said. “I’m counting on you to help me sort this out.”
“I haven’t had much time to ponder this, but one thing I know—you and Cynthia are completely trustworthy. I’ve watched you both grow into adults who keep your word.”
“So that’s all I’ll have to do? Promise not to tell? I find that hard to believe.”
“It’ll be more complicated than that,” Giselle said. “But having three werewolves vouch for your character will go a long way with the council. It’s not as if you’re the first two humans to find out about us, and we’ve managed to keep the secret for centuries.”