Protecting Tessa (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Brotherhood Alliance #6)

Chapter 35

35

T he day of the animal shelter fundraiser had finally arrived.

Tessa pulled on a pair of slacks and a short-sleeved top. She couldn’t stop staring at the delicate rose quartz pendant that Ford had given her the night before. It was a stunning pale pink stone on a silver chain, and Ford mentioned the stone symbolized love. She couldn’t wait to discuss that further with him.

It would look perfect with her outfit for the event—a V-neck, knee-length black dress with a floral overlay. The dress and matching heels were in a garment bag already packed in her car.

Ford had left earlier to change and promised to meet her there later.

Their discussion about the fire at the previous venue wasn’t as bad as Tessa thought. He was worried and wanted to make sure everything was all right.

Locking her apartment, she walked down the busy alleyway, saying hello to a couple of shopkeepers on her way to her car. Passing PushYourLimits gym, Tessa waved to the receptionist, Sheila O’Connor, who always had a cheerful smile on her face. She’d spoken to the bubbly woman a couple of times and enjoyed talking to her.

Despite predictions of an afternoon thunderstorm, the sky remained clear. Tessa crossed her fingers that it would pass them by. She drove over, singing to her favorite playlist.

Could life get any better?

When she arrived at the venue, she noticed a couple of delivery vans and several cars parked near the entrance. She immediately recognized the Plated Perfection logo on one van. Good. Mia was here. She reached in the back seat for her garment bag and locked the car. Tessa smiled and waved as she saw Titus carrying platters of desserts on his way in; he nodded in return.

The leaves on the potted plants and trees flanking the double doors were lush and vibrant. Someone had placed strands of twinkling lights through the branches.

The entrance looked magical, and Tessa hoped the event-goers entering would feel the same way. Her heart was racing with excitement.

The past couple of weeks had been both stressful and exhilarating, but everything had just fallen into place. She hoped Simone would appreciate that.

Pushing open the wooden doors, she stepped into the main hall and stopped. It was transformed into a wonderland.

Pictures of adoptable dogs and cats were tacked to a bulletin board titled Meet Your New Best Friend with cute sayings underneath. Adoption details were printed next to each animal. It was a clever idea that came to her after meeting Emelia’s dog, Leo, whose face was so expressive, she could almost read his mind.

Daisy, the beagle: “I’m sniffing out my forever home. Is it with you?”

Buddy, the black Newfoundland: “I’ve got you covered. Literally.”

And from a pair of tabby kittens named Luna and Sunshine: “Double the trouble, double the love.”

Tessa giggled. That was the cutest thing. Oh lordy, she wanted to adopt them all.

She glanced at the round tables draped with white linens placed around the main hall. Each adorned with votive candles and a floral centerpiece compliments of Nicki, owner of Petals to Go.

Every arrangement was topped with ribbon pet collars and small pictures of a cat or dog on a pick peeking out of the flowers.

Nicki had chosen gerbera daisies in yellow and hot pink. Tessa recognized the green ferns and silver eucalyptus, but what were the round globes of yellow? Were they Billy Buttons? They were cheerful and whimsical. She’d have to ask. Nicki had chosen well.

Making her way toward the kitchen, she heard Emelia laughing. Mia was giving directions to a volunteer. The rich aromas of freshly baked goods, fresh-brewed coffee, and earthy herbs mingled with the scent of the flowers.

She stepped into the kitchen, and the selection of food overwhelmed her, from the bruschetta topped with creamy ricotta and a drizzle of honey to a platter of crostini layered with arugula to the puff pastry tartlets with caramelized onions and goat cheese.

“You’ve really outdone yourself!” she exclaimed. Emelia was putting the finishing touches on a tray of bright yellow lemon bars and chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder.

“This looks stunning.” Simone had come into the kitchen. “You’ve done a great job of pulling everything together in such a short time.”

“Thanks,” said Tessa. “Well, I better change. The event will start soon.” She grabbed her change of clothes and headed for the ladies’ room. She finished applying mascara when she heard voices and laughter.

The first guests arrived. The harpist was playing a cheerful tune. Tessa rushed to the welcoming table, greeting the attendees as they signed in.

Several servers were already mingling with trays of appetizers and glasses of champagne. The event was off to a great start.

“Hey, beautiful.” Ford’s deep, rich voice whispered over her shoulder. She turned to look at him.

Oh, my!

Her heart fluttered. The Brotherhood had just walked in, but she could only see Ford in a tailored suit, his broad shoulders filling out his jacket, and she licked her lips.

“Don’t,” he murmured, his voice a low growl. “Otherwise, I’ll have a hard-on all night.”

Tessa laughed. “You look handsome,” she replied, her pulse racing. “Keep that thought. I really have to mingle and make sure everything is running smoothly.”

Ford smirked. “I’ll be watching you.” He stepped aside with a wink and joined several of his friends at the bar.

Tessa flitted around, checking on the food, the liquor, making small conversation, and watching the silent auction. As the evening progressed and the donation bids increased, she was confident that Simone would be delighted by the event’s success.

Simone caught her eye and waved her over. “Tessa, there’s a small problem I need your help with.”

“Problem?” Tessa mentally groaned. Everything had been so perfect up until now.

“Just something minor out back,” Simone said, looping her arm through Tessa’s.

Tessa nodded. “Let’s go.”

Simone steered Tessa through the busy kitchen, weaving past servers, trays of food and kitchen help, toward another door near the back and nudged it open.

Tessa hesitated. It was not well lit, and she squinted to adjust her eyes. She took a step forward. “Is there another light?”

“On the back wall,” Simone replied. “Keep walking.”

Tessa yelped when she stubbed her toe on a bucket left in the hall. The hum of conversation and music faded behind them, replaced with the echo of their footsteps and the faint scent of cleaning supplies.

“What’s back here that needs my attention?” Tessa questioned.

Simone glanced over her shoulder. “You’ll see.”

Before she could ask again, a cool draft brushed Tessa’s skin. Her pulse quickened. The farther they moved from the kitchen, her unease grew. The hallway was too narrow, too isolated.

“Simone?” Tessa stopped suddenly, turning to glance at Simone.

Shadows played tricks on Simone’s features, softening her smile into something sinister. “Don’t worry, Tessa. It’ll make sense soon.”

The hairs on the back of Tessa’s neck prickled. Something wasn’t right. But it was too late.