Chapter 3 #2
Jeffries seemed to thaw, and his body language relaxed. “I completely understand. It’s a professional hazard.” He glanced at his watch. “I hope I gave you most of what you needed. If you have other questions, just email me.” Jeffries stood, indicating their time together was at an end.
Scott stood as well and shook the professor’s hand. “I will definitely be in touch. Thank you for your time.”
He waved at the receptionist on his way out and headed back to the coffee shop.
Scott felt a rush of disappointment, although he wasn’t surprised.
Even if the Institute did find proof about the creature or the mobsters, he’s not likely to say so for an article that would just lead to a bunch of monster hunters descending on the town.
The same is true about Mob witches. And maybe it really is just an urban legend.
His reporter’s instinct warred with that explanation, but Scott didn’t want to make enemies or cause problems. If I’m going to move here to be with Justin, I need to make friends with the locals.
Especially one very cute local, his coyote said with a smirk. Scott didn’t even try to deny it.
Just think, here you’d have a lot more room to roam, Scott pointed out to his shifter side.
It’s definitely not the dog park, his coyote agreed.
You’ve gotten soft living in the city, Scott teased.
His coyote huffed. Lots of wild animals live in cities. There’s no point in doing without creature comforts if you don’t have to.
Scott was glad his coyote was open to relocating. They’ve got good internet, and I can work from anywhere, Scott thought. I’d need a heavier winter coat and boots. But he’s my fated mate. We’ll find other ways to stay warm.
Late that afternoon, Scott showed up right on time as Justin was settling the Donna Jean for the night.
“How did your meeting with the Fox people go?” Justin asked as they started back to his house.
Scott thought carefully before he spoke, parsing through his memories of the discussions. “They had heard the rumors about ghosts and monsters connected to the mine, and took them seriously.”
“Oh, yeah? Did they have anything to add?”
“I got the feeling that they didn’t think it would be a good idea to bring up the creature sightings,” Scott replied. “They were cautious about what they said, but I think they’re keeping an eye on the area and discouraging thrill-seekers.”
“I can see that,” Justin agreed. “When we did our flyover, you mentioned old links between mining and the Mob, but didn’t really elaborate. I know it’s not ghost-related, but it was part of history when the mines were big. Did the Fox people know more?”
Scott frowned. “Dr. Jeffries said they had heard stories, but that wasn’t the sort of thing that the Institute investigated, so he couldn’t really comment. The topic seemed to make him very uncomfortable.”
“Understandable, the institute is very protective of the community.” Justin agreed. “Mobsters play for keeps. With luck, they went away when the mines did.” He paused. “What made you look into it? Have you heard that they’re back?”
“I’m not sure they ever completely left,” Scott said. “Those types keep their fingers in a lot of pies. They might be a factor if someone starts the mines up again.”
“One more reason to leave well enough alone,” Justin said. “Let’s hope even mobsters are smart enough to see that.”
The end of the week came far too quickly.
Justin took Scott to the best local places where the food wasn’t fancy, but was homemade and satisfying. Scott listened with interest to Justin’s accounts of his daily tours and filled him in on the interviews he completed for the articles.
Scott stayed the night at Justin’s house, and they spent the evenings learning each other’s bodies and preferences. Every day, Scott felt himself falling deeper for Justin, and all the signs told him Justin was feeling the same attraction.
Justin’s friends had noticed that he and Scott were spending time together.
In addition to Liam, Sherri at the coffee shop asked straight out whether Scott planned to move to Fox Hollow so they could be together.
Lynn at the Lone Coyote struck up a conversation where she managed to touch on all of Scott’s good points, like he was a used car up for sale.
Scott wasn’t used to friends being so involved in personal issues, but Justin seemed to take it all in stride, appreciating their sincere concern.
Scott knew Justin’s friends just wanted him to be happy and find his forever someone.
The possibility that they were also fated mates was more than Scott could have hoped.
“My editor approved the amusement park and ski lodge series idea,” Scott told Justin on his last night in town as they snuggled on Justin’s couch watching a movie. They had already made love once, and Scott hoped they would again before he had to leave.
“I’m still waiting to hear about which direction they want to go on the mine articles. That means I can use the massive amount of stuff I’ve gathered, and it gives me reasons to come back for more.” Scott winked.
“You’re welcome to come stay with me.” Justin pressed a soft kiss to Scott’s lips. “I think we’ve got something special. Maybe it’s being fated mates, but I love you.”
Scott caught his breath, and Justin could see the emotion in his eyes. “I love you too. I was afraid to say it in case it was too soon.”
Justin chuckled. “When it’s right, it’s right.”
Scott’s eyes held promise and interest. “Me, too. I promise to come back soon. I don’t want to leave.”
They made love slowly and tenderly that night, sealing the promise, and managed a quickie before breakfast.
“Let me know when you get home so I know you’re safe,” Justin told him after helping pack his car. “Be careful. I care about you.” He leaned in for a long, lingering kiss.
Scott took his hand in both of his, and Justin could tell that they both felt the zing. “I care about you too. Fly careful.”
Justin watched him give a last wave before driving away. In his rearview mirror, Scott saw Justin shove his hands in his pockets as he walked back to his car, hunching his shoulders against the wind. He wasn’t expecting the stab of sudden loneliness he felt.
If we’re mates, it will work out, Scott told himself. Even love at first sight needs time to grow. I’ll be back soon, and until we get the details covered, I have to trust him and hope that fate comes through for us.
Of course we’re mates, his coyote groused. And mates stick together. I don’t like being apart.
He has a job to do, Scott pointed out to his animal side. So do I. These things take a little time to arrange.
His coyote gave an aggrieved huff. Human stuff is complicated. Coyote stuff is easier.
You like the meals I cook and sleeping in a nice bed, Scott noted. Humans need jobs for that. Justin and I will work out a way to be together.
The early coyote gets the rabbit, his other side warned.
I’ll let Justin know you think he’s a prey animal, Scott teased. Don’t worry, we’ll get everything fixed soon.
I hope so, his coyote said and withdrew with a sniff that let Scott know the subject was far from settled.