I closed the closet door and turned to see Marcy holding a pad of paper and a pencil. She turned the tablet to me so I could read it.
DON’T SAY ANYTHING IMPORTANT. ENTIRE VILLA IS SPELLED.
I walked over and took the pad from her and began to scribble.
CAN YOU COUNTERSPELL IT?
She arched a perfectly manicured eyebrow at me like I was a moron and plucked the pencil out of my hand like she had better places to be.
OF COURSE. BUT IF I DO, IT WILL ALERT MS. NASTY WE’RE ON TO HER.
I nodded as I tore the paper from the pad and folded it up, sticking it in my back pocket. Angie was incompetent in so many ways, but we didn’t want her to know we were on to her just yet. Her haughty expression and sneering gaze were forever etched into my mind. It made me wonder why Ceres would trust her with such an important task.
Who knew? Maybe the goddess had only her to depend on, which was kind of sad in a way. But not sad enough to keep me from kicking her ass seven ways from Friday.
Kayla had been quietly processing everything, not saying a word.
“I’m going to go to my room and change,” I told them. “I hope we have robes in our closets too.”
“I’m sure you do. This place doesn’t skimp on a single thing,” Marcy called. “Knock on my door on your way down. I’m just going to brush my teeth. They’re a little ratty.” She made a show of running her tongue around the inside of her mouth and grimacing. “New toothbrushes were the best surprise ever.”
I chuckled as Kayla and I made our way out. “What isn’t a little ratty about us these days?” I said.
“True,” Kayla replied. “I’m looking forward to changing as well. I grabbed a few of my own things before we left. I’ll meet you down there when I’m done.” She nodded at me in the hallway and inclined her head. She was a smart girl, and I was happy she was coming around. She would make a good partner for Tyler.
“Sounds good,” I said. “I’ll see you in a few.” I opened the door next to Marcy’s. My room was almost the mirror image of hers, but since it was on the corner, it had a fairly large balcony with two big French doors that swung inward. I walked over and opened them, enjoying the fresh breeze and the majestic view of rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye could see.
Next, I went to my closet and opened the door. Sure enough, Angie’s scent was all over. What a moron. I smiled, thinking about Rourke scaring the living daylights out of her once we found her. The thought made me insanely happy.
There was an outfit like Marcy’s folded on my bed, and I chuckled, imagining Angie being ordered to buy clothes for me. It must’ve burned like the flames of Hades. I held up a pair of jeans that were exactly my size. No wolf here would know my size. I had a similar top to Marcy’s, but mine was dark blue.
I would bet my life that, if she could have, Angie would have bought me something ridiculously awful. She was likely vetoed. Julian had very upscale taste. It would’ve been a glaring mistake on his part to buy me something tacky. It would’ve been a dead giveaway that someone else was involved.
The adjoining bathroom was decked out in expensive marble, just like everything else around here. It was light and airy, even in its massiveness, with a double sink and a huge walk-in shower with a huge glass door. My mind immediately sped to Rourke and what we could accomplish in this space. I licked my lips and started to undress. As I was changing, I decided to see what was happening with him and Julian.
How’s it going? I asked my mate. Have you told him anything about Danny?
No, haven’t had a chance. He’s making a big show of offering us his boxful of Cuban cigars. What’s taking so long?
Angie’s been here, I said. It’s not exactly a surprise. But now we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Julian and Ceres are connected. This place is bugged with spells. We need to tell everybody to make sure they say nothing of importance out loud.
Rourke growled, I don’t like that we have to stay here. We should get a place in town.
We’ll consult with my dad when he gets here. Who knows how long we’re going to be in Florence? It might be wise to have a place of our own, but it would be rude to leave abruptly. We can’t afford to have the Alpha of the Mediterranean Pack angry with us. He could retaliate, and we don’t need that right now.
He’s asking me a question, Rourke said. I’ll keep you posted.
In my mind, I switched gears and called out to Tyler. Ty, this place is spelled, I told him. Careful what you say and pass it on to the rest of the group discreetly. I’ll tell Dad as soon as we have a connection.
Got it, he said. Spelled by that witch you were chasing today?
Most likely. That means Ceres is working with Julian. It complicates things.
Boy, did it ever.
Great, Tyler said.
I couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or not. Mind communication wasn’t that subtle. What do you mean by great? I asked. I’m thinking this is not wonderful news. I’m thinking this is going to turn into a shit show very soon.