Julian’s not allowing Dad’s plane to land here, I told him. It’s time to get to the bottom of everything.
“Sorry to come in with the surprise landing,” I told everyone, not sorry at all. “But I just found out that Julian’s not allowing my father’s plane to land.” I gave the Alpha a hard look.
“That’s correct,” Julian said, unfazed. “But it wasn’t my choice. I just got word from the air traffic controllers. His plane is too large for the runway.”
Bullshit, Rourke said. He doesn’t want to risk more wolves on his land.
Agreed, I said. Ray just took me out to the vineyard so we could have a chat. He found a strange supernatural power signature outside the borders of Julian’s land. And scented Angie, and possibly Ceres, at the entrance to what he thought was an underground bunker. There’s a lot going on here, and Julian is in the thick of it.
They all held the ridiculous cigars, the air full of burning tobacco. I swiped my hand in front of my face. Tyler was arguing with Julian about allowing the plane to land.
“I wish I could help you.” Julian shrugged. “But this is out of my hands. Large planes cannot land on my small runway. He will be diverted to the city two hours south of here.”
“The city run by nymphs?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said. “He will enjoy his stay there, and you will be reunited with him tomorrow, no one the worse for wear.” He took a puff of his cigar like he didn’t have a care in the world.
There was nothing we could do. The Mediterranean Alpha’s word was final.
A moment later, Marcy banged out the front door, followed by Kayla. “Oh, this is heaven. I could get used to this,” Marcy chirped happily. “I brought the wine.” She held a bottle in her hand. Lucas followed behind them with a platter full of glasses. “Would you like some?” she asked me, her eyebrow arching up into a where in the heck did you go question. “We can bring it with us to the landing strip.”
“Sure, I’ll take a glass,” I said. “But bringing it with us won’t be necessary. We’re not going anywhere.”
Marcy didn’t miss a beat. “Well, all the better to stay here and enjoy the sunset. I think it’s just about to set now.”
“Yes,” Julian said. “The view of the sunset from atop this bluff is remarkable. Let’s move around to the south side.” He strode down the veranda.
I hung back to get my wine from Lucas. Marcy pulled me close. “What’s going on?” she whisper-yelled. “When you didn’t knock on my door, I searched this entire villa for you! I thought Enid snatched you out from under us. Then, all of a sudden, I heard your voice on the porch. What gives?”
I murmured softly into her ear, “Julian is not letting my father’s plane land, and I was gone because Ray took me on a short, but interesting, flight.”
She pulled back, looking horrified. “Sorry to hear that, but I can’t wait to hear more about the interesting part.”
I sipped my wine as we followed the guys. “There’s more than one robe in the closet,” I said cagily.
The sun was just hitting the horizon, and Julian was right, it was more than beautiful, it was breathtaking. The sky turned orange, pink, and then red, reflecting in the billowy clouds as it disappeared beneath the rolling green waves of the distant vineyards.
Once it had set completely, Julian strolled to an area that held couches and chairs a short distance away. He lifted his hand and invited us to sit. “Please,” he insisted. “Be my guests and have a seat.” He directed his gaze at Danny, who had been unnaturally quiet throughout our meal. I knew, without a doubt, that he was focused on trying to make his internal connection with Naomi work. By the look on his face, he hadn’t been successful. “So, were you someone’s prisoner, then?” Julian asked very casually, even though we all knew his intention was anything but casual. “I’d love to hear how you ended up in the Arno.”
Before any of us could speak, Lucas interjected, “Oh, that was my fault. It was entirely by accident, of course.”
I struggled to keep my face impassive. Danny was my second, and power radiated off of him. There was no way Lucas would’ve won a challenge between the two. Danny rose to the occasion. “Yes, that’s right. Your fox here managed to catch me by surprise.”
What are they doing? I asked Rourke. This could get Lucas into a lot of trouble. If Julian finds out he’s lying to him, beating him will be the easy way out.
I have no idea, Rourke answered. But Lucas is no dummy. Let’s wait and see. If he can keep Enid out of the discussion, it’s worth it.
Lucas nodded. “I had no idea he was a friend of theirs. I thought he was a rogue. So when he approached Jessica from behind, I shouldered him into the river, fearing he was after her.”
Julian took a glass of wine from the tray, bland skepticism all over his face. “And why would you think this wolf would be a danger to Jessica?”
“Jessica is your guest,” Lucas said. “She is in this city under your protection. And unless I’m mistaken, there are many factions after her. I perceived this wolf as a threat and will uphold the integrity of the Mediterranean Pack above all else.” Oh, Lucas was good. “So I reacted first and asked questions later.”
“On the way into Florence,” I said to Julian, “Lucas and I discussed a variety of things, including the fact that the supernatural world is currently in upheaval. He was right to be cautious. There are many who are praying I won’t make it through the night. It’s a shame, but out of my control.”
“I was only in the water for mere moments.” Danny shrugged. “Normally, I would’ve fought him, rightly so. But when I found out he was only trying to protect my Alpha, I thought better of it. I would harm no one who seeks to shield her.” Danny emphasized the word shield, making it clear we all knew that Julian wasn’t that wolf.
Julian leaned forward in his chair, his expression changing. “Your Alpha? What do you mean by that? Callum is your Alpha.”