Wild Hunt - Kali Argent Page 0,46
She was not one of those people.
“Yes, wonderful.” The valet lifted a hand over his head, calling for a nearby porter. “Davison here will show you to the front desk and help you get checked into the hotel.”
She offered the valet a grateful smile. “Thank you. I really appreciate your kindness.”
“Not at all, miss. It’s a hard world. We all have to look out for one another.”
“If you’ll just follow me, miss.” The porter, a middle-aged man with a round belly and graying hair stepped forward with a slight bow. “I’m so sorry to hear that you were attacked. It must have been terrifying.”
“Yes, it was awful. Humans can be so uncivilized.”
Cade shot her a look from the corner of his eyes, but she steadfastly ignored him. He knew damn well that wasn’t how she truly felt, but she had a part to play, and so did he.
“So true,” the bellman agreed with a rueful nod. “Yours seems quite well behaved.”
Mackenna laughed, even as she fought not to throw up in her mouth a little. “Well, that wasn’t always the case, but I promise you he’s housebroken now.”
Davison laughed along with her. “Yes, very good, miss.” Inside the lobby, he led them to one of the welcome desks and greeted the young female behind the counter. Once he’d outline the situation, he turned back to Mackenna and dipped his head. “This is Miss Ella. She’s going to take good care of you. Again, I’m sorry for your troubles.”
Mackenna thanked him, then turned her attention to the female. “Hello.”
“Raiders?” Ella flipped her cherry-red hair over her shoulder in a haughty sort of way. “And so close to the city? I just can’t believe it.” She shook her head ruefully. “Don’t you worry, though. We’ll report the incident right away.”
“Thank you.” Wow, the girl had a lot of energy. “I’d feel a lot better if they weren’t able to hurt anyone else, you know?”
“Oh, of course.” As she spoke, she tapped away at the keyboard in front of her. “I’ll just need your name.”
“Mackenna Wade.”
Clack. Clack. Clack. “And your pet’s name?”
“Cade.” When Ella arched an eyebrow at her, she shrugged. “I didn’t like his surname.”
Ella laughed as if Mackenna had just shared some fabulous joke with her. “Okay, I’ll just need to see your registration tags.”
“Of course.” She stuck her wrist out on the counter, thankful she’d been able to find her bracelet in the dirt after the fight with the Ravagers. “Pet?”
Judging by the look in his eyes, she was going to get an earful when they finally made it to the room. For the time being, however, he stepped forward and offered his wrist without comment.
The female—a werewolf, oddly enough—studied them both, referring back to Mackenna’s bracelet twice as she typed in the registration number. A moment later, there was a low beep from the computer, and Ella grinned widely.
“Excellent. Everything seems to be in order.” She passed two plastic cards through a scanner, then slid them across the counter. “You’re on the fourth floor overlooking the fountain.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
“I have you down for the one night, but if you change your mind about staying longer, just give me a ring, and I’ll be happy to extend your reservation.”
Mackenna nodded.
“While your pet is more than welcome at the Bellagio, I do have to remind you that he’s not permitted to wander the hotel unescorted. That includes the casino floor, all restaurants and nightclubs, and any recreational facilities such as the fitness center and spa.”
Again, Mackenna dipped her head, even as she fought back a growl. “Yes, of course. I understand.”
“Great.” She beamed from ear to ear. “Housekeeping will bring some fresh clothes and toiletries to your room shortly. Enjoy your stay, and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your time with us more comfortable.
Mackenna thanked her one last time, then linked her arm with Cade’s as they made their way to the elevators. Driving down the Strip, she’d been surprised to find so many of the hotels and other businesses shuttered, but the Bellagio didn’t appear to be hurting for business. Most of the slot machines they passed were occupied, and a large crowd had started to gather in one of the lounges off the casino floor.
She spotted couples, and even families with small children. Vampires, werewolves, and shifters all mingled, coexisting quite harmoniously. She even spotted a few Gemini with their own “pets.” Some looked as cozy as she and Cade, making her