Page 28 of The Last To Know (Hallowed Halls Series #2)

H e wanted to know everything he could about her. He’d been watching her. Following her when she wasn’t aware. She was tough as nails and could handle herself in any dangerous situation, and yet she hadn’t thought twice about him. They’d passed by each other several times. Once, she’d even said excuse me when she accidently brushed into him. He could still smell her perfume on that shirt.

It was almost time to make her the next beauty. A sister and part of his distinguished family.

Mentor had someone else in mind. A schoolteacher who worked at the school in Grand Island. Mentor had sent him into town today to watch the teacher. That wasn’t going to happen. He had someone much better in mind. He’d decided to humor Mentor for the time being while he plotted how to rid himself of the man he no longer found useful.

He'd watched his beauty go to the coffeehouse near their hotel. She and her partner. The incident the previous day had everyone spooked. He waited a few minutes before going inside. He slipped into the booth a few feet away from her. That perfume she wore wafted his way. He closed his eyes and drank in the scent.

Footsteps stopped next to his booth. He tamped down his anger. A fifty-something waitress stood beside his table with a menu.

“I’ll just have coffee to go, please.”

She eyed his gloves. His hoodie and watch cap—sunglasses—that covered his identity. She continued to study him for a long moment before making a harrumphing sound as she left.

Disgusting woman. She would never be worthy.

He pretended to study his sugar packet and listened to her and her partner talk. What happened the day before was a great deal of their conversation. She was talking about him.

He smiled and imagined all the conversations they’d have in the future.

Her partner received a call. He excused himself and stepped outside.

Perfect. He had time to sneak little glimpses of her while she studied her menu.

“Here you go.” The waitress plopped the coffee cup down on the table loudly.

She turned her head slightly to look at him. He smiled. A moment or two passed while she tried to place him and couldn’t. She returned to perusing the menu. Her partner came back inside.

The waitress moved to their table to take their orders.

Stupid woman.

He dumped sugar packets into his coffee and pocketed their wrappers. Best not to leave any evidence behind. He dropped enough money on the table to pay for the coffee, making sure not to leave the rude waitress a tip, then he slipped out of the establishment and returned to his car with a smile on his face.

Tonight. Yes, tonight would be the perfect time to claim her for his own.

He drove slowly by the business, catching another look at her. So pretty. She would stand up to Mentor for him, he knew it. Perhaps he’d even get her to help find other family members before he made her eternal. Oh, what fun they’d have together.