The man in front of me isunhinged, and I can’t let him affect me like this.
“No,” I stammer, my hands clenching into fists. If I lean any further back into the nook, I’ll fall, so I plant my feet and meet his crazed eyes. “That’ll be it.”
We’re in a staring contest, and I catch Wilson out of the corner of my eye looking back and forth between us.
Please, just leave. I want to sleep. I can’t handle all the chaos that’s happened tonight.
He nods, briefly. “Right. Well, enjoy your stay.”
He exits the room, shutting the door behind him.
I’m frozen for a moment, my chest heaving as I replay our interaction.
But I won’t let a strange man with mood swings ruin this for me.
Besides, he’s the owner. It’s not like he’ll be around that much.
Right?
I glance at Wilson, who tilts his head at me.
“That man is a psychopath,” I mutter to the cat.
Hemrowsin agreement.
“I wish I wasn’t allergic to you,” I continue. “I could use the company, after all the craziness of tonight.”
He lifts his leg and licks his stomach.
Great. Now you’re talking to a cat, Harper.
But I’m not sniffly or itchy near him. My eyes haven’t watered once.
I can’t remember the last time I was around a cat—butheassured me I was allergic.
In fact, apparently Ihatecats.
But I don’t understand what there is to hate about a black blob with a subtle white mustache around his face who is innocently licking his fur.
One moremrow, and I snap out of my stupor.
I’m here to make the most of this trip, damnit.
If I encounter bleach blonde weirdo again, I know how to handle it.
He may be the owner of theInn, but I’m still a paying customer.
And nothing can be worse than what happened hours earlier.
A grumpy Alpha will not ruin this for me.
Sighing, I turn the brass lock on the door, then prepare for bed.
* * *
Showers make everything better.
The hot water cascades down my back, washing away the awful past day.