Night Shift (Grizzly Cove Book 3) by Bianca D'Arc Page B

was going to be the beginning of an alliance between the Master vampire—and those under his command—and the shifters of Grizzly Cove. Tina hadn’t realized it when she’d come up with the idea of how to use Hiram’s money, but apparently, she was brokering a diplomatic deal here, even as she tried to help Zak start his business.
    “Thank you so much,” she said, realizing Zak’s dream was well on its way to coming true with Hiram’s backing.
    “You’re very welcome, my dear. Now, I heard you had a run-in with a mini version of what attacked my yacht,” Hiram said, surprising her.
    She told him what she could about the tentacle that had come out of the cove to grab her leg, comparing notes with him on his own experience. They arrived at the scary conclusion that whatever had attacked Tina had, indeed, been a much smaller version of what had chomped on Hiram’s yacht and injured him so grievously.
    “I think it’s best that we all stay far away from the water for the time being,” he concluded. “Until we figure out what, exactly, is down there, lurking in the depths, it seems we are all in danger. I will talk more with John about this, but thank you for sharing your experiences. Now, about the restaurant—I’d be obliged if you told Zak that I can arrange for the best vintages from the Maxwell Winery, if he’d like. Similar to the cases I sent you. Atticus Maxwell is an old friend of mine, and he owes me a favor.”
    Tina had an inkling of what a coup that would be for Zak’s business, since the Maxwell Winery was one of the very best in the world and had limited distribution. To be able to count on serving their wines in Zak’s restaurant was a very exciting prospect.
    “Oh! I’ll tell him. Thank you so much, Master Hiram. I know he was really impressed with the bottles we opened last night. He told me all about the awards Maxwell had won and how hard it was to come by some of his best vintages.”
    “Please, my dear, call me Hiram. I sense your discomfort with my title, and to be frank, you are one of the first mortals I have spoken to casually in a very long time. I’d like it if you might consider me a friend.”
    Tina thought about that for a moment, then smiled. “Then please call me Tina, Hiram. I’m glad you found my bakery when you needed help, even if I was a bit confused about the situation at the time.”
    “Confused is much better than frightened, I assure you,” he admitted in a quiet voice. She got the feeling he didn’t confide in anyone, and her heart went out to him for what must be a very lonely existence. “Zak is a very brave individual, and I think you will find great happiness together. I’m glad to be part of building your future, even in this small way. Please feel free to call anytime, Tina. I find I have enjoyed talking with you.” He seemed almost surprised by his last statement.
    “When we open the restaurant, I hope you can come to the party.”
    “I’ll discuss that—and many other points—with the Alpha, but I think this marks a new era of cooperation between our communities. I confess, I am somewhat amazed that this has all come about due to your generous thoughts and actions. I did not know mortals still had hearts so big that they could accept and even want to help those of us who are so different.”
    “I don’t think you’re that different, Hiram,” she said softly. “You can still be hurt, even with all your power. You still feel. You still have hopes and—like Zak and his restaurant—dreams. What I’ve seen since I learned shifters were real, and now knowing that your kind exists as well, tells me that we’re not all that different inside, where it counts.”
    “You are very wise for one so young,” Hiram said after a moment’s pause. “I look forward to seeing what you and Zak build together, and I wish you all the best.”
    “Thanks, Hiram. I’m sure Zak will want to thank you himself when he learns of my scheming, but I know he’s