Free My Protector (Bewitched and Bewildered Book 2) by Alanea Alder Page B

set her plate down and started putting on her winter gear. Ryuu was at her side in seconds helping her with her coat.
    Elizabeth sighed and placed her cup back on its saucer. She stood and picked up her coat from the back of the chair. She easily slipped it on and turned to face Adelaide. "It truly was an honor to meet you. I'd like to come back for another visit soon."
    Adelaide smiled. "You're welcome anytime."
    Elizabeth followed Meryn out into the foyer. She watched as Adelaide made sure Meryn's scarf was in place, before giving her a big hug.
    "You girls have fun, don't be out too late," she said a worried expression on her face.
    "We won't be. Bye Mom," Meryn promised.
    "Bye darling, be safe."
    Once everyone was in the car Elizabeth put on her seat belt and turned to Meryn.
    "Okay shortie, where to now?"
    "Go down the road until you get to a three way intersection, keep going straight and follow the signs for the parking garage," Meryn said.
    "Sounds easy enough." Elizabeth started the car and pulled out onto the main road. It wasn't long before the intersection came up and she started following the signs to the parking garage. Luckily she found a parking spot on the ground level and everyone got out.
    She looked up at the gorgeous blue sky. Warmer days like this were rare in November.
    "Coffee, coffee, coffee. Coffee for me," Meryn sang and led the way down the cobblestone walkway. When they emerged from between two buildings Elizabeth was surprisingly impressed. The city had an old world charm that reminded her of Noctem Falls, but the open air made her feel very exposed. She was used to the caverns that made her feel closed in and safe.
    "This way," Meryn tugged on her arm and practically dragged her down the street. For a tiny human she sure was strong. Elizabeth made mental notes of all the places she wanted to visit later as she was marched past them. There were so many different types of shops that they didn't have in Noctem Falls, she could just imagine doing all of her Christmas shopping here.
    The smell of cinnamon filled the air as they walked past a bakery window that had her mouth watering.
    "Meryn if we could just..." Elizabeth stopped and stared at the assortments of sweets on display.
    "Oh, we are definitely hitting this place, but on the way out. They have the best apple fritters I have ever had in my life. But right now I am dying for some coffee." Meryn looped her arm through hers and they walked down the sidewalk.
    Under the open sky she could feel the sun on her face and the perfumed breezes blowing through her hair. Each alley and turn of the road created small wind tunnels that seemed to collect the wonderful smells of the city and the surrounding forest. It made the city feel alive and so very different from her childhood home.
    Even before Meryn stopped in front of a stylish café she could already smell the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. She inhaled and then sighed happily. When she looked up she smiled at the cute sign that read The Jitterbug.  
    "So, what do you think?" Meryn asked.
    "I think I have found my new favorite place." Elizabeth smiled.
    "Wait until you smell inside." Meryn opened the door and stepped inside.
    Ryuu held the door for her and she walked in behind Meryn.  

CHAPTER FIVE

    "Justice! Look what the wind blew in," a delicate looking man yelled from behind the wide dark wooden counter. The taller dark haired man looked up and smiled.
    "Meryn! We haven't seen you in a while. Where have you been hiding?" He waved them over to sit at the counter.  
    When they sat down the shorter man practically climbed over the bar to give Meryn a one armed hug.
    "Hey Sydney, I want you to meet Elizabeth Monroe. She just moved to Lycaonia, and guess what? She's Gavriel's mate," Meryn shared, practically bouncing up and down on her barstool.
    The blond haired man looked at her, eyes wide. "Get out! Congratulations honey!"
    "Elizabeth this is Sydney Fairfax and the tall, dark