Finding The Red Dragon

Werewolves?

Ella knocked softly on Allan's office door. "It's open." He called and she pushed it open. "Sorry to interrupt but I was wondering if someone could take me to a store? I want to make some special brownies, and there is not enough stuff here." Ella asked shyly.

"Special brownies?" Allan laughed. "Yes, some made from scratch ones with walnuts. Sal told me they were Ragnar's favorite and I sort of promised to make him some if he answered some of my questions." Ella shrugged, still feeling a bit shy.

"And he agreed?" Allan was surprised. "Yes. Not that I gave him much of a choice." "Well, then let me call you a ride." Allan winked as he picked up his cell and made a call, and then turned his attention back to her.

"Thank you, Ella. I appreciate you going out of your way to help Ragnar." Allan smiled. "It is my pleasure. He is not so bad once you get to know him a bit. Actually, he was pretty nice to me today." Ella blushed at the memories from the lake.

"I am happy to hear that." Allan gave her the biggest smile and she hoped he was happy with what she was doing. She wanted to impress Allan and show him that she deserved to do this, and to be here, and that he had not made a mistake.

A few minutes later Torsten arrive and Allan handed him a card. "Please take Ella in for some supplies, along with anything else that she may need. And if there is anything on the grocery list, grab that also." Allan told Torsten.

"Sure thing. Come on Ella, let's go cause some trouble." Torsten called out. "I am so in!" Ella laughed and followed Torsten out to the garage where he jumped in the smaller black SUV with tinted windows.

"Heard you went out with Leif and Thyra." Torsten smiled and Ella was sure he had heard more than that, but played along.

"I did. And Ragnar, he invited me." She said proudly. "How was that?" "It was fun. I really like Thyra. She is sweet and they are so excited to have a little one. What about you guys? Are you excited? I mean he is going to have like 15 uncles!"

"I have never thought about it. When Leif got married, he moved to the house out back and we do not see much of him. Married d...dudes live out away from the rest of us and do not really hang around the manor much.  It's just us unmarried guys around here." Torsten smiled at her.

"Not many girls around this place either." Ella was hoping for information. "No. There is Liv, Allan's wife, and then Thyra, Leif's wife, and well, you." "No one's wife." She giggled. "Not yet." Torsten winked with a wide grin.

"Nope. Allan's rule is I cannot have a relationship with anyone in the house." Ella announced, hoping to cut off any awkwardness. "Sal must be pretty pissed about that." "I have no idea. He made it clear he was not having anything to do with me." Ella gave a shrug. "Loser." "Aren't you all?" She teased, making him laugh.

That was the last of the serious conversation as Ella started in with questions about the town and the people that lived there, and continuing to talk until they pulled into the large grocery store. The list off the fridge was two pages long, and she was happy to help while she added her own goodies too.

They had just filled up the truck when she saw a bookstore and made Torsten take her there. He seemed to enjoy it while she browsed and then bought a few books. One was on the area, for research, and the other two were just for pleasure reading.

As they were walking back to the car, movement at the edge of the woods caught her eye and she stepped back into Torsten. There was someone watching her, she could feel it, and it was not good.

"Ella?" Torsten put his hand on her arm, but she stepped back into him closer, looking for safety. "Something is over there." She nodded to the woods. "Where?" He looked, then pulled her behind him. "Get in the car." He growled as he stepped to the side, edging them closer to the car, but keeping her protected with his body.