Re: [B&B: Nishka and Atticus]
He didn't know the woman. Didn't keep track of residents. Owned the B&B, yes, but had never been involved in the running of it. Would've sold it a long time ago, but it had mattered to his parents. The place was the whole reason Atticus had come to Repose, and it was the reason he commuted from here to the Capital for work. But the running of the B&B was left to Caleb. His accountant made all payments. Atticus only lived on the grounds. Didn't know her, but his smile was still lazily welcoming. "Not much of a sleeper. Was about to go to the kitchen in search of something to drink."
Stepped to the door. Behind him, the room was a mess. Boxes and crates of delivered books and shelves that climbed to the roof, all packed with old books. His desk, which was a huge wooden affair with a very worn leather chair, was covered with old letters and more books. Was a mess. In the corner, a vintage record player sat, vinyl spinning but needle long since pushed aside; Atticus lost track of time when he was immersed in a book. White gloves and a bookstand were the only really clean things in the room that was visible over his shoulder.
Looked at the woman. Not young. Was relieved. Atticus wasn't very good with young people. Still, there was something about her that made the wolf perk cautiously inside him. Atticus still wasn't in touch with the wolf, but by now he understood when the animal wasn't sure about a person or situation.
"Join me? Might find something to help you sleep." Rubbed the back of his neck, mussed his hair, then scratched at the scruff on his dark cheek. Tried to move past her into the hall and walked toward the kitchen slowly enough so she could fall into step if she desired. No haunts around. Even the curious ones were upstairs and looking down through landing slats now. Gone were the days when the haunts controlled him; since the wolf, Atticus controlled the haunts. The ones in the B&B were mischievous and harmless, unlike the ones living in the Carriage House attic.