Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 134501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 448(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 448(@300wpm)
Often people came to Reena claiming that this person or that person ‘had’ to be part of the faction. But they had no evidence, so she could only promise to ‘look into it’. That was never enough for her witches, meaning they weren’t happy about her inaction.
Basically, the coven was ripe with issues right now.
Gasping, Paisley plucked a tee from a rack. ‘This is so cute.’
‘It has a werewolf with devilish horns printed on it.’
‘Yeah. Cute.’ Metal scraped metal as Paisley flicked through the hangers on the rack. ‘Please have my size, please have my – aha.’ She grabbed a particular tee, grinning broadly. A grin that faltered ever so slightly as her eyes slid to something behind Emberlyn.
‘What?’ Peering over her shoulder, Emberlyn tracked her friend’s gaze to the glass-front window. CeCe’s friends were passing the store – fast. And totally avoiding looking at Emberlyn.
‘Are they still keeping their distance from you?’ Paisley checked.
Emberlyn turned back to her. ‘Yes. Which is good, because I’m rather tired of Ripper having to butt into situations on my behalf.’
‘You’re tired of it, or you’re worried he’ll tire of it?’
‘A little of both. Anyway, it seems to be working, because I haven’t heard a peep from them or CeCe.’
‘They have been keeping a low profile lately.’
‘Wise of them. Because I don’t think Ripper was bluffing when he warned them what the consequences would be if they kept coming at me.’
‘He wasn’t bluffing. A temporary ban is no joke. You’d lose that feeling of belonging. You’d have no one to run with on a full moon. And not one clan member would lift a finger for you.’ Paisley exchanged a brief smile with a worker tidying shelves. ‘Joining another clan wouldn’t be an option for them – no other Alpha would accept a temporarily banned wolf, because they’d be interfering with a punishment.’
‘Kerr told me he wouldn’t be all too shocked if CeCe switched clans.’
‘She might. I mean, she has to know at this point that neither Ripper nor Logan will ever be hers. Right now, she has a front seat to the Emberlyn and Ripper show. Getting some distance would be healthy. But she may have the feeling that it’s her clan, so why should she have to leave?’
‘I suppose we’ll see.’ Emberlyn glanced down at the items draped over Paisley’s arm. ‘You gonna buy those or what?’
‘Yes.’ Paisley patted them. ‘Checkout counter here we come.’
They left the shop moments later . . . just as Dez and Ward were heading into the nearby grocery store. Both clocked Emberlyn, averted their gazes and hurried along.
Paisley hummed. ‘It’s a nice change that they didn’t snarl at you or anything.’
‘I suppose neither of them want Ripper to come knocking on their door.’
‘He would, too. He’s in hyper-protective mode right now. Woe betide any who attempt to harm you. If he doesn’t fuck up their shit, you will . . . and you’ll do a much more dramatic job of it than he would.’
Oh, totally.
Stood on his doorstep, Ripper folded his arms. ‘What part of “It’s not a double date” are you failing to understand?’
Crew gave him an easy smile. ‘Don’t be a grouch, it’ll be fun.’
‘No. No, it won’t.’ Ripper tilted his head. ‘What is it, you want some sort of buffer between you and Paisley? You’re thinking of calling things off?’
‘No, nothing like that.’ Sighing, Crew scratched the back of his scalp. ‘Look, her parents are being a problem, okay? They say they accept the twins’ new situation and that they want to fix things, but then their mom will cry and their dad will act all weird around them.’ He lowered his arm back to his side. ‘Kage isn’t all that bothered by it, but Paisley is. Emberlyn is family to her, and she’s the only person outside our clan who supports Paisley.’
‘So, because you want Paisley to have people around her who make her happy, I should share Emberlyn tonight and let you horn in on our date?’
‘Yeah.’
‘No.’
Crew exhaled heavily, his eyes dancing. ‘You know, you’re a little too greedy with your witch’s time and attention.’
‘As are you with Paisley’s. What of it?’
A snort popped out of Crew. ‘Okay, you got me there. But at least make an exception for tonight. Paisley’s mom has been bugging her all day. She needs cheering up.’
‘No one has ever claimed that I have any way of lifting their mood.’ Ripper didn’t even do well at lifting his own.
‘Maybe you don’t, but Paisley thinks of Emberlyn as a sister – having her company will help. And you know something? You have a better chance of making your witch feel comfortable with our clan if she has familiar people around her, such as one of her lifelong best friends.’
Ripper heaved a sigh. ‘An hour. That’s all you’re getting. Then I want my . . .’ He trailed off on hearing the rumble of a car engine. Looking to his left, he saw a vehicle approaching. It wasn’t until the car came close that he recognized it as belonging to the parents of Michael Reed.