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)
Kerr’s brow pinched. ‘There’s, uh, one of you.’ He held up a doll that – going by the hair, eye color and classy outfit – was quite obviously meant to be Emberlyn. ‘And its shoulder doesn’t look good.’
Emberlyn grimaced. ‘Every time I got a stabbing pain in my shoulder, I knew it was her. She’d do it when she wanted to talk to me about something. Most people just pick up the phone, but . . . Anyway, where’d you put the curse jar? I’ll dispose of it safely before I leave for work.’
‘I got it,’ Kerr told her, plucking it out of his pocket.
She took it, tucked it under her arm, grabbed her teacup and then nabbed the bag of dolls. ‘Later, neighbors. Remember to warn the rest of your clan about the plants in the Poison Patch.’ She went back into the manor, and the door swung shut behind her.
Kerr looked at him. ‘Well, she going to make the elixir for you?’
Nodding, Ripper turned to the stairs. ‘She’s only going to charge the same fee she charges for those of normal strength. I had thought she’d charge more – I’m not exactly in a position to refuse.’
‘Was this before or after she agreed to an alliance?’
‘Before,’ replied Ripper as they jogged down the steps.
‘Did you have push her to agree to allying herself with our clan?’
‘No, she saw the sense in it.’
‘Not surprised. Really, she’s no more a fan of the coven than you are. They wronged us by not properly holding Rosemary accountable for what she did, but that won’t hold a candle to what they seem to have put Emberlyn through.’
Ripper grunted his agreement at the latter.
‘It’s good that you two are singing from the same hymn sheet.’ Kerr lightly bumped his shoulder into Ripper’s. ‘Especially since you wanna hit that.’
Ripper frowned. ‘The fuck?’
‘You gonna tell me I’m wrong?’
He could. It’d be a damn lie, though. ‘I need to head to the brewery. Get some wolves down here to fix the landscape.’
‘And if they ask if she’s off-limits, I can say no?’
Ripper found himself stopping dead near the end of the path. He ground his teeth, not liking the smirk Kerr wore. ‘Cut the shit. I don’t have time for it.’
‘I’m just asking,’ Kerr defended, all innocence. ‘She’s Crew’s type. He’ll want to know if he has the go-ahead to make a play.’
Stalking out of the small gate, Ripper let it slam back against Kerr’s knees, the wolf’s oof music to his ears. ‘Don’t piss me off more than you already have.’
‘I don’t think I can help it.’
‘Try.’
CHAPTER SEVEN
Parking at the curb outside the laundry hub, Emberlyn let out a long sigh. Her first morning at the manor had certainly been eventful, though not entirely negative. Reena’s visit hadn’t been fun, of course. But Emberlyn had collected some powerful allies, and it meant that she and Ripper could have the civility that she’d wanted.
Sliding out of the car, she took an idle look around. The street was a sleepy sight at such an early hour. There were many shops, including a hair salon, bookstore, clothing boutique, deli and flower shop. The storefronts all featured welcoming displays, planters and striped awnings. Benches, light posts and saplings were spread around.
She crossed to the hub’s door, pushed it open and stepped into the reception area. It was warm, tidy and inviting. Fresh-white paint, sleek wood, marble flooring, good lighting. The wall-mounted TV was angled toward the plush seating and ‘kids’ corner’. Magazines and cup coasters rested on the coffee table.
Framed nature canvas prints adorned the walls. Posters, ads and flyers were pinned to the bulletin board. A potted dragon tree was tucked in a corner near the glossy white reception desk.
Stood behind the desk, Paisley smiled at her. ‘Hey, how did your first night in your new home go?’
‘Very well, thank you. My morning was weird, though.’
Paisley’s brow dented. ‘Weird, how?’
Rounding the desk, Emberlyn explained, ‘In a very short space of time, I agreed to being allies with Ripper and had a visit from a very frustrated Reena.’
Paisley’s lips parted. ‘I can’t decide which part I want to hear about first.’
Emberlyn shoved her purse under the desk out of the way. ‘I’ll start from the beginning.’ She brought her friend up to speed, keeping it brief since customers would enter soon. She didn’t mention the curse jar. It had been buried on Ripper’s land, so whether he made it public knowledge was his business. If he made decisions regarding the manor, she’d want to kick him in the junk.
Paisley did a slow blink. ‘Wow. I’m glad you said yes to being Ripper’s ally – it’s extra protection for you. I know you don’t need it, but I like that you have it. Do you think Reena will heed his warning and let the situation lie?’