Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 113406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
The redhead stood with a sigh. “She probably wants me to tell her she can have something that her father already told her she can’t.”
Dawn shook the garbage bag. “Any empty cups or plates?” People chucked their trash in the bag and thanked her. As she reached Madisyn, she whispered in her ear, “Kathy’s being remarkably sweet, singing your praises to everyone, but I’m not buying it.”
“I wish I could say I don’t think she’s up to something,” began Madisyn, voice equally quiet, “but I’d be lying.”
As Dawn disappeared, Makenna plonked herself in the spot Shaya had vacated and asked, “What were you two whispering about?”
“Nothing interesting,” said Madisyn truthfully.
Makenna cocked her head. “You doing okay?”
“The whole thing’s been a lot more laid-back than I’d expected.” She lowered her voice as she added, “I just don’t like that everyone’s watching me and Bracken so closely.” It made her nerves raw and agitated her cat.
“You know, when you first told me that he was your mate, I was stunned. Couldn’t really imagine you two together because you’d always acted so ambivalently toward the other. But seeing you together here . . . I don’t know, you just fit. It looks right. Natural. And I just love the way he looks at you.”
“Like he’s imagining spanking my ass?” Madisyn quipped.
Makenna chuckled. “No. It’s like . . . I don’t know how to explain it. When he looks around, he’s not really focusing on things or people. He’s taking everything in, and he’s not missing a thing, but it’s more like someone computing data. Then he looks at you, and it’s like a laser focus. Every bit of his attention centers on you. He sees you, feels something when he looks at you. I really, really love that. I love that you have that.”
Madisyn gently elbowed her. “Don’t get all mushy on me, Wray.”
“You’re happy, Drake. Admit it.”
“I’m not unhappy.”
“You’re happy. Just say it.”
“Don’t wanna.”
Makenna chuckled again, but the sound abruptly cut off as something caught her attention. “Oh.”
“What?” Frowning, Madisyn tracked the she-wolf’s gaze to the wooden porch. And tensed.
“I didn’t think they were invited. I mean, it’s not bad that they were. I just . . . considering this is unofficially a ‘Welcome to the pack’ thing for you, I didn’t think Shaya would invite outsiders. Especially a female your mate was once pursuing.”
Madisyn watched as Kathy rushed to Harley’s cousins and gave them a gushing welcome. “I don’t think Shaya did.”
Realization dawned on Makenna, and her face darkened. “That old bitch,” she growled.
The chatter died down as everyone suddenly became aware of the new visitors. Smiles fell away. Brows creased in confusion. Tension snapped the air taut. And the margays felt it, which made Madisyn wince in sympathy. Because it had to be hard to walk into a party setting and have everyone look at you like they had no idea what you were doing there. And now everyone was waiting to see what Madisyn would do, willing to take their cue from her.
Looking at the smallest of the four females, who also happened to be Shiloh’s twin sister, Madisyn said, “God, Jazz, those are like two-inch heels, and you still don’t look any taller.”
Indie, the oldest of the four, gave a half smile. “That’s what I said.”
Jazz shot Madisyn a mock glare. “Kiss my ass, Drake.”
“Flirting with me already?” Madisyn chuckled. “Sorry, sweetie, you’re a little too short for me.”
And the tension was broken. Talk quickly resumed, and Harley guided her cousins over to the buffet table.
Bracken stalked over to Madisyn. “Hey,” he said softly, eyes serious, “you all right?”
“Fine,” said Madisyn, “but you’re not.”
Taking her hand, he pulled her to her feet and then held her to him protectively. “No, I’m fucking not. I can’t believe—”
Shaya hurried over. “I’m so sorry about this. I didn’t know that Kathy invited them, I swear.”
Madisyn raised a hand. “It’s fine, Shaya.”
The redhead’s lips thinned. “It’s not, because she did this to hurt you. She wants you uncomfortable. She wants this whole thing to be awkward for you and as far from welcoming as possible.”
“Well, she failed.” Madisyn stroked Bracken’s arm, wanting to pet the tension out of him. He was quivering with suppressed anger, and she suspected he was also feeling the sting of betrayal. “It would be weird if Shiloh was pining after Bracken, but Ally assured me that she’s not. I’m pissed with Kathy, sure, but only because she’s got him all riled up.”
Bracken let out a long breath and kissed her forehead. “I’m all right, baby. I just didn’t anticipate this, and that enrages me because I want you to feel safe with me. I feel like I didn’t protect you from her.”
“I don’t need protecting from some old heifer. And I do feel safe with you.”
“But not safe and welcome here, and that guts me.”