Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 116909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 585(@200wpm)___ 468(@250wpm)___ 390(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 585(@200wpm)___ 468(@250wpm)___ 390(@300wpm)
Luke hummed. “Forward the creepy email to Embry. Let’s see if it lights a fire under his ass. Just maybe he’ll redeem himself and properly act on it.”
Nodding, she sent the email to her uncle and then followed Luke into the kitchen. After they’d eaten breakfast and downed their coffees, Elle headed home while he and Blair began the short walk along the street toward the cul-de-sac where Tate and Havana, the Olympus Pride’s Alpha pair, resided.
Blair had met Havana once before. The devil shifter, who was relatively new to the pride, had been part of the group who came to Blair’s old territory to celebrate Vinnie’s birthday not so long ago.
A light breeze whispered over Blair’s skin and lightly ruffled her hair as she and Luke strode along the street, passing slim alleyways, cart vendors, a crowded bus stop, and the pride-owned businesses. Various scents filtered out of the open shop windows or doors—coffee beans, herbal soaps, fresh flowers, and newly baked bread.
Peeking through the windows of the stores, she saw that most were quite busy. She recognized a lot of the workers as being members of the pride. Some noticed her and waved, no doubt assuming she’d merely come to visit Luke.
Reaching the cul-de-sac, they headed to one of the cute little houses. It was Luke’s father who answered the front door. Smiling, Vinnie pulled Blair into a tight hug. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite bush dog.”
She felt her lips curve. “You really have to stop saying it like I’m a pet.” Drawing back from the hug, she eyed him. “You’re looking good, old man.”
He gave her a mock frown. “I don’t look a day over thirty.”
Behind her, Luke snorted. “You keep telling yourself that.”
“I will.” Vinnie glanced from her to his son as they stepped into the hallway. “You two still holding out on claiming each other?”
Luke’s lips thinned. “Not on purpose. We were … distracted.”
Allowing her mate to lead her forward with one hand splayed on her back, Blair entered the living room, where a bunch of people waited.
Tate came straight to her and rested a hand on her shoulder as he kissed her cheek. “Glad to finally have you in our pride. You remember my mate, Havana.”
“I do.” Blair smiled at the female. “How are you?”
“Absolutely fine.” Havana gave her hand a comforting squeeze. “But from the little Luke told Tate, I’m guessing you can’t say the same.”
“Some bad shit has gone down,” Blair confirmed. “But all is not awful—I’m now living with Luke, which is where I want to be.”
Havana’s face softened. “Whatever’s happening, we’ll be all over it, I promise. We’ll also be throwing you a welcome party, too—no, don’t argue, it’s pointless.” She gestured at the two females who stood off to the side. “I told you about my honorary sisters, right?” She pointed at a pretty Asian female. “This is Bailey.” Havana then pointed at the tall, curvy female beside her. “And that’s Aspen.”
Bailey tilted her head. “Havana’s right,” she said to Blair. “You really do look like you should have freaking angel wings or something.”
Aspen nodded. “And you really do have a piercing stare. I want one.”
Blair felt one corner of her mouth lift. “My father swears I was born with it.”
“Hey, Blair,” greeted a familiar male voice.
She turned, her smile widening as she spotted the Head Enforcer. “Farrell, hi.” She accepted his quick hug. “I heard you’re a dad now.”
“You heard right.” A proud smile lit his eyes. “You should pop into the bakery at some point. My mate will be glad to see you, and she usually has our boy with her so she’ll let you have a hold.”
River stepped forward and shook Blair’s hand. “Good to see you again.”
“Likewise,” she said.
An arm looped around Blair’s neck. “All right, stop monopolizing my mate’s time and space,” grumbled Luke.
Tate snickered. “Clingy bastard.”
Luke merely flipped him the finger and then led Blair to the sofa, where they both sat.
Blair looked at Vinnie. “How’s Damian?” she asked, referring to Luke’s younger brother.
Standing in front of the fireplace, Vinnie replied, “Oh, fine. We would have invited him so he could say his hellos, but Tate didn’t want many people present for the meeting.”
“So,” began the Alpha, perched on the arm of the chair that his mate had taken, “tell us what’s been happening.”
Both Blair and Luke began relaying the details of recent events, starting with the phone calls, the gifts, and Macy’s visit. They only got as far as their theory of how Noelle likely brought Macy to the pack’s territory before they were interrupted.
“I can’t believe your mom would do that,” said Havana.
Tate rubbed at his jaw. “I’m personally not surprised that Noelle broke her promise. It seemed inevitable that she would, since she didn’t succeed in chasing Luke away, and it was coming closer to the time when she’d have to step aside for him to claim and bring you here.”