Page 54 of Cowboy Wolf's Kiss

Hot cocoa and rum with vanilla marshmallows.

“It’s okay.You saved me, remember?”she whispered before turning back to Sherry.

“So, my grandmother told me I’d been neglecting my duty, and that was why they acted that way.”

“She is not wrong.But that trespass is not okay, Jezebel.Shades need a firm hand.They are not of this realm and have no power unless you allow them entry.So, what I shall give you is some guidance on ways to keep your walls up at all times.As for you, Demon,” Sherry continued, speaking directly to my Wolf in a way that got his attention.“You did well, protecting your mate.And it will not end there, Hellhound.”

I froze.

“Hellhound?”I whispered.

My chest was so tight, and I felt Jezebel’s curious eyes on me.But I couldn’t look at her yet because, I mean,Hellhound.

Fuck.

Why did that make so much sense?

“Yes, Hellhound.You are aware this phenomenon is rarely seen anymore, but it does happen on occasion where those familial lines with ties to this type of supernatural have an occurrence every odd generation or so.Would you happen to know which side of your family this stems from?”she asked.

“No, I do not,” I replied honestly.

“Sorry, what is a Hellhound?”Jezebel asked.

“Well, generally speaking, eons ago Hellhounds were creatures of fire and rage, born from the very depths of the underworld.Their sole purpose was to hunt down stray shades—lost souls that wandered too far from their destined paths—and return them to the realm of the damned.It was a ruthless job, steeped in darkness and duty, where the howl of a Hellhound was both a warning and a promise of inevitable retribution,” she said.

“Holy shit,” Jezebel muttered, and I had to agree because, yeah,holy shit.

“So what does that mean?Do I need to do something?”

“Suffice it to say, that job still exists, though times have changed.The world is different now, and so are the rules.Even for Supernaturals.But for you, Emmet, I think you are exactly where you belong.”

“But how did this happen?”I asked.

“Well, thanks to some unsanctioned mingling with earthbound Shifters—those who can transform into animals—the Hellhound lineage occasionally introduces new traits into the mix.This is why you encountered a Wolf like Demon, dear Jezebel.His ability to pull you back from Death’s door and chase away those nasty shades that hurt you is no mere coincidence.He carries the essence of a Hellhound, a flicker of the ancient fire that burns within him, intertwined with his Wolf’s spirit.”

“You really were made for me,” Jezebel said, and I swear my heart almost beat right out of my chest.I was so damn proud.

“Damn straight, I was.”

“But let’s not dwell too long on the past,” Sherry interrupted.“You see, children, what matters is the present—and your training.You’re here to learn how to harness the energy that lies within you, yes?To understand your newfound connection to these forces.So, shall we get on with your lesson?It’s time to unlock the potential you didn’t even know you had and discover the power that awaits you.Trust me, the journey is just beginning, and it promises to be anything but ordinary.”

“Yes, please,” Jezebel replied.

But I didn’t miss how she squeezed my hand affectionately, mouthingI love youwhile she went to the corner with Sherry.

I sat there, just watching until I heard Seff clear his throat to get my attention.

“I know you are working with Max Leeds, and are part of his Crew, but I would like to extend a welcome to the Macconwood Pack should you ever consider leaving,” he offered.

I was stunned.From a banished, broken Wolf to a mated, part Hellhound, foreman of a ranch and member of Crew with an invitation to join one of the biggest Packs in the world—well, that was really something.

“I appreciate the offer.But I am afraid I have to decline.You see, my Crew, they’re more than just that.They’re my family,” I said, feeling the truth of it to my bones.

Idressed quickly, donning clean jeans and a tight thermal shirt.I knew Jezebel liked it when she could see my muscles and I wasn’t above dressing to keep my woman’s eyes on me.And because of her little Marlboro Man fetish, I also slipped on clean cowboy boots, a leather jacket, and a hat.

I grabbed the tiny light blue box off the kitchen table and I went to the front door.I’d already asked my mate to marry me and was still counting my blessings that she even said yes at all.

But I forgot about the ring, and that was something I needed to rectify.

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