Page 35 of Shift of Morals
My nostrils flared, magic pulsing around me. Claws itched their way to the forefront of my knuckles. “Tread carefully, Gianna.”
She laughed, a wicked sound in the quiet room. “My family is powerful. Our influence is felt throughout the entire country. If you or your florist embarrass me or try to discredit my family’s name, we will wipe your line off the map.”
I pressed my chest into her nail, feeling the skin split under the sharp point. “This is the second time you’ve threatened me tonight. Do it one more time, and I don’t care who your family is.”
Fear flickered in her eyes. I slapped her hand away. “Leave me.”
Gianna stepped away, her lips pressed tight. “Our agreement stands. Do not disappoint me. Lord.” With that, she turned on her heel and exited the room.
My fists clenched at my sides. Evie was an innocent in all of this, and I’d made her a pawn in a game I wasn’t sure I could win.
She wasn’t safe, and it was my fault.
The realization threatened to send me into a rage. Whatever happened, I would ensure Evie remained unscathed. But knowing Evie, she wouldn’t let me fall alone.
Chapter
Nine
After a restless night, I showed up at the shop ten minutes late the next morning. Ash, Tess, and Moira were already there, the smell of fresh coffee ripe in the air.
“Thank goodness,” I grunted, heading straight to the pot.
“Late night?” Ash asked, good humor twinkling in his eyes.
“Not the kind of night you’re thinking of.” I took a sip of the life-giving brew, sighing as the warmth hit my body.
Moira winked. “Our little prude is still wearing her crown.”
“Shut it,” I muttered. “And you? Soren seemed enamored with our friendly vampire last night.”
Ash and Tess made wooing sounds. Moira laughed. “Woo all you want. Everyone here knows I have no shame.” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“Be careful. You should know dating a Lord is dangerous.”
“Dating your local Lord is dangerous. Soren isn’t in our region and has no plans to make a move on Caelan’s territory.” She sipped her tea. “I’m not planning on marrying the guy, Evie. There’s no need to worry.”
“You little vixen.” I shook my head and laughed. “I wish I was more like you.”
“You wouldn’t be our lovable Evie if you were.” Moira held up a piece of paper and waved it. “Got an email this morning from the supposed mom. She relinquished the name of the wedding planner, but not much else.”
“A dead end, then.”
“Looks that way, unless we can ask Caelan.”
I shook my head. “No. Not with Gianna in the picture. I’m not going back to the Keep until I have to.”
Ash let out a low whistle. “Would you go if Gianna wasn’t there?” he asked.
Ugh. Why did everyone pay attention to everything I said? “Dammit. No. I wouldn’t go either way.”
“Lies,” Moira teased. “Evie can’t resist the Shifter Lord.”
“I can resist him just fine.” I topped off my coffee. “It’s Gianna we need to worry about.”
“You’re right. Those penciled in eyebrows are terrifying,” Moira said. “Anyone as elegant as she is definitely has something to hide.”
“True,” Ash said. “Do you know anything about her?”
