Page 52 of Spellbound & Speechless
I smirk. “Are you sure? We need more security. Big, strapping wolves like you are perfect for the gig.”
“These muscles are for vanity.” He scoffs and rolls his eyes, but he’s smiling. Right where I want him. “Don’t try to flatter me.”
“I’m serious. I know you’ve heard about the attacks.”
“Of course, I have. It’s a shame.”
I lean in. “Then you know the bar needs more protection. I’ve been working security shifts at night, but one man can only do so much.”
“That’s when being in a pack becomes useful, huh?” His smile grows.
Dammit. I just made his point for him, didn’t I?
I grimace. “Look, I just thought I would float the idea around. I’m still not looking for a pack.”
“No? You sure?”
I shake my head. “Not right now. I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep.”
My mating bond with Aspen is awakening. It’s strong enough that I canstillfeel her. I need to run. As soon as I get rid of the corrupt witch, I’ll be out of here.
Antoni’s smile never wavers. “Tell you what. You stay here, drink, hang out with the rest of the pack, and I’ll consider bringing it up at the next meeting. Sound good?”
No. That does not sound good. “When’s the next meeting?”
“Next week.”
That’s too far from now. Anything could happen between now and next week, and it will be my fucking fault. It’s the only shot I have at getting help and keeping the sisters safe. Maybe the wolves will even keep helping them out after I leave.
I jut my head toward the bartender. “What are you waiting for, then? Get us another round.”
“That’s what I like to hear!”
I don’t pryLaurel away from the party until the wolves finally clear out. I’m too tipsy, drunk enough that I’ll need to head back to the Hawthorne house and rest before I can guard the bar for the evening.
I was a fool for thinking I could party with other werewolves. I’m used to being the one in the room with thestrongest constitution, who can down the most beer, but they’re all better than I am.
“I think you should join them.” Laurel steps inside the Hawthorne home, looking at me over her shoulder. “They were nice.”
“Nice doesn’t mean they’remypack. I can be friends with them without joining.”
Antoni and I got along well enough, and he introduced me to a few of his friends. Even if I didn’t get what I wanted, I made a few tentative allies. If only they would help me out at the tavern.
I get why they won’t. I have nothing to bring to the table, and if I’m honest, I’m coming in with a whole lot of trouble. If I were in the pack, it would be different. Pack mates are supposed to be sworn to help each other. That’s why it isn’t worth it to join. That means having to helpthem, and that can lead to…
Well, death. That’s what it led to for my father. Just because people say they have your back doesn’t mean they do. He was part of a pack, one he led with my mother, but he still died alone. Nothing could stop that witch from stealing his magic and shoving a dagger deep into his chest.
“Fine,” Laurel says. “I’m going to nap. Justthinkabout it…”
She’s right. I can’t avoid their offer, even if I want to—even if I should.
“I will.” I tiptoe into Aspen’s bedroom.
The back of her blonde head reminds me why I can’t avoid the pack. She’s the reason I agreed to meet with them. I need to protect her, and as the need grows, so does the worry that I won’t be able to do it alone.
My heart catches in my throat.
She barely looks up when I enter, focused on her sketchbook. Shit. She’s cute like that, with her brows furrowed, and her attention locked on.
