Page 18 of Cursed Luck
“I do,” she said, glancing around her slice of heaven. “Is everything okay? Find any fairies?”
“Oh yes, yes it is. I had some service and wanted to let you know we decided to stay longer. Still no fairies, but I’m sure they exist. Magic pulses around us at every turn.”
Mia smiled, envisioning her parents wandering the wilderness with only a backpack of supplies. They, too, were connected to earth and found they needed little when they were “home,” as they called the forest.
“Bummer, thanks for letting me know though,” Mia said, watching a woman approach the shop.
“Everything okay?” her mom asked.
Mia considered the Broderick clan, specifically Edward Broderick. “Everything’s good, but someone just came in.” She offered the young woman a smile.
The phone crackled in Mia’s ear. “I’ll let you go. Your father says hello. We love you, honey!”
“Love you too, Mom!”
Mia watched the woman stare at the plants nervously. “Hi, would you like some help?” she asked, dropping her phone into the drawer, along with all her thoughts concerning Edward.
Chapter 9
“We’re getting close. I know we are. And then that asshole will pay for what he’s done! I promise,” Peter stated, a growl vibrating low in his throat as he met Claudia’s eyes. The energy around him surged at the announcement.
Peter was the Alumbra Pack’s alpha, the same werewolf pack that had taken in Claudia and her daughter, Katia, only months ago. Edward did not know the alpha well, but it was clear he was a natural protector. From what Edward’s brothers had shared with him, Peter kept a watchful eye out for Brandy and now their entire family.
Edward watched the muscles contract across Peter’s chest and arms. He did not envy the man at all. Being part of a family of nine felt monumental even as a child. Having dozens to care after? No, Edward didn’t wish it on anyone.
The alpha did have a knack for taking in others into his circle. From what Edward had learned, werewolves didn’t necessarily like to play with witches like themselves. It wasn’t until Ryan met Brandy and brought her into Peter’s life when the number of witches in Peter’s life had multiplied.
“What do we know?” Max asked.
“No more… It’s time to eat and then you all can plan to take over the world,” Andrea said teasingly and squeezed Claudia’s shoulder.
Peter nodded, and his lips pressed into a firm line.
“There’s always time for food,” Brandy said, wrapping her arms around Peter’s waist.
“You’re right, babycakes. It just makes me crazy to know it’s taking so long, and all those women—”
Brandy pressed her fingers against his mouth. “I get it. When we know more, we’ll find them like we did the others.”
Edward watched them all as they hurried to scoop food onto their plates. He was happy to see his sister had such a loyal friend in her life. Based on what he had heard and seen, Peter would lay down his life for her as fast as her mate or any of their brothers would.
She was spoiled by each of them, and that spilled into her close circle of friends turned family.
A small hand wrapped around Edward’s elbow. “Will Mia be joining us tonight?”
His brows knit together. “Excuse me?”
“Smoking hot female, so high,” Serena said, raising her hand a few inches above her head. “Really pretty dark curls?”
“Why would she join us for dinner?” he asked, his gaze moving around the family as they pretended not to listen.
Serena squeezed his arm and chuckled.
“Because she’s your mate?” Peter stated around a piece of bread he’d snatched out of a basket.
Edward’s gaze shifted between Peter and his sister-in-law. “What the hell did you just say?”
“Damn it, Peter!” Brandy snapped as she whacked him in the gut, and all conversation stopped.
