Page 60 of Cursed Luck
“Hi, Claudia! Mia wanted you to have this,” Edward said, grabbing the plant he had shoved into Ryan’s hands. “It’s aSansavannah.”
Mia laughed. “Sansevieria—”
“Or snake plant. It’s a great indoor plant,” Serena said as she stepped up to the group.
Mia shot Serena a grateful smile. “Yup, you see it a lot in hospitals because of its benefits in air quality.”
“So, what happened here?” Serena asked, the air around her reminding them of her position as a high priestess and respected member of their loving family.
Mia peered up at Edward and sighed. “Edward and I had a conversation in the car, and it seems Peter overheard. I didn’t know your family and he were close. I was surprised, and well, other than Claudia, I haven’t had a lot of interaction with werewolves.”
Serena nodded. “Well, he is a great pain in the ass—” Peter’s growl made her pause before she rolled her eyes in his direction. “But… like us, he’s been adopted by the Brodericks. He’s a good guyandwerewolf.”
“I told you she wanted me,” Peter said and scoffed at Ryan.
“Shut your mouth, mutt!” Serena snapped, amusement shining in her eyes.
“All right, is everything settled?” Debbie called from the sidelines.
Edward shot her a thankful smile.
“Is it?” Peter asked Mia.
Mia offered her hand to him. “Nice to meet you, Peter. I’m Mia.”
Pride bubbled within Edward. She’d gone from fear and concern to trying to set a clean slate. He watched Peter step closer and accept her offer. Her hand was dwarfed by Peter’s.
“My bark is worse than my bite, unless of course you threaten my pack. The Brodericks and their mates are under my protection.” Peter released her hand and wrapped an arm around Brandy. “All right, babycakes, where’s Gia? Because I really need some of her lovin’.”
“Babycakes?”Mia asked.
Edward chuckled.“His nickname for Brandy. He’s also my niece’s godfather.”
“No kidding…”
Debbie stepped up to them and clapped her hands together as she looked from one to the other. “I’ve seen those looks shared around here,” she said before whispering, “Can I assume you guys bonded?”
“They reek of fornication, so yeah,” Peter called over his shoulder, a grin plastered to his face.
“Ignore him, he likes to tease everyone since he’s not getting any himself,” Ethan told Mia from behind Serena. “Glad to see you two worked things out. Food’s in the kitchen, so go dig in!”
Chapter 26
Peter was complex.
It was something Mia had learned rather quickly. On one hand, he came off as an abrasive oaf of a man, but on the other, his concern and nurture over the Broderick family was undeniable.
Edward guided her to the kitchen island where home-cooked food was spread out.
“I thought you said y’all usually order in?” she whispered.
“I love to cook and enjoy doing it for this bunch. Plates are over there, and if you can’t find something, ask and I’m sure someone knows where it is,” Claudia stated from behind her.
Mia turned and faced the sweet woman. “Claudia, I hope I didn’t insult you in any way.”
“When Max brought me into the fold, it took me a second to realize this family didn’t care about what I was. I honestly forget our kinds are taught to be careful of each other. I get it, Mia. Really, I do.”
Mia shook her head and wrapped her arms around Claudia. “I’m sorry. I really like you. Thank you for trying to set me straight when everything happened.” Holding Claudia by the shoulders, Mia tilted her head. “I hope this doesn’t make you reconsider coming to work for me because I’d really love your help.”
