Page 10 of Purrfectly Trapped

“Ow!” reg squeaked when one landed on his face. The young Tiger smacked himself, putting out the fire the old Witch’s magic had accidentally started on his facial hair.

“Oops. Sorry, that happens occasionally,” the Witch replied, and smiled a little.

“It’s fine,” growled Reg, staring back at them with part of his beard missing.

“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad,” Elissa tried.

She failed miserably when it came to finding a reasonable defense for the Witch’s magic zapping him. Shrugging it off, she focused on her obviously uncomfortable guard.

“You need a haircut, period,” she stated.

“What’s going on in here?” Hunter Maverick sauntered into the room, making a beeline for his wife and the cub she was carrying.

He dropped a quick, deep kiss on her mouth and cradled her face in his hands before greeting Uncle Uzzi with a handshake and pat on the back. Finally, he turned and looked at his Pride mate.

“Damn, Reg,” he looked the man up and down. “You look like hell.”

“Yeah, well, my beard was just set on fire,” he muttered.

“What? No, I mean the whole look. What happened, we run out of razors?” Hunter asked.

“Look, I tried to go by Lou’s Barbershop the other day, but he’s out of town.”

“If you want, I can do you like me,” Hunter grinned, and rubbed his smooth head.

The Neta of the Maverick Pride had plenty of hair, but he preferred to shave his dome. To be honest, Elissa loved the sexy bald look on her hot as hell mate.

She pressed closer to him, and without hesitation, his strong arms wrapped around her, enveloping her in his love. She was a lucky woman to have found her fated mate, and she owed her thanks to Uncle Uzzi. Stealing a glance at the white-haired Witch, Elissa watched as his blue gaze seemed glued to Reg.

Hmm.

“No way- uh, I mean, no,thank you, Neta,” Reg replied, averting his gaze, and baring his throat as a sign of respect to the leader of the Pride.

One more point in his loyalty basket, Elissa thought, thoroughly approving of him. Only the most self-assured and loyal Tigers could so willingly submit to another Shifter regarding of his or her dominance.

These manners or acts of respect were not weakness. In fact, quite the opposite. And Reg, of all the Tiger Guard in the Maverick Pride was the first who came to mind when she thought of quiet strength and unwavering loyalty.

“You know,” Uncle Uzzi began, and Elissa could not stop a smile from breaking out across her face.

He was gonna do it, wasn’t he? Eeeeek! How exciting!

“The Nari’s best friend just opened a salon in town. Isn’t that right, Elissa?”

“Why, yes, Uncle Uzzi, that is correct,” she replied, already knowing where this was headed.

Hells to the yeah. Elissa was completely on board.

“Uh, isn’t that for women?” Reg asked.

“Nonsense. It’s a unisex salon. Besides, your Nari would want the Pride to make her friend feel welcomed, wouldn’t she?” Uncle Uzzi pressed.

Reg’s dark blue eyes glittered for a moment. He was far from stupid and could probably smell their set up. But too bad. Elissa was moody and pregnant, and she was in charge, dammit.

“Uncle Uzzi, you are a genius! I should have thought of this already. Reg, I would like you to go get a haircut.”

“What? I mean, why?”

“Well, you’re my best guard, and I can’t have you looking like that,” she gestured, and almost felt bad when the man blushed.

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