Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 116662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Havana nattered away as they strode down the sidewalk. Lights from the lampposts danced along shallow puddles. Shadows moved in the apartments above the closed stores. Some pedestrians could be seen on the sidewalks, near the stoplights, or at the bus stops.
Though the stores’ security shutters were down, Quinley could tell from the large signs above the doors that there was everything from a jewelry store and a deli to a coffeehouse and a book shop.
The streets were apparently busy during daytime, according to Havana. She explained that each business was owned by the pride and mostly employed its members, though some workers were humans or lone shifters.
“And here we have the Tavern,” said Havana as she pulled Quinley toward a particular door. “We often hold celebratory events here.”
Entering, Quinley could easily understand why the place would be used as the main party venue. It not only had plenty of seating, it wasn’t merely a bar. It was also part-restaurant part-pool hall with a stage, arcade area, and widescreen TVs.
“The omegas took care of the decorations—they always do a grand job.”
They hadn’t failed this time either. A “Welcome” banner hung above the stage while a “Congratulations” banner was pinned above the bar. Clusters of white and gold balloons seemed to be everywhere. There were also lanterns, tinsel curtains, and tissue pompoms.
More, confetti and votive LED candles were set on every table and at each burgundy-cushioned booth. String lights dangled along the red brick walls, carefully avoiding the TVs and sports paraphernalia. There was also a white and gold balloon arch near the buffet table. A huge spread of food waited there, making her tummy rumble.
A pretty blue-eyed female with shiny chestnut hair approached, smiling. “Hi, you must be Quinley. I’m Bree, the primary omega of the pride.” Her smile faltered as it landed on Havana. “Why are you clinging to her like a barnacle?”
“Two reasons: one, she makes my devil feel calm. Two, it’s annoying both Isaiah and Tate.” The devil slid a smug look at the males, who stood close.
Bailey sighed at Havana. “Don’t you think you’ve annoyed them enough? It’s kind of juvenile, isn’t it?”
Havana gaped at her. “You annoy people constantly. On purpose. For fun. You’re doing it right now.”
The mamba grinned. “I know.”
Isaiah shrugged his way through the females, his gaze on Quinley. “This is why I asked you to come here early. I knew the unholy trinity would do this.” He looked at Havana. “I need to talk her through what will happen next, so …”
The devil exhaled heavily and released Quinley. “Fine.”
Isaiah cuffed her arm and gently but dominantly drew her to him with an effortless strength that made her inwardly hum in delight. “You okay?” he asked, keeping his voice low.
She nodded. “Of course.” She dealt with big personalities all the time, including her sisters. “Tell me what to expect. I’m guessing we’re going to meet everyone as they enter?”
“Yes,” he confirmed, not releasing her—which she liked. “I’ll do the introductions when it comes to my pride. They’ll welcome you to the pride and congratulate us on our mating. You’ll obviously introduce me to your relatives when they arrive. Then we’ll just enjoy the party.”
“Heads-up: we have wolverines,” Bree warned. “So when the buffet opens, grab food fast or it’ll be gone.”
“They’re big eaters, I know,” said Quinley. “My kind is just as bad, though. A guy I used to date was a wolverine. He was the only person who kept up with me.” Black-foots could eat like there was no tomorrow.
Just then, a tall muscular male came from behind the bar with a bawling baby in his arms.
“Speaking of wolverines, here’s my mate Alex and our daughter Aurora.” Bree’s face went soft with sympathy and concern. “She’s colicky, so …”
“I drove her around in circles,” Alex told Bree, looking somewhat harried; his dark eyes tired; his rich brown hair sticking up in places. “She stopped crying for a while but started again once I cut the engine.”
Quinley licked her lips and lifted her hand toward the baby’s back. “Can I …?”
Alex seemed to debate it for a moment. “Yes.”
Quinley laid a palm on Aurora’s back and pushed warm, soothing energy into her. She smiled when the little girl stopped crying. “There.”
Bree gawked. “Wow.”
“I didn’t cure the colic. Can’t. I just numbed the pain for her. It’ll last a few days.”
Bree’s eyes widened. “A few days? Really?”
“It generally does.”
Alex took a small but eager step closer to Quinley. “Can you move in with us?”
“No, she can’t,” Isaiah told him, his hand flexing on her arm.
The wolverine frowned. “It would be just for a little while.”
Isaiah shook his head. “No.”
Alex’s jaw tightened. “You’re so selfish.”
“Would you let Bree live with me?”
The wolverine spluttered. “Yes.”
“Lying bastard,” Isaiah muttered.
Bailey held her arms out for Aurora. “Let me take her for a while.”