Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 113406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
“Morning,” greeted Dawn. The plump brunette was a born alpha and could have run a pride easily. Instead, she’d sacrificed that future and dedicated her life to running the nonprofit organization for loners. With the help of grants, sponsors, and private donations, Dawn was able to keep it running well. “What’s this I hear about you going head-to-head with three bears?”
Madisyn frowned. “Let me at least sit down.”
“Here. Caramel Macchiato.” Dawn handed her a Starbucks coffee. “Now tell us what happened last night.”
Sinking into the sofa, Madisyn told them about the Enigma incident.
“Bitches,” snapped Makenna. “You should have slit their throats.”
Madisyn looked from one female to the other. “You both need to be careful. The clan could decide to go after you next, thinking you’ll know Daisy’s location. Though I doubt it, since Charles didn’t mention your names.”
Dawn puffed out a breath. “I couldn’t help them even if I wanted to. We have so many people coming and going, I don’t even remember where you placed her. It was months ago.”
“Alaska.” Madisyn sipped at her coffee. “She’s safe. And happy. And I’m determined that she’ll stay that way. On another note, I’m sure Makenna also told you that Bracken was hit by a car last night. Obviously, the pack wants to make the heifers pay. They have every right to. I know you don’t like sharing shelter business with others, but we’re assholes if we don’t tell the pack what we know.”
“I agree, and I think we need to tell my pack about this too,” Makenna declared. “When I joined the Phoenix Pack, I agreed not to involve them in any of our problems unless absolutely necessary—I’ve stuck to that deal. But they’re all pissed at what happened to Madisyn and Bracken. They want blood too.”
“But I don’t want blood,” said Dawn. “I just want the bears to go away. They might. This isn’t the first time someone’s come looking for one of our residents. It won’t be the last.”
Makenna sighed. “You honestly think the Mercury Pack will just forget that their pack mate was knocked over by a car? They’ll find the answers with or without our help. And when they discover that we held out on them, they’ll be pissed. Like Madisyn said, we’re assholes if we don’t share what we know.”
Dawn rubbed at her temple. “I know you’re right. I just don’t like it.” She blew out a breath. “I’ll call Shaya or Nick later today and—” She cut off as her office phone rang. Lifting it, she greeted, “Hello?” Whatever the caller said made her sigh. “I’ll be right down.” Ending the call, the female stood. “Wait here. I’ll be back in five.”
When Dawn closed the door behind her, Makenna shot Madisyn a glare and said, “You should have called me from Enigma.”
“You couldn’t have done anything. Besides, the club owner called Nick and asked him to send someone to collect me.”
“Bracken.”
Madisyn cursed the heat that rose to her cheeks. “He led me out of the club like he was my damn bodyguard, making it clear I was under his protection.”
“Since when does the mention of Bracken make you blush?”
Madisyn shifted uncomfortably. “Well, he gave me a helping hand with the touch-hunger. Literally.”
Sipping her coffee, Makenna lifted her brows. “Your cat finally accepted a male’s touch? Thank God. I wasn’t sure how long she’d keep stewing about Lucah.” Makenna was one of the very few people whom Madisyn had told about Lucah, knowing the she-wolf wouldn’t judge her for trying online dating whereas others might have lectured her over it. When Makenna had learned about his betrayal, she’d wanted to rip out his throat.
“Oh, she’s not done with the stewing just yet,” admitted Madisyn. Her kind were not forgiving creatures.
“It’s really no wonder your cat keeps lashing out at guys who pay you attention—she thinks she’s protecting you from more hurt and betrayal. It’s good that she let Bracken close without shredding him to pieces. That’s progress. Where did you two have your little rendezvous? Enigma?”
“My house.”
Makenna’s mouth fell open. “You let him in your home?”
“I didn’t really have a choice. I could barely walk. He had to help me inside.” Which had been mortifying. Madisyn hated that he’d seen her weak.
“So I’m guessing you told him about the touch-hunger.”
“He worked it out for himself.” And he’d no doubt have many questions about it later. He had no idea that her relationship with Lucah hadn’t involved physical contact. She wasn’t looking forward to telling him about it—hell, she hadn’t even told Dawn the truth about Lucah—because it was just so damn embarrassing. But Bracken wouldn’t let it drop. He’d hound her for answers.
“You’re scowling,” said Makenna. “Why? What is it?”
Meeting her friend’s gaze, Madisyn sighed. Truth time. “Bracken marked me.”
The she-wolf blinked. “Marked you? Where?”
“My neck. I covered it with concealer. I marked him first but not on purpose. He was teasing me, and my body was in no state to take it, so I pricked him with my claws as a warning. But that warning drew blood. He bit my neck and, well, it was deep. Deep enough to bleed. He then insisted that I not go to anyone else but him when the touch-hunger strikes again.”