Page 23 of Final Shift
“Total package,” Moira said dryly.
“Total frigging package,” I agreed.
Chapter
Eight
“You ready?”
Rowan tugged on a cashmere pullover and ran his fingers through his messy hair. “Are you?”
“Nope.” Today was Caelan's deadline. While I didn't care much about meeting his timeline, I was trying not to be a total asshole. We both knew who held the power here, but I didn't need to rub it in his face.
“We don't have to go,” Rowan said as our eyes met in the mirror. “You can tell him to fuck off and tangle him in some thorns or something, and then I can drag you back to my lair and have my way with you.”
“Hmm.” I pretended to think. “Your idea sounds way better.”
He went to grab me around the waist to do just that, but I danced out of his reach, shaking my hairbrush at him in warning. “We need to settle this thing between us. The sooner, the better. “
“While I agree Caelan is an asshole. We shouldn't do anything to make his life easier.”
The familiar and rhythmic thump of Seymour's clay pot sounded in the hallway. The Red Dragon flytrap was completelystoked about his visit and was letting us know by impatiently thumping every time he thought we were taking too long. Moira had distracted him somewhat by tossing his favorite crunchy bug treats at him, but Seymour was on a mission and would not be denied.
“I don't plan to,” I assured him. “I'm ready to close that chapter of my life.”
Rowan came up behind me and slid his arms around my front, resting his chin on top of my head. Our eyes met in the mirror once more. “What's your end game? He won't apologize and there's no fucking way his mate is suddenly going to pop onto his property life an offering from the gods.”
I'd made myself clear the moment I'd stabbed him with a poison tipped blade. Either Caelan showed true remorse over his actions or his mate arrived and knocked some sense into him. When one of those two things happened, I'd release the stranglehold I had on his land.
“Crazier things have happened.”
“Hmm. True.” He kissed the top of my head and gave me a cheerful pat on the bottom. “We're waiting for you on the patio. Don't take too long.” His eyes warmed. “There are things I want to do to you the moment we get back.”
My cheeks heated. “One day we'll both have to get back to work.”
Rowan grinned. “But today is not that day.”
He winked and walked away. I allowed myself a small smile even though my stomach was churning with nerves. Rowan and I had married after I'd cursed Caelan. He'd undoubtedly heard by now.
This conversation would not go well. I felt it in my bones.
Regardless, I had to go and see what he wanted. Yes, he was a prick for not telling me over the phone, and yes, there was a strong possibility this was a trap. But, if it wasn't a trap and hegenuinely wanted to speak to me in person, Caelan deserved at least that small favor from me.
After a final swipe of lip gloss and a critical look in the mirror, I ran my hands down my hips and straightened my shirt. Inhaling a deep breath, I left the restroom and snagged my purse on the way out. Seymour waited for me by the hall table. I bent and held my hand out for him. In one smooth leap, he landed in my palm.
“Ready, buddy?”
Seymour waved his traps in excitement.
Mom, Dad, Moira, Rowan, Garrett and Declan stood outside waiting for me. Moira and the two shifters had their heads together arguing in hushed voices.
I didn't even try to listen to them. “I've already made my mind up. Moira and Garrett will come with me today.”
Declan's lips thinned. “Why wouldn't you take two shifters instead of…” He flicked his fingers at Moira.
Moira's eyes flashed a brilliant electric green. “Instead of a brilliant, beautiful, dangerous vampire?” She snorted. “Unlike shifters, I don't stand around all day flexing my muscles.” She tapped her finger against her temple. “I prefer exercising my mind.”
Declan rolled his eyes. “This is not brains vs brawn, Moira. What happens today affects us all.”
