Page 30 of Black Willow Witch
Stalking out of the small gate, Ripper let it slam back against Kerr’s knees, the wolf’soofmusic to his ears. ‘Don’t piss me off more than you already have.’
‘I don’t think I can help it.’
‘Try.’
CHAPTER SEVEN
Parking at the curb outside the laundry hub, Emberlyn let out a long sigh. Her first morning at the manor had certainly been eventful, though not entirely negative. Reena’s visit hadn’t been fun, of course. But Emberlyn had collected some powerful allies, and it meant that she and Ripper could have the civility that she’d wanted.
Sliding out of the car, she took an idle look around. The street was a sleepy sight at such an early hour. There were many shops, including a hair salon, bookstore, clothing boutique, deli and flower shop. The storefronts all featured welcoming displays, planters and striped awnings. Benches, light posts and saplings were spread around.
She crossed to the hub’s door, pushed it open and stepped into the reception area. It was warm, tidy and inviting. Fresh-white paint, sleek wood, marble flooring, good lighting. The wall-mounted TV was angled toward the plush seating and ‘kids’ corner’. Magazines and cup coasters rested on the coffee table.
Framed nature canvas prints adorned the walls. Posters, ads and flyers were pinned to the bulletin board. A potted dragon tree was tucked in a corner near the glossy white reception desk.
Stood behind the desk, Paisley smiled at her. ‘Hey, how did your first night in your new home go?’
‘Very well, thank you. My morning was weird, though.’
Paisley’s brow dented. ‘Weird, how?’
Rounding the desk, Emberlyn explained, ‘In a very short space of time, I agreed to being allies with Ripper and had a visit from a very frustrated Reena.’
Paisley’s lips parted. ‘I can’t decide which part I want to hear about first.’
Emberlyn shoved her purse under the desk out of the way. ‘I’ll start from the beginning.’ She brought her friend up to speed, keeping it brief since customers would enter soon. She didn’t mention the curse jar. It had been buried on Ripper’s land, so whether he made it public knowledge was his business. If he made decisions regarding the manor, she’d want to kick him in the junk.
Paisley did a slow blink. ‘Wow. I’m glad you said yes to being Ripper’s ally – it’s extra protection for you. I know you don’tneedit, but I like that you have it. Do you think Reena will heed his warning and let the situation lie?’
Emberlyn raked her teeth over her lower lip as she considered it. ‘No, but I think she’ll be careful how she goes about pushing this.’ She inhaled deeply. ‘Anyway, how was your morning?’
Paisley’s eyes dulled. ‘Not great. I had another fight with my mom. She doesn’t like that I won’t drop the idea of taking the Change. Says she can’t “lose both her children”. Like I’d be as good as dead.’
‘Ah.’ While a bite from a werewolf could put non-wolves through the Change, most witches would never do it due to the price tag for their kind.
‘She went on and on about how I’d lose my connection with my magick. I know that already. But where’s the big deal when my magick is weak anyway? Other witches in my position have taken the Change. Yes, it’ll mean leaving the coven and joining the clan of whichever wolf turns me. But I can’t say I’d miss being part of it.’
Knowing Ethel as well as she did, Emberlyn could easily guess . . . ‘She threatened to disown you, didn’t she?’
Paisley grimaced. ‘Yes. Don’t tell Kage, he’ll flip, and that’ll make things worse. I’m not close to my mom, but I wouldn’t like to lose her. What do you think I should do?’
‘I think you should do what you feel is best for you. Living to keep others happy . . . it’s not living, it’s people-pleasing. There shouldn’t be conditions attached to a person’s love for you.’
Paisley gave a hard nod. ‘I’d like to join Ripper’s clan. It has the best reputation. Shane’s clan has its shit together now that he’s Alpha, but it’s not all the way there yet. And Carver’s clan is . . . problematic.’
Yes, his wolves were fond of vandalizing, thieving, starting fights and flirting with the mates of other werewolves like it was their right. ‘Plus, Kage is part of Ripper’s clan.’
‘So?’
‘So he’s your twin.’
‘And?’
‘And it’d surely be nicer for you both to be in the same clan.’
Paisley’s nose wrinkled. ‘I couldn’t give a monkey’s left tit what clan he belongs to. But, as you’re allied with Ripper now, I’d feel safer being part of his. Do you think he’d agree to it?’
‘First of all, itwillmake a difference to you to be in the same clan as your brother – no, don’t deny it. Secondly, I don’t know if my alliance with Ripper is going to be permanent, so only choose his clan if it would be your preferred option no matter the situation. Thirdly, I don’t know what his vetting process is, so I can’t say whether he’d agree to welcome you into his clan. But you could ask. You don’t ask, you don’t get.’
