Page 143 of Black Willow Witch
‘I did,’ Logan replied. ‘She didn’t much like it. She suggested that Emberlyn had used magick to make you and me turn on her – like she hadn’t managed that all by herself.’
‘What?’ Ripper growled, his gaze snapping down to Emberlyn. ‘What else did she say to you?’
Nibbling at a slice of potato, Emberlyn flicked a hand. ‘Nothing notable.’
‘She told you she loathed you,’ Logan reminded her.
‘And I don’t care, so it isn’t notable.’
Ripper tugged at her hair to tilt back her head so their gazes met once more. ‘Icare that she’d dare speak to you that way.’
‘Well, you’ve already issued the temporary banishment, so it’s handled.’ Emberlyn shrugged. ‘If you chase after her to pull her on it, you’re just giving her the attention that she craves. You said you were done doing that.’
‘Your witch is right, Rip, don’t go give CeCe what she wants.’ Logan rose from his seat. ‘I gotta talk to Kerr about something real quick. Stick close to your woman, brother. The Reeds are still hovering.’
Heaving a sigh, Ripper nodded.
As Logan strode off, Emberlyn said, ‘I don’t think she thought you were serious about issuing a temporary banishment.’
Ripper’s brows flicked together as he sank onto the chair. ‘I don’t make idle threats. And I’d never undermine my own authority by not living up to my word.’
‘I know, but it’s a super serious punishment.’
‘Which she all but dared me to issue.’
‘Daring an Alpha is never wise.’ Emberlyn bit into a piece of potato and then angled the stick toward Ripper. ‘Want some?’
His honeydew-green eyes warming, he swiped a full slice of potato right off the stick with his teeth. ‘Soyou’refeedingmenow?’
‘Fuck, no. You’re only getting one slice. This is mine.’
He chuckled, low and throaty. It was a rusty sound, and it had her mesmerized.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh before.’
He shrugged. ‘Never really had much to laugh about. Then came you.’
Warmth blossomed in her belly. ‘Dude, you’re making me want to jump you right here in front of everyone.’
His eyes lit up. ‘I’m good with that, it’s . . .’ He trailed off, his brow furrowing as his gaze shifted to something over her shoulder.
Tracking his gaze, Emberlyn saw that Paisley was on her way back to the table. There was no Kage with her this time.
She held out a brown paper bag. ‘Funnel cake, as ordered,’ she said around the lollipop in her mouth.
Emberlyn smiled brightly and took the bag. ‘Thank you.’
Just then, Logan reappeared. And he was eyeing Paisley like he’d never met her before. ‘You’re wearing a pink tiara.’
‘I know,’ said Paisley, adjusting its position.
‘And your hair is covered in glitter,’ he added.
‘Stating the obvious, but yes.’
‘You also have unicorn tattoos all over your neck and arms.’
‘They’ll wash off. Sadly.’
