Page 64 of Tiger Bitten

Ren snorted as she spied Stellan pouring his own shot while the bartender was busy. “Of course he is.”

“Come on,” Misty said excitedly, grabbing Ren’s hand.

Confused, Ren allowed herself to be dragged toward the bar. She glanced over her shoulder at Mars, but he and Dame were smiling, and they were following closely behind.

“Look,” Misty said, “I wanted to tell you days ago, but the boys said you would be mad at me making my wedding about you, and that we had to wait until after the wedding, so I did. I have kept my mouth shut for three full days, and it has been torture!”

“Wait, is that why you haven’t been talking to me?”

“Yes! I am terrible at keeping secrets!”

“I thought you were mad at me for something,” Ren uttered as they sidled up to Stellan.

“No,” Stellan said sternly.

“What?” Misty asked.

“No to whatever you are about to ask me. The wedding is over. I’m off the clock.”

“Fine,” Misty said, grabbing a bottle of champagne and a stack of red plastic cups from behind the bar. “Hi Gary.”

“You having fun?” the bartender asked.

“I’m having the best day of my whole entire life.” Truth.

Ren grinned and then laughed as Misty handed the cups to Dame and grabbed her hand again.

“Where are you going?” Stellan asked from behind them.

“To tell her,” Misty called out without turning around or slowing.

Ren heard a muttered curse from Stellan, and when she turned to see if Mars was following, she noticed Stellan had stepped into line with the other Ledger brothers.

Whatever was happening, the entire Ambush was ramping up with excitement, and now all the boys’ eyes were glowing brighter.

Misty took them right outside the venue and to the tree line. There was a picnic table there, and she set the champagne down and turned to Ren, gripped her arms firmly and looked her in the eyes. They were rimmed with moisture. What was happening?

“Ren, we found out some stuff. We have been digging since the day you let us in that you are a Half-Cat, and we found something big.”

“What?” she whispered thickly, her heart picking up its pace.

Misty inhaled a steadying breath and blew it out. “You’re always going to remember this moment, so I don’t want to say it wrong. I don’t want to mess this up.”

“Okay. What is it?”

“Mars found out who your father is.”

The blood drained from Ren’s face, and she glanced over at Mars. His eyes were like blue flames right now, and he was looking at her so intensely.

“Okay, who is he?”

“His name is Grady King. He’s the leader of his Prowl.”

“His Prowl?” Ren asked, not understanding.

“Panther.”

Ren dropped her gaze to the bejeweled embroidery on Misty’s dress, then back to her friend’s eyes. “So, I’m…?”