Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 120031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
A flush swept across his cheeks, and the tips of his ears reddened. He didn’t speak. He pressed his lips tight together and ground his teeth. Yeah, she’d hit the nail right on the fucking head.
“I don’t know why you’re here and what you want,” said a new voice, “but I think it’s about time you left.”
Ira whirled on the spot and jerked back at the sight of Eli. Her mate had moved silently as he’d ascended the iron staircase, but she’d sensed his presence and growing irritation. She could also sense that his wolf was very close to the surface, no doubt raring to pounce on the human male.
“Who the hell are you?” demanded Ira, thrusting his chest out.
“Someone who won’t tolerate that tone you’re using,” said Eli. “You speak to Casey with respect, or you don’t speak to her at all. Choose.”
Ira jutted out his chin. “I’m her father, I’ll speak to her however I damn well please.”
“Father? I’d have to dispute that. You sure never acted like a father, and you’re not doing it now either.” Eli took a prowling step toward him. “The last person who should have ever spoken to her like that is her father, which just goes to prove my point.”
Ira made a sound of disgust. “Shifters always think they’re so damn superior.”
Casey’s brows shot up. Um, pot, kettle, black. The guy truly had such a complete lack of self-awareness it was astonishing.
“Get going,” said Ira, tipping his chin at the stairs, all false bravado. “This is not your business.”
“Casey’s my mate, which makes this very much my business.” Eli stalked toward him, nostrils flaring. Her father was tall, but Eli towered over him. “You know what my wolf has always been good at scenting? Weakness. You’re just riddled with weaknesses, aren’t you? It’s no wonder you feel so intimidated by Casey.”
Ira spluttered. “Intimidated? You know nothing.”
“I know that Casey doesn’t want you here. Which means I don’t want you here.”
“And I’ll be more than happy to leave, but not without Emily.”
Eli looked at Casey and flicked up his eyebrow. “Emily?”
Casey shrugged. “I’ve told him she’s not here, but he refuses to listen.”
Ira half-turned and shot Casey a glare. “I know she’s here. There’s nowhere else for her to go.”
“Yeah, because there’s a real shortage of hotels, motels, and places to rent out there,” said Casey, voice dry. She waved a dismissive hand. “Just go, Ira. You’re wasting our time and making yourself look even more stupid than you actually are.”
Hands curling, he made a move toward Casey—bad idea.
Eli fisted his collar and dragged him backwards, barely resisting the urge to shove him down the iron staircase. “You’re done here.”
“I want—”
“I could give less of a shit what you want.” Adrenaline and anger pumping through him, Eli crowded the human who was singlehandedly responsible for making Casey feel like an outsider in her own family. “Do the smart thing and get the fuck out of here. I don’t want you even breathing Casey’s air, let alone being anywhere near her.”
Eyes blazing, Ira straightened his jacket as he stared at her. “Tell your sister I expect to see her soon.”
Casey sighed. “I’d tell you once again that she’s not here, but you’re clearly not willing to listen. There’s something I will tell you: If you really want Emily in your life, you need to back off for a while. She’ll surface when she’s ready. And if you have any sense, you won’t jump down her throat when she does or try forcing her to marry a man she doesn’t want—you’ll only drive her away if you do.”
Ira didn’t respond. He just shot Eli one last glare and then made his way down the stairs.
Eli kept his gaze locked on the human, who hopped into a car that was parked outside the bakery and slammed the door shut behind him. Only when the car disappeared did Eli turn to look at his mate. His gut clenched at the lines of strain carved into her face. That little scene had taken something out of her.
Eli gently herded her into the apartment and closed the door behind them. He slid his hand under her curtain of wet hair and squeezed her nape. “You all right?”
She puffed out a breath. “Yeah. That’s the first time I’ve seen him in over a decade. He hasn’t changed a bit.”
Drawing her close, Eli stroked his hand up and down her back. “He was looking for your sister?”
“Yep. It turns out that Emily left her fiancé, Theo, standing at the altar.”
“She stood him up?” Eli let out a low whistle.
“Apparently, her mink wouldn’t accept him. I’m not sure if the animal withdrew from the relationship or never approved of it to begin with.”
“It’s not uncommon for our inner animals to withdraw like that if they’re not fully satisfied with their partner.” Leading her into the living area, Eli settled on the sofa and pulled her onto his lap. “Pretending to be human every day of her life may have gotten tiring for your sister after a while.”