Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 125083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Delilah’s eyes lit up. “Oh, now that sounds intriguing. The sidhe I fucked last night had some amazing tricks, but soul-touching wasn’t one of them.”
“Being bitten by a vampire was an interesting experience,” said Xavier, his mouth curving.
“One you’d repeat?” asked Anabel.
“Maybe,” he said. “I might have gotten more than simply bitten if Elias from next door hadn’t interfered to be a dick. He came over, acting all flirty with me—even suggested a threesome with him and his boyfriend. It was obvious he was only trying to put her off. I don’t get why he’d do that.”
“Lycans are more territorial than any other preternatural species,” said Wynter. “Our lycan neighbors will feel they have a minor claim to us five, what with us living so close to them. That in and of itself will make them act a little territorial at times, not to mention protective.”
“Wait, that’s why Diego made a move on me?” asked Anabel.
“No, I’m sure he likes you,” said Wynter. “But I also think he acted fast because he felt a little proprietary and didn’t want others to beat him to it.” She looked at Xavier. “I think another reason Elias interfered is that lycans hate vamps. He wouldn’t want ‘the enemy’ touching any of us.”
“That’s his problem,” said Xavier. “He has no right to make it mine.”
“Agreed. I’ll have a chat with him if he doesn’t let up.”
“No need, I can deal with him just fine.”
Wynter narrowed her eyes. “You’re not killing him.”
“We all have the right to cut toxic people from our lives.”
“That doesn’t mean ending their existence. Besides, he’s not a toxic influence; he just annoyed you.”
“Well, I don’t like him.”
“Still not a reason to end his existence. No, I’m done discussing it. Let’s move on and talk about something else. Any subject will do.”
Delilah raised her hand. “I have a question. Do you think there’ll be a repeat of what happened with you and Cain?”
There was no denying that staying clear of the Ancient would be for the best, but Wynter knew herself well enough to know that … “If he made another move, I probably wouldn’t resist.”
The kitchen door slowly opened, and then Hattie shuffled inside, muttering something under her breath.
Anabel frowned. “Something wrong?”
“I can’t find my copy of Fifty Shades,” replied Hattie, sitting on the only empty chair at the table. “It has to be here somewhere.”
“I thought you preferred the movie anyway,” said Anabel.
“Only because that Jamie actor is a dish.” A dreamy smile took over Hattie’s face. “I would love to meet him, you know.”
“You would?”
“Oh yes, I’d love to talk to him.”
“About what?”
Hattie hesitated. “Well, I don’t know, I’d just love to talk to him. Wouldn’t you?”
Anabel’s nose wrinkled. “No, not really.”
“Why not?” demanded Hattie, seeming offended on his behalf.
“I don’t even like talking to people I do know. I have absolutely no desire to strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger.”
“He’s not a stranger. You know who he is.”
“I know his name and his occupation. I also know that the guy who used to sell me herbs was called Horatio.”
Xavier snickered and chugged down the last of his coffee. “She makes a good point, Hattie. Which doesn’t happen often.” Ignoring Anabel’s scowl, he cocked his head and said, “I can hear voices outside. Seems like people are already gathering at the gate. We ready to open our shop, people?”
There was a round of yeses, and then everyone got moving.
The day went well. More potions were sold, more bespelled cosmetics were purchased, and more baked goods flew off the metaphorical shelves. Xavier’s custom also picked up, and Wynter had plenty of people appear with weaponry.
Since many customers paid in trade, the fridge and kitchen cupboards were soon packed with food. Bags of toiletries, household accessories, and clothing were also handed over.
At the end of the workday, Wynter and her crew ate dinner and, like yesterday, distributed the ‘goods’ they’d been given in trade. They then set up a corner altar in the living room, adding a number of items such as an athame, candles, a bell, and a small cauldron.
They also added a few touches to their front yard, including a welcome mat and some hanging baskets overflowing with fern. Following that, they worked as a team to add some live plants to the backyard for Delilah and Anabel’s concoctions. There was mint, lavender, foxglove, and heather but to name a few.
Looking forward to trying her new green-tea scented shower gel, Wynter was soon stood under the hot spray in her private bathroom. Her thoughts—just as they’d annoyingly often done throughout the day—strayed to Cain; strayed to what they’d shared in the mist.
Christ, she’d never been fucked like that. And she wasn’t only talking about the whole soul-gasm part of the night. The proprietary way he’d touched her, the forceful thrusts with which he’d taken her, the punishing grip on her ass, the words he’d spoken in that goddamn sex voice … The bastard had ruined her, just as he’d promised he would.