Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
By the end of the scene, Harley’s upper lip had curled back, her eyes kept flashing cat, and she looked ready to dive on someone. Jesse tightened his hold, fearing she might actually claw someone if her personal space was yet again invaded.
“That’s two pieces of good news in one morning,” said Nick.
Jesse’s wolf cocked his head. “Two pieces?”
“We have the location of Hector’s parents.”
Anticipation rushed through Jesse. “Where are they?”
“Chicago.”
“You need to take me with you, Nick,” said Shaya.
The Alpha male sighed, and it was clear they’d had this conversation before. “Shay—”
“Nick, let’s be honest here; you’re not particularly pleasant,” she said without any judgment. “You need someone to temper you. That’s what I do.” She did, and she did it often.
Eli folded his arms across his chest. “Shaya is good at keeping the peace, Nick. It’s what makes her such a good mediator.”
Nick gave him a look that said “traitor.” “We’ll talk more about this later, Shay.” Then he turned to his Beta pair. “I know how badly you want to come, but I need you here. I need to know my daughter is well protected.”
“She will be,” vowed Ally. “You can count on that.”
Nick inclined his head and then slid his gaze back to Jesse. “I intend to take you, Roni, and Marcus.”
Jesse nodded. “When do we leave?”
“I was hoping we could leave today,” replied Nick. “But we won’t have access to the jet until the day after tomorrow.”
“Let’s end this talk of Hector-related matters,” said Ally. “Yes, it’s good news, but it’s still not a pleasant subject. Today needs to be a happy day for Harley and Jesse.”
“I agree.” Shaya linked arms with Harley and tried to pull her toward the dining table, but Jesse refused to let go. Shaya rolled her eyes. “The Phoenix wolves told me to express their congratulations.”
Jesse looked at Shaya. “You shared it with people outside the pack already?”
“Harley told me to pass it on,” the redhead pointed out. “Taryn likes her. They share something in common: they both have fathers who are assholes.” Shaya turned to Ally. “Speaking of Taryn’s father, apparently Lance bought an Italian restaurant.” Lance was not only Taryn’s father but her old Alpha. Shaya and Caleb had also once been part of his pack.
Ally sat on one of the dining chairs. “Another restaurant? How many does he own now?”
“Six, I think,” replied Shaya. “It’s no secret that I don’t like Lance, but he’s right to buy properties and businesses.”
“Yeah,” said Roni. “Extremists can’t force us to stick to our own territories if we own properties and businesses smack dab in the middle of their communities.”
Harley pursed her lips, wondering if the females were about to inform Nick of her attention to buy the club.
“And it’s good for humans to see us, to see that we’re relatable and can coexist with them just fine.” Ally leaned back in her seat. “Not all of them are against us. The majority of the human population accepts us. They’re just not very vocal about it.”
“I agree that Lance is wise,” said Roni. “If shifters stick to their territories, it means they’re segregating themselves. By buying restaurants, stores, diners, and other properties, they’re always visible. And it means they can have businesses exclusive to shifters too. Places they can shop and eat without worrying about being harassed.”
“I have my fingers in pies,” said Nick, his posture defensive. Evidently, he didn’t like hearing other Alphas be praised.
Shaya blinked at him. “Oh, I know that. You . . . invest.” She said the word like it was insignificant. “Investing is good too.”
“Yeah?” Nick folded his arms. “You don’t seem convinced.”
Roni sighed at him. “Be honest, investing is the lazy way.”
“Lazy?” he repeated.
“You’re taking risks, but only behind the safety of your computer.” Roni shrugged. “You don’t own anything outright.”
“I—we—own this territory,” he corrected.
“We’re talking about properties within the human community,” Shaya pointed out.
Nick waved a dismissive hand. “There are too many responsibilities roped up in that.”
“Hmm,” said Shaya, pursing her lips.
He narrowed his eyes. “Hmm? What does ‘hmm’ mean?”
Harley had to smile. Apparently she wasn’t the only one who found that irritating.
“Just that, you know, some people see it as a challenge,” replied Shaya. “It’s okay that challenges aren’t your thing.”
His spine snapped straight. “Hey, I like a challenge as much as the next Alpha.”
“But not enough to listen to my business idea,” said Shaya.
He tensed. “Business idea?”
“After we’ve dealt with Hector, we can buy the land neighboring ours. That’s a lot of space to—”
“And it will remain just space,” Nick insisted.
“Wait, hear me out. We could open a salon there, a little motel exclusive to shifters, a bakery—”
“Ooh yeah,” said Ally. “I’m getting tingles here. Actual tingles.”
Nick slashed a hand through the air. “No. No. No. No. No.”
Shaya sighed, impatient, and put her hands on her hips. “Look, this Hector crap has taught us one thing: a plot of land like that will attract buyers. We need to ensure we’re the buyers.”