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)
Eli kept on rubbing her shoulders until the tension finally ebbed out of them. Her anger hadn’t yet left her, but it was no longer burning so hot that she wasn’t thinking straight.
“Now I get why you didn’t tell me this on the phone. You were worried I’d storm over to Ignacio’s territory with the intention of slitting his throat, weren’t you?”
“Something like that,” Eli admitted, tugging her close. His wolf rubbed against her again, giving comfort this time.
“Tell me the truth. Are any of your pack mates angry with me?”
He frowned, jerking his head back slightly. “Why would they be angry at you?”
“Because what Kathy said a few weeks ago was right: I brought Ignacio into your life. It would be easy for someone to blame me for this when their emotions are running high.”
Eli narrowed his eyes. Ah, so that was the reason for the niggle of guilt he could feel pecking at their bond. “You hold no blame whatsoever in this, and you know better than to take any responsibility for another person’s actions. To answer your question, no. None of their anger is directed at you.” Or if it was, nobody had voiced it. He’d chew a metaphorical chunk out of the ass of anyone who dared to.
Casey rubbed a hand down her face. Intellectually, she knew he was right; knew the blame belonged solely to whoever the culprit might be—and she was leaning toward Ignacio, despite that Eli’s points were valid. But the guilt was there all the same.
“I’m not the only one feeling guilty, though, am I?” she challenged without heat. “It was faint at first, so I didn’t pick it up through the bond until your anger, shock, and fear faded.” The emotions were still there, but they were no longer so intense.
He exhaled heavily. “She was shot on my watch, Casey.”
“Not just your watch. It was Zander’s, too. In total, you had five other adults with you. Granted, Derren’s attention would have been mostly on Ally. But he’s a Beta—his instincts will have had him sweeping rooftops with his eyes and constantly studying his surroundings, watching out for threats. Nick will have been doing the same, even though his attention will have also been divided between his mate and pups.”
Eli’s jaw hardened. “He trusted that I’d protect them.”
“You did exactly what you were supposed to do. You acted fast. You got Cassidy out of harm’s way. You have nothing to feel guilty about. And if anyone tells you differently, I’ll shatter their fucking kneecaps.”
His mouth twitched. “You will, huh?”
“I will.” Casey puffed out a breath. “God, this has been one weird day.”
“What do you mean?”
“Adrian called me when I was on my way here. He spoke with Sherryl’s aunt. It seems that Sherryl was attacked last night.”
Eli blinked. “She was attacked, or she just claimed she was attacked?”
“She was attacked. Her aunt visited her. Said she’s in a bad way. Vera wouldn’t lie—especially about something like that.”
“Adrian thought you did it, didn’t he?”
“That or you sent someone to hurt her on my behalf. But I told him that you promised to let me deal with her.”
“I’d never undermine you by sending somebody else as if you couldn’t deal with the bitch yourself.”
“I know. I just don’t know who did hurt her.”
Eli rubbed at his jaw. “It could have been Mallory. Maybe even Preston.”
“Possibly. Adrian said he’d speak to them about it. Right now, it’s Cassidy I’m worried about. I don’t mind admitting I was scared when I felt your fear. It rushed down the bond so hard and fast it almost knocked me on my ass. Seriously, if I hadn’t been on my knees at the time, I probably would have lost my footing.”
“You were on your knees?”
“Yeah, I dropped my bottle of lotion on the floor. It burst.”
“Burst?”
“Just erupted. Like a fountain. Spurted cream everywhere. I had it all over me—even in my hair. A big dollop of it landed on my lip—if my mouth had been open, I’d have had to spit it …” Seeing his mouth kick up into a smile, Casey pressed her lips together. “Forget I said anything.”
The front door opened, and Kathy stuck her head out. She frowned. “What are you two doing out here? Come in, I’m making sandwiches.” She disappeared into the lodge.
Casey looked at Eli and echoed, “Sandwiches?”
“Mom makes them when she’s mad or anxious. It’s just her outlet, I guess.” He kissed Casey’s head, curved his arm around her shoulders, and steered her toward the door. “Come on. Quick warning: the mood is not good inside. Cassidy’s in bed. Willow and Shaya are in her room with her. I think most of the other females would be up there too if they weren’t busy trying to keep their mates calm.”
Walking into the living area a few moments later, Casey saw what he meant. Gwen was hugging Zander tight as he stared out of the window. Ally was leaning into a rigid Derren on the sofa, stroking his thigh. Madisyn was sitting behind a scowling Bracken on the armchair, massaging his neck and shoulders. Caleb and Kent were holding hands as they watched Nick pace up and down in front of the fireplace. The Alpha looked close to exploding.