got into his car. I went into my bar, only turning to wave at him as he pulled out.
I hustled to get the bar ready for opening, and once I was done, I had to turn on the Open sign and wait.
It only took thirty minutes for Heath, Carey, and Landon to walk in.
“Wait!” I ordered them at the door. “This is a reputable establishment, and we do not allow minors!”
“Jacky!” Carey whined. I grinned at her.
“But you can sit nicely at the bar before others show up, and no one has to know.” I winked at her, and her replying laugh made my heart easy. I could worry about whatever responsibilities Hasan wanted to throw at me tomorrow. Or when he finally told me. There was no reason for them to ruin my day.
“So, he’s gone?” Heath asked, looking around. “He’s not going to pop out and ruin my drink?”
“No, he’s not going to pop out. He drove off about an hour and a half ago. I’m sorry your Saturday nights were ruined the last few weeks.”
“He hovers, and it’s odd. It was like he thought I was trying something.” Heath sighed. “Landon, do you want anything?”
“Yes, please.” Landon stepped closer but didn’t sit down. He watched me carefully, and I waited for him to come to his judgment about me today. “He has something to tell you.” He gestured to his father. I raised an eyebrow at Heath for a second, who growled softly. “And I would like a brandy if you have it,” Landon continued.
“Coming right up. Heath, what’s this thing you need to tell me?” I grabbed glasses down and began to get everyone what they wanted. Carey would only ever drink juice in my bar because I refused to serve her anything else except water. Heath wanted a beer. Landon was the one who always switched it up. Brandy, mixed drink, beer, water—he was the most inconsistent customer I’d ever had.
“We’ll talk about it after these two leave,” he answered, gesturing at his children.
“All right, then.” That meant it was important and not for Carey’s ears.
“Dad!”
“No,” we said to her at the same time. She frowned but didn’t fight us. I sighed.
“Your birthday is in a week, right?” I asked, leaning over to talk to her as I slid her drink to her. She grabbed it like a pro before it went over the edge of the bar.
“Yup.”
“Have you figured out what you want me to get you?” I waited, and she shrugged. “Carey…”
“I mean…” She made a face. “Surprise me.”
I groaned, letting my head hit the bar. Impossible. Heath and Landon were no help, laughing in delight at my situation.
And so, it went. Another day with some of my favorite people. Carey refused to give up an answer to me for two hours, and when a human customer walked in, Landon ushered her out to take her home. I was able to snag a hug before she was whisked away.
“I’ll give you a list of things we need to grab before the horse gets here,” Heath offered. “You can grab some of the items off it, and we’ll make it a gift from all three of us.”
“Really?” That touched me. It was lazy, but…I was being included in the family gift to her. Somehow, that privilege felt more like a gift to me from Heath than it did a gift for Carey.
“Really. We’ll let you sign the card and everything.” He smiled at me. “So, that important thing…”
“Get on with it,” I ordered, waving my rag at him.
“The North American Werewolf Council asked me to take a special role. Ambassador to werecats. I was offered this role thanks to my friendship with a particular werecat who happens to be part of a very important family, and that means we can—”
“Stop.” I held up a hand. “I don’t need to hear any more. I’m about to be offered a few family positions too. How about we pretend none of that is going on while we’re in this bar and try to have a normal night?”
He chuckled, and something curled in me. I hated his chuckle, but it sounded so good.
“Yeah, we can do that,” he said, leaning on the bar with that small smile.
I caught something in his scent. I had before, but the circumstances had prevented me from putting too much thought into it.
Now I had the time, and what I caught made my eyes go wide. I met his grey-blue gaze, confused what the man could possibly be attracted to.
“I figured if we’re going to be friends, you should know the feelings are mutual,” he explained softly.
Heath Everson was attracted to me.
“No.” I pointed at him. “No. We’re not doing this. Nothing weird tonight. Drink your beer. I’m going to tend my bar.”
He only laughed.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading!
I adore writing this woman. Jacky is honestly more of a story about family than anything else. She’s part of several and each one of them have a definite impact on who she is and the decisions she makes. They will probably always play a very important role in her stories, and there’s so many family members to explore, I honestly can’t wait.
I wish I could tell you how long this series will be, but the honest truth is, I don’t know. I have major events in the lives of these characters I really want you to see and I’m willing to go the distance when it comes to the series to make sure those get on the page. I really hope you’re willing to stay on this ride with me!
And if you’ve been wondering, yes there’s some romance in this series and it will be on the page once it comes. Whenever that might be.
And if I still have you… come join me in being a little bit crazy in The Banet Pride, my facebook reader’s group. I post exclusive content and all the good stuff is posted there first, like covers!
Acknowledgments
Let’s get started with the obvious, as I will every time. My husband, who supports me through every book, even if he’s never read them. He believes in me and I love him for it.
To my girls, Leigh, Katie, and Becca, who listen to my endless ramblings about plots and future ideas. Who lose me for days on end as I dive into another book. Your friendship is my touch stone to come out of the story and know there are people waiting on me to come back.
To my editors, both amazing. Everyone give Katie (I know, 2 Katies!) and Sandy a huge thank you if you ever get the chance. Then my beta readers, all fantastic. Without the team behind me, these wonderful people, I would never be able to bring these books to the world.
An last, but not least, you the reader. The reader who keeps coming back reading more and more. You join me my journeys through worlds unknown and stories of strong women and men fighting for what they believe in. Even more importantly, you believe in me enough to see me try something outside of the reverse harem genre with Jacky Leon.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
About the Author
KristenBanetAuthor.com
K.N. Banet loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head. Worlds of action, adventure, trying times, and true love are the things that get her writing.
She might be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed. You might want to try asking her husband, two dogs, and cat.
You can join her in being a little bit crazy in The Banet Pride, her facebook reader’s group.
Also by K. N. Banet
The Tribunal Archives
Urban Fantasy
Jacky Leon
Oath Sworn
Family and Honor
Broken Loyalty
Kaliya Sahni
Bounty
Also By Kristen Banet
Reverse Harem
Epic Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance
Age of the Andinna
The Gladiator’s Downfall
The Mercenary’s Bounty
The Warrior’s Assault
The Rebel’s Vision
Witch of the Wild West
Bounty Hunters and Black Magic
Werewolves and Wranglers
Complete Series
The Redemption Saga
A Life of Shadows
A Heart of Shame
A Nature of Conflict
An Echo of Darkness
A Night of Redemption
Wild Junction
The Kingson Pride Series
Wild Pride
Wild Fire
Wild Souls
Wild Love
The Wolves of Wild Junction Duet
Prey to the Heart
Heart of the Pack