The Hunt (By Kiss and Claw #2) - Melissa Haag Page 0,126
he knew how to kiss. What if Ashlyn, the human who’d been stuck in Uttira her entire life, had been his first kiss? The likelihood of Ashlyn not knowing how to kiss was extremely high.
“Silence isn’t talking,” Megan said. “What bad do you think you’ve been doing?”
“Keeping the reason behind Ashlyn’s disappearance secret from the Council. Being rude to just about every adult in my life. Almost killing Piepen at least three times because he keeps sneaking into my room. Letting my own life drama get in the way of watching after the humans like I should be.” I took a big breath and admitted my worst sin. “Enthralling Fenris.”
“First, you’re not keeping the secret from the Council now. I am. And, if the adults you’re rude to include Adira or anyone else on the Council, then it’s allowed. As for Piepen, bless your sweet southern soul for having the level of restraint you do. If I’d been the one, he’d be dead already. So I hardly think your efforts fall into the bad category. And it’s not your job to watch over the humans. That’s Adira’s job.”
There was a long moment of silence.
“Saying nothing about that last bit is probably going to kill me, but I don’t want my phone taken away from me just yet. I can tell you still need to talk. I’m here to listen.”
“It was an accident. I always pay attention. I thought I was keeping it all under control.” I rubbed my forehead. “I didn’t see it until it was already done. But I’m working on a fix. Fenris should be fine by the time you get back.”
“Come on, Oanen. Just five words of friendly advice.”
“Stay out of it,” I heard him warn in the background.
“Fine. Eliana, I love you, and I will never consider you putting your hoo-doo on anyone a black mark against your soul. Do you know why? Because you are what the gods made you. You’re fighting so hard against your nature. More than anyone else I know. And if that effort doesn’t tip the scales in your favor, I don’t know what will. So breathe easy. I don’t have a one-way ticket to hell with your name on it. I’m sure of it.”
“I’d still feel better if we could put off seeing each other for a little longer. At least until Fenris is better?”
“I’m not sure I’m willing to wait that long.”
“At least three more days?”
“I’ll try.”
“Any chance you could avoid the Fifth Avenue area of Manhattan today, too? Mom’s taking me shopping for her club’s opening night tonight.”
“Mmm. Sounds interesting. I expect pictures of all the dress options and a picture before you leave the house. No friend of mine is going to show up to Nicolette’s grand opening looking like a frump.”
I grinned.
“I believe I said hobo,” I said, remembering the text I’d sent Oanen. “But, yes, I’ll send you pictures.”
“Good. And make sure your up does what it’s supposed to do. And wear those killer earrings. Seriously, those things were huge. Thanks for loaning them to me.”
The door to the house opened, and Jenna stepped out. She looked slightly dazed, and her lips were swollen.
“Jenna’s back. I better go.”
“Pictures!” Megan yelled before hanging up.
Jenna stood on Kelsey’s stoop for a full minute before she took a deep breath and stripped. Her shape shimmered, and a wolf sprinted out of Kelsey’s yard.
I started the car, listened to two songs, then got out to get her clothes. The scent of her lust clung to the material. Everything went into the trunk, and I grabbed another chocolate bar.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“There,” I said, stepping back from Jenna. “You can look now.”
She gracefully stood and turned toward the full-length mirror, the sleek dress she wore glittering as she moved. The blue and emerald sequins covering her breasts and hips and the sheer mesh teal panels that connected those pieces together, hugged her trim figure and drew the eyes. As did the extreme side slits that allowed movement.
The stunning dress highlighted the elegant waterfall of hair I’d styled in soft curls over one of her shoulders. But the true beauty was Jenna, herself. The natural makeup I’d artfully applied had transformed her. And I knew she saw it when she stared at herself in the mirror for a long, shocked moment.
“You’re a magician, Eliana.”
“Not at all. That’s all you, Jenna. The makeup and dress only accentuates what you already had.”
She smiled softly at herself then fixed her gaze on me.