The Real Werewives of Vampire County - By Alexandra Ivy Page 0,118

disobey the alpha, though many of those who weren’t glaring at Tiffany were giving him sidelong looks.

“Now,” he said, once the low rumble of opposition subsided to quieter levels, “she has informed us that she was connected to one by marriage, but no longer. She is not part of that world anymore, and wishes to make amends for her participation in their activities by bolstering our ranks. It is not an unreasonable request—and she could be a valuable addition to this pack.”

“She’s dangerous,” Vera sneered, “and I can’t believe you’re still willing to take her in, knowing what she is.”

Gabriel gave Vera a flat look. She soon quieted and turned her eyes down. Phillip, who had remained silent during the uproar, cleared his throat and spoke up after receiving a nod of acknowledgment from his pack leader.

“It takes an extraordinary person to admit when they are in the wrong. More so for someone to take so little prompting to wish to be a part of our pack. Ms. Winters, I will sign the contract, if you will accept me as your host.”

Tiffany gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as happy tears sprung to her eyes. Though some of the Weres maintained their dubious expressions, most showed grudging approval; a handful even clapped to show their support. Before she could answer, Vera snarled, slamming her hand on the table hard enough for the silverware to rattle.

“I can’t believe you people are falling for her story! Have any of you checked her background to ensure she’s who she says she is? That she’s really divorced? That she didn’t come here armed to kill us all?”

Gabriel growled, a deep, harsh sound that rolled through the room like thunder. Much to the other diners’ surprise, it was Tiffany’s voice that lashed out rather than their pack leader’s. She rose to her full height to point an accusatory finger at Vera.

“You have no right to be saying any of those things about me. You haven’t gotten to know me or given me any chance to prove myself to you!”

“There’s nothing to prove. You’re connected to hunters, and that makes you a menace to every one of us!”

“I’m not here to hurt anybody, you crazy bitch! Where the hell do you get off, making these unfounded accusations—”

“I’m looking out for the best interests of my packmates. Who do you think you’re fooling?” Vera snarled, her eyes glowing, ignoring the horrified looks of the other guests and the tugging on her arm by her husband in an effort to get her to settle down. “If Phillip signs that contract, I will hunt you down and kill you myself.”

Tiffany’s glare turned icy, reaching for a wineglass so she could fling the contents at her. Vera’s face and white Burberry top was splashed with the bloodred 2006 Château Mouton Rothschild Pauillac.

Save for Vera’s breaths, hissed through her teeth, dead silence reigned.

With careful, measured motions, the werewife rose from her seat, towering in her Proenza heels. No one, not even Gabriel, was ready to interfere.

Slowly, deliberately, Vera picked up a plate of crackers and Almas caviar (which, fortunately for Gabriel, was the cheaper, darker variety) and hurled it across the table at Tiffany. She ducked out of the way just in time for Damon, who was coming to her side in defense, to be beaned with it instead.

Howling a challenge, Vera vaulted onto and then across the table in one smooth motion, evading her husband’s grasping hands as he shouted at her to calm down. Tiffany shoved herself backward, knocking her chair over and sprawling as she tripped on her long skirt. Most of the other wolves quickly backed out of the way. Fur sprouted on Vera’s hands and arms, her face elongating as she dived off the table to where Tiffany now cowered on the floor.

She never landed. In one smooth movement, Cassandra rose from her chair and grabbed Vera by the throat, using the partially turned werewolf’s own momentum to swing and hurl her across the room. Vera slammed into the opposite wall, leaving a huge dent and sending artwork and mirrors crashing to the floor. She slumped to the ground, dazed and unmoving.

Tiffany was quick to tuck her silver dagger back in its sheath, praying none of the werewolves had noticed the weapon before it was hidden under her jewelry and sleeve again.

Gabriel and Cassandra both hurried to check on her and offer their apologies for Vera’s behavior, but many of the other werewolves were still