her to the dock.”
“It’s true. The current was carrying her away,” fish girl replies.
Fish face looks up at me hopefully, her bulging eyes spinning with worry. Like the rest of us, she took a beating. I can’t believe she made it out and I gotta give her props for helping Emme.
“Is the Head Witch nice, like Emme says, wolf?” she asks me. “Do you think the Great Genevieve will spare us?”
“Are you kidding?” I reply. “Genevieve’s a bitch. She’ll skin you alive and use your hide for dinner napkins.”
Emme gasps. “Bren!” She speaks through her teeth. “I’m on the phone with her now and she can hear you.”
“Oh.” I scratch my beard. “Waddup, girlfriend?” I ask into the phone.
“Burn in hell, mongrel,” Genevieve replies.
Like always, Genevieve keeps her voice calm and maintains her composure. I chuckle and finish drying off. I have to give it to Genevieve. I only saw her lose her shit once. It was all Taran’s fault and it was fuckin’ glorious.
Emme turns away, apologizing for my “actions, crass, and rudeness.” I don’t get it. I asked how she was doing.
When their conversation ends, Emme’s features soften and she addresses the witches. “The weres are to escort you to the Head Witch’s compound. There, you’ll be granted an audience with her and her council.”
“But will she kill us?” the mouse squeaks.
Emme isn’t one to lie. She also isn’t one to offer false hope. “Genevieve is not pleased with your actions, but she’s willing to hear your side. I explained how you helped us, for that she is thankful.” She smiles. “So is my brother-in-law, Aric. He promised to speak to Genevieve on your behalf.”
The mouse addresses the vampire. “What about you? Did you tell your master how we helped you and Emme?”
The vamp scoffs. “Hell no. The master doesn’t care.”
I make a face. “He really doesn’t,” I agree.
Man, Emme is seriously cute, even when she’s shooting us dirty looks and all but smacking us upside the head. She pauses as she catches everything south of my waist, blushing when she sees me notice.
I do her a solid and tie the towel around my waist. She clears her throat, after another glance my way and speaks quietly to the witches. “I will talk to Misha as well. But it’s Genevieve you’re obliged to meet with first.” She hands the cougar back his phone. “My brother-in-law, Miakoda Lightfoot, and my sister, his mate, Shayna, will meet you and the witches outside Genevieve’s compound. They’re en route now. I apologize, but my family are the only ones permitted onto the premises. Are you available to take Farrah and Merche?”
The cougar grins. “Anything for you,” he says.
Anything for you, I repeat in my head. Asshole.
I shove my way between them, grinning all the while baring my teeth. It’s a rare talent. Feel free to envy me at any time.
I clasp his shoulder, hard enough to almost knock him to the ground. “Looks like you have everything squared away. Great job.” I clamp down again when he starts to rise, making a point to pretend to look around. “Good job team. Way to be heroes.”
The weres collectively nod and grunt, seemingly proud and feeling good about themselves. You know who can hype up a crowd? This guy. Right here.
I sling my arm around Emme and lead her toward the walkway, pulling her close when the breeze pics up and she shivers. “Are Shayna and Koda coming for you after they’re done at Vieve’s? Or do you need me to take you back to your place?”
Emme pauses at the end of the dock. She lifts her chin to better see me, her demeanor changing from someone who’s had one hell of a night to someone who doesn’t want her night to end.
“I don’t want to go home to my family,” she tells me. “Bren…I want to go home with you.”
Chapter Sixteen
Bren
I know that look. I see it all the time at the end of last call. It usually comes from a were who was eyeing me up all night, or on a rare occasion, a human who isn’t put off by the beast within me.
I’ve never seen that look on Emme.
But tonight, I really want to.
Without thinking, I tuck her close against me, just like I would that were or woman who wants me.
No.
That’s a goddamn lie.
I ease my hold. Emme is my friend. That sweet gal I’ve known for years. The timid one who’s fine walking behind her sisters so she never