Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 134501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 448(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 448(@300wpm)
‘Well, you’ve already issued the temporary banishment, so it’s handled.’ Emberlyn shrugged. ‘If you chase after her to pull her on it, you’re just giving her the attention that she craves. You said you were done doing that.’
‘Your witch is right, Rip, don’t go give CeCe what she wants.’ Logan rose from his seat. ‘I gotta talk to Kerr about something real quick. Stick close to your woman, brother. The Reeds are still hovering.’
Heaving a sigh, Ripper nodded.
As Logan strode off, Emberlyn said, ‘I don’t think she thought you were serious about issuing a temporary banishment.’
Ripper’s brows flicked together as he sank onto the chair. ‘I don’t make idle threats. And I’d never undermine my own authority by not living up to my word.’
‘I know, but it’s a super serious punishment.’
‘Which she all but dared me to issue.’
‘Daring an Alpha is never wise.’ Emberlyn bit into a piece of potato and then angled the stick toward Ripper. ‘Want some?’
His honeydew-green eyes warming, he swiped a full slice of potato right off the stick with his teeth. ‘So you’re feeding me now?’
‘Fuck, no. You’re only getting one slice. This is mine.’
He chuckled, low and throaty. It was a rusty sound, and it had her mesmerized.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh before.’
He shrugged. ‘Never really had much to laugh about. Then came you.’
Warmth blossomed in her belly. ‘Dude, you’re making me want to jump you right here in front of everyone.’
His eyes lit up. ‘I’m good with that, it’s . . .’ He trailed off, his brow furrowing as his gaze shifted to something over her shoulder.
Tracking his gaze, Emberlyn saw that Paisley was on her way back to the table. There was no Kage with her this time.
She held out a brown paper bag. ‘Funnel cake, as ordered,’ she said around the lollipop in her mouth.
Emberlyn smiled brightly and took the bag. ‘Thank you.’
Just then, Logan reappeared. And he was eyeing Paisley like he’d never met her before. ‘You’re wearing a pink tiara.’
‘I know,’ said Paisley, adjusting its position.
‘And your hair is covered in glitter,’ he added.
‘Stating the obvious, but yes.’
‘You also have unicorn tattoos all over your neck and arms.’
‘They’ll wash off. Sadly.’
Logan frowned at the smeared face paint. ‘Why a tiger?’
‘What is it with all the questions?’
‘I only asked one.’
‘One is one too many.’ Putting a hand to her stomach, she looked at Emberlyn. ‘I think I’ve eaten too much candy. I don’t feel so good. The tractor ride didn’t help.’
Logan cocked his head. ‘Isn’t that for kids?’
‘Again with the questions,’ Paisley huffed.
Standing upright, Emberlyn waved her over. ‘Come sit.’
As Paisley went to skirt around the table, Logan reared back and threw up his hands. She frowned. ‘Why are you backing away?’
‘I’m not good with children,’ he replied.
Paisley gasped in offense. ‘You shithead.’
Emberlyn started to laugh.
Logan gave Paisley an appeasing look. ‘Oh, come on, you can’t walk around like that and expect not to be the butt of somebody’s joke.’ He glanced at the male approaching the table. ‘Crew, control your woman.’
Crew frowned. ‘My w—what the fuck?’
Paisley set a hand on her hip. ‘Why are you gawping at me?’
‘How can I not? It looks like a kids’ classroom puked on you,’ Crew marveled in sheer dismay.
Paisley notched up her chin. ‘I’m happy. Isn’t that what’s important?’
‘I – well – I mean – not right now.’
Paisley growled. ‘You’re all dicks. Emberlyn, stop laughing!’
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
‘That was quite a day,’ said Emberlyn.
Oh, she wasn’t wrong. Sinking into the sofa of the manor’s living room, Ripper patted the spot beside him and draped an arm over the back of the couch. ‘And a profitable one for you.’ There had been barely any stock left on her table when the fair came to an end.
She slumped onto the sofa. ‘It usually is,’ she said, listing into him with a yawn.
He nuzzled her hair, inhaling. She smelled good. Smelled of her, him, magick, strawberry shampoo and her signature floral perfume. ‘Tired?’
‘A little.’ She slung an arm around his waist. ‘Thank you for hanging with me at the stall today. I know it had to have been pretty boring.’
‘Being with you is never boring.’
A door slammed shut upstairs.
‘You know, I’m getting used to that.’ The banging, the whispering, the furniture moving, the eerie noises. ‘I didn’t even freak this morning when my empty mug slid across the table.’
‘It’s just life at the manor.’ She tipped her head back to meet his eyes. ‘Your house isn’t free of spirits, you know.’
Ripper felt his brows draw together. ‘What?’
‘I only saw two—’
‘You saw two?’
‘Nothing malevolent,’ she assured him. ‘They both used to live there, though not at the same time. That’s all I picked up from them.’
‘How come you never mentioned it before?’
‘I didn’t want you feeling uncomfortable in your home. But you said you’re getting used to ghostly stuff now, so . . .’ She let her eyes close, giving him a little more of her weight.