Page 144 of Cursed Bonds: An Alpha's Destiny

Kirsten ran her hand over my chest and stomach. “Can you trust her? After what she did?”

I sighed, trailing my fingers through her hair. “I honestly don’t know, but we’re gonna find out pretty damn fast.”

Chapter 11

Kirsten

“I wish you didn’t have to leave,” I said to Tinsley as we stood on the porch.

She shifted her small suitcase from one hand to the other. “I must get back to the store, but I promise I’ll come back again next weekend.”

“Who’ll help me learn, though?” I hated the plaintiveness in my voice, like a child who didn’t get what they wanted for Christmas.

Tinsley put her suitcase case down and placed her hands on my shoulders. “At this point, I don’t think you need any help. You’re getting stronger every day. You know what you’re doing now. Trust the magic.”

I blew out a breath and tucked my hair behind my ear. “Easier said than done.”

“Either way, I’ll be here to help you. I’m only a phone call away.”

“You’re right,” I said, giving her a quick hug. “Thanks for all your help. I’m not sure where I’d be without you.”

Tinsley pinched my cheek softly. “Kiddo, you’d be just fine. I have no doubt.”

That strangely old-fashioned gesture reminded me that Tinsley, however young she looked, was old enough to be my grandmother.

She picked up her bag and headed down the steps. Before she got to her car, Tank came speed-walking from around the side of the house. From the look on his face, he’d probably spent the last ten or fifteen minutes working up the courage to say something to her.

“Hey, uh, Tinsley?”

“Yes, Hank?” So far, Tinsley was the only person who addressed him by his proper name and not his nickname. If she was surprised by his appearance, her face didn’t show it.

Tank fidgeted with his hands and barely made eye contact with Tinsley. “I was maybe wondering if… well, what I wanted to say was, uh, perhaps…” He stopped short, then cleared his throat and said in one quick rush, “Would you maybe want to go on a date with me?”

Tinsley eyed him speculatively. I shuffled behind one of the porch posts, suddenly feeling like I was intruding on a private moment.

“I was wondering when you’d ask. I’d love to.” Tinsley grinned at him, and Tank’s face broke into a relieved smile.

“Really?” he said. “I wasn’t sure if you even knew who I was.”

“Oh, I noticed you.” Her gaze traveled suggestively over his body, and Tank’s cheeks grew red.

“Looks like our pack may end up with two witches.”

I spun to see Jace inching his way out of the front door to join me. In the driveway, Tinsley and Tank had their phones out and were exchanging numbers. Tank put her suitcase in her car for her. He gave her what I could only describe as the world’s most awkward hug, but Tinsley laughed good-naturedly and waved at us.

“See you next weekend,” she said as she got into the driver seat.

We watched her drive away, Tank staring at her taillights until she was out of sight.

“I think I want to do some more training today,” I said.

“I’m out!” Tank shouted, waving his hands in the air. “Nope. Not me. No way.”

Jace laughed at him. “Well, you’re in luck. I plan on hanging out here all day. You’re off guard duty today.”

Tank threw his head back and hooted at the sky. “Hell, yeah. I’ve had about five hours of sleep over the last three days. I’m gonna crash so hard. See you guys later.”

He shifted and bounded off down the driveway.

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