Page 28 of Blood, Shadow & Claw

"Girl, you're looking all kinds of disheveled and satisfied,"Eva teased, her curly red hair bouncing as she leaned across the table to hand me a mug. The steam from the coffee curled up, carrying with it the scent of hazelnuts and a hint of mischief.

"Let's just say there are perks to being mated to an umbra. Especially one who doubles as a personal heater,"I replied, my cheeks heating in a telltale blush.

"Personal heater with benefits, huh?"Faith chimed in, her pigtails swaying as she nudged me with her elbow, a twinkle in her big brown eyes. "Beats my electric blanket," she said.

Laughter bubbled up around the table, and I was swept into their easy camaraderie. It was strange how quickly these women, once strangers, had become confidantes, sisters in spirit if not by blood.

"Speaking of last night,"Hope said, her voice dipping into a conspiratorial whisper, "Tell us Eva… how was... you know?"

"Enlightening."her answer was cryptic, but the knowing look that passed among them needed no further explanation.

"Damn, girl!"Faith blurted out. "Did you hit that?"

Hope swatted at her sister as we all laughed at Eva's expression.

"I didn't get a chance to talk to him,"Eva admitted with a sheepish expression. "However, he was just coming in from a run, and he does have that outdoor shower."

More catcalls and laughing erupted between us girls.

"You cheeky umbra!"Hope admonished. "Did you watch him take a shower? What a creeper!"

Her dancing eyes belayed any censure from her words.

"I didn't mean to!"Eva blurted out hurriedly."But he was there, and then my body froze, and I couldn't move.Let'ssay I'm reevaluating certain societal stigmas attached to women enjoying certain activities,"she ventured, pausing to take a sip of her coffee, savoring the taste and the moment of shared understanding.

"Damn straight,"Hope added, "Why should men have all the fun? We've got just as much right to embrace our primal side."

"Hope advocating for sexual liberation? This is one for the history books,"Faith joked, earning a rare smirk from her elder sister.

"Even a cold fish gets warm when the water heats up,"Hope quipped, and we all dissolved into giggles.

"Speaking of heat,"I said, seizing the moment, "I might need some advice. I got another text message..."

Their laughter faded, replaced by an attentive silence. With a deep breath, I recounted the mysterious message, the words feeling heavier than they looked on the screen.

"Sounds like someone's got their claws out for you,"Eva noted, her expression grave.

"Maybe,"I admitted. "But who?"

"Could be anyone,"Eva mused, her gaze distant, sharp. "However, this doesn't sit right. You've told Ajax, right?"

I nodded. "This morning. He went into town to speak with the police."

"Why aren't you with him?"Raylene asked from across the pathway. I had yet to see her approach. "Maybe somebody is jealous of how quickly the umbra’s have taken to you. Outsiders aren't always welcome."

"Outsider?"The word stung more than I cared to admit.

"Raylene, chill,"Faith interjected. "Mazie's one of us now. She and Alpha are not only mates, and the moon goddess blesses them. Spread your hate elsewhere. Right, guys?"

A chorus of affirmations rose around me, buoying my spirits.

"Thanks,"I said, touched by their solidarity. "You guys are the best. I need to watch my back."

"More like bare your claws,"Eva added with a determined glint in her eyes.

"Or teeth,"Hope suggested, her smile widening. "Nothing says 'back off'like a good old-fashioned growl."

"There's not a one of you I'd be afraid of. Perhaps you should heed the warnings, Mazie,"Raylenestated before turning and leavingus staring dumbly at her departing form.

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