Page 76 of Shaken Knot Stirred

The ring.

Nico had come for the ring. He told me after the third time he broke in. We had finally made it to the bedroom that time instead of crashing into each other where we stood. He didn’t have to tell me it was Beg who sent him. Beg would be the only one.

Tattoos. Jewerly. Brands. Matching jammies. Most packs had something that denoted pack ties. The Knightbridges chose rings. A handful of the original rings were left to Win. He’d given one to Pay, of course. I got one, and he skipped right over Beg. I never asked why, and I didn’t care. Beg did, however.

Lana stood unflinching, but I knew it took something more than swallowing pride to come ask for it.

“If Beg asked you…”

“He doesn’t know I’m here.”

I nodded. What I wouldn’t give for auracle skills right now. I wanted to put her in the foe category, someone to take down with Beg. I couldn’t, not with knowing Nico would protect her with his life.

“Why?”

She looked down at the water before her, and turned it slightly, contemplating the question.

“They left with Beg last night. Right after you.”

I exhaled long and slow and rested my forearms on the counter. She didn’t need to say, “and they’re not back.”

She picked at the paper label. “I…” she cleared her throat, “I don’t have anything else Beg wants.”

I tapped my bottle on the counter. She was trying to buy them back. Nico, I could understand. They were packmates.

“Why Moxie?” I asked.

Lana looked up at me and scoured me with her own auracle look. She had to know I cared for Nico and for Moxie. My littlestunt last night had told the entire world. But what was Moxie to her?

She licked her lips and set the water bottle away from her, folding her hands on the top of the counter.

“She’s my scent match.”

The words landed like planets colliding. I hung my head as the implications rolled over me. Moxie was scent matched to my brother’s pack, to Nico.

“He doesn’t know,” she added softly. I just nodded.

I took a sip of the cool water and screwed the cap back on. The junk drawer didn’t make a sound as I slid it open. I sorted through some take-out menus and bamboo chopsticks. The ring glittered despite the indignity of its current home.

I walked around the counter and held it out to Lana. She took it and pondered it for a second. So much drama over something so inconsequential.

“We’ll get them back.” I whispered and stroked the back of her arm, making a promise I had no idea if I could keep.

She nodded once and put the ring in the pocket of her dress. I stepped back, giving her a pathway towards the open door. She paused with her hand on the knob and turned back to me.

Her face was a pretty mask framed by gold. Sorrow more than desperation darkened her blue eyes.

“You should have taken her while you had the chance.” She flashed a sad smile and shut the door.

Anger burst. I shot out a hand and slapped her untouched water bottle clear across my barren apartment.

Chapter 42

Nico

My mouth was pastybut filled with the most delicious thing I had ever tasted. I groaned, lifting my arm, then dropped it back down. Everything hurt. My second attempt to rub my eyes was more successful. Something cold and sharp stabbed me in the cheek. I got my eyes to focus on the broken handcuff on my wrist.

“Hey, sleepy.”

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