Page 68 of Wicching Hour

“These two, Jake and Tyler, tried to stay. They had been happy there, but the pack dynamics changed. The men have been together for decades. Alexander was a strong enough Alpha to keep everyone in line. Once Marcus took over and other strong wolves left, the ones remaining had issues with gay wolves and made sure their problems were everyone’s.”

“Assholes,” I grumbled.

“Yes. So, they moved down here and applied for the Big Sur Pack. Apparently, the Alpha before Logan turned them away. When Logan took over, they tried again, but Logan and his buddies thought it was hilarious and did nothing to support the men or bring them into the pack.”

I grabbed his arm. “But you can, right? Wolves who want to be in a pack shouldn’t have to be on their own.”

Declan tipped his head. “We’ll see. I’m trying, though. I was only made aware of them a few days ago. They have a cabin on a large tract of land in the mountains. I went to meet them and invite them into the pack. One of them, Tyler, seemed ready to try. The other, Jake, told me to fuck off. Given the way they’ve been treated, I get it.”

“We could invite them to dinner,” I suggested. “Once they get to know you, how can they say no?”

Declan gave me a kiss. “We’ll see. I’m not going to force them. They’re both strong, mature wolves. They know what they’re comfortable with. I asked if they’ve been getting more irritated lately. They didn’t tell me yes or no, but I got the feeling from Tyler that he was concerned about Jake.”

“Did you explain about Cal?” I asked.

He nodded. “I told them we had a sorcerer in Monterey who was messing with the wolves, amping up the aggression. Tyler looked relieved to know there was reason for what they’d been feeling. Again, this is just me picking up on emotion and body language. Neither trusted me enough to tell me anything.”

“Okay.” I rested my head on his shoulder, suddenly sleepy. “You’ve extended the olive branch. Hopefully, they’ll take it.”

Declan adjusted me on his lap so I could nap on him more comfortably. “I’m telling you this,” he said, arms wrapped around me, “because I asked if they’d be interested in taking on a side job as personal guards for you until we find and stop your cousin.”

Resting my hand on his chest and listening to his strong heartbeat, I yawned. “Good idea.” And I was out.

For the second time this morning, I was awakened by knocking. “Go ’way,” I mumbled. Declan stretched beneath me, and I knew I was going to have to get up. Stupid visitors.

“Oh. These are the two I told you about,” Declan said, standing easily while still holding me. He opened the door. “Good morning. Why don’t you have a seat. We’ll be right out.”

“Is she okay?” one of them asked.

“Yeah. Exhausted. She worked all night.”

At that point, knowing more sleep was out of the question, I rolled my head to the side to see our visitors. “Hey.”

THIRTY-ONE

Sunshine & Rain

They were tall and muscular, but only one of them smiled. They looked to be extremely fit men in their late twenties, but werewolves wereverylong-lived, so who knew how old they actually were? The one who smiled had light brown hair, mossy green eyes, and wire-rimmed spectacles. He wore aDr. Whot-shirt, blue jeans, and running shoes.

I smiled back. “You’re Tyler.”

His grin got bigger. “I am.”

I turned to his partner and found black eyes, with ridiculously long eyelashes, scrutinizing me—and I was not passing muster. Of course, Declan was still carrying me, but whatever. I wasn’t getting anger or disgust from him, just questions. His skin was darker than his partner’s, a natural deep tan. He had straight black hair pulled back in a tail and a short beard on his very handsome face. He wore a button-down, black jeans, and black boots.

“Jake,” I said. “It’s nice to meet you both. Give me a minute, okay?” I tapped Declan’s arm, and he put me down. I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Declan was right. My eyes looked tired. I did a quick glamour spell to hide that and went out to the kitchen to make a better impression by offering up brownies, cookies, and lemon squares. Remembering I’d been sleeping on Declan, I took off my gloves, went to my backpack for the octopus bottle, and then donned new gloves.

Declan and the guys were still out on the deck. I brought out a loaded plate and found Declan on the bench by the back door, while Tyler and Jake sat on the ocean side. No one was speaking. That couldn’t be good.

“Can I offer you something to eat? And I have water, milk, coffee, tea, grape soda, and beer.” I held the plate out to them.

Tyler’s eyes lit up. “Oh, can I take a few?”

“Please do,” I said. Jake was glaring at Declan.Shit.What did I miss? “What can I get you to drink?”

“Is it too much to ask for a cup of tea?” Tyler asked.

I laughed. “I think you’ve forgotten who you’re talking to. Wicches are all about tea. Jake, can I offer you anything?”

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