Page 11 of Soul Bound

“And what exactly do you need my brother’s help with?”

Unflinching, I meet her gaze. “I would rather talk to him about that.”

Her eyes narrow and she looks me over, like really looks me over, like she’s trying to decipher a puzzle or something. At first, I think she’s going to argue, but instead, she shrugs. “Fair enough.” She takes another sip of her drink. “I’m starving. Are you hungry? I’m going to use Ranger’s credit card and order pizza. Do you want any?” She whips out her cell phone and starts tapping away at the screen.

Finally snapping, I jump to my feet and throw my hands up in frustration. “So are we just not going to talk about the giantneonpink elephant in the room?”

Elephant? More likewerewolf.

Remi looks up from the screen and smiles at me. “I am so relieved you said something first because I didn’t know how much longer I was going to be able to keep my mouth shut.”

Taken aback for a second, I drop my hands. “Okay I—”

“What is going on with thecoat? Is it a fashion choice? Did you not have anything else to wear and the trench coat was the only option? You look like a detective or some shit in a bad ’80s movie.” She cringes as she waves a hand at me.

I lose it. I take off the offensive article of clothing and throw it to the ground so it’s no longer a distraction. “No, I’m not talking about my coat! I’m talking about what just happened outside, they turned into wolves! One second they were humans and the next they werewerewolves. And we are sitting here talking about pizza and my coat like nothing happened!” I gesture at where my jacket lies on the floor now. “I don’t want to talk about that, I want to talk about them!” I point wildly at the front door we had walked through, knowing what’s on the other side.

Remi bites her bottom lip. “Ohthat.”

“Yes, that.” I nod tightly. “I’m not going to freak out if you tell me, but not talking about it like nothing happenedisfreaking me out.” Because it makes me doubt what I saw is real, and I don’t need more uncertainty in my life.

Okay, I’m seeking validation that I’m not crazy. Sue me.

Remi jumps off the counter, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. She looks between me and the door I’m still pointing at. “Isoshould not be the one explaining this. Pru would be so much better at this—” The front door flies open and threevery nakedpeople march in. “Oh thank God, someone else talk to her, you know I’m not good at explaining it.”

I want to look away from the naked bodies, but my eyes won’t move.Look away, look away, look away,I chant to myself, but still, I can’t tear my eyes off the tanned flesh. And just in case you were wondering, Ranger Weylyn looks good beaten and bloody, but he looks even better naked. There I said it and I meant it. My eyes move on their own and they slowly drift downward and…shit!

So,sonaked.

“Pants,” I finally blurt, finally shaken out of my daze. “You need pants.” I turn around and look at the far wall, hoping he didn’t catch the flush growing in my cheeks.

“Stop scaring the girl,” Remi chastises. “Go put some goddamn clothes on, no one wants to look at that shit.”

I mean, I wouldn’t say no one—Nope. No. Not going there.

I don’t hear him move across the wood floors, so when his strong hand grips my shoulder and I’m forcibly turned to face him, I jump. His narrowed blue eyes are filled with annoyance and anger now as he scowls down at me. “Why are you here and why are you looking for me?”

I shove at the hands that are holding me in place, but of course, I’m unable to make them budge. My anger starts to flare, not liking being held down, unable to move. “Let me go,” I grit out between clenched teeth.

He doesn’t even bat an eye at my anger. “Tell me who the hell you are first.”

I scowl up at him before answering, “My name is Winslow and I’m here because someone asked for my help and I couldn’t say no.”

“I’ve never heard of you,Winslow.”

I snort. “Well I never heard of you eitherRanger,until a couple of days ago. I’m not exactly from these parts.”

“Where are you from?”

“I don’t see how that is important or relevant. And why do you get to ask all the questions? I think I’m entitled to a few myself, don’t you?” I give him a pointed look, my eyes dropping only briefly—I can’t help it. “And you’restillnot wearing pants.”

“Ranger, go put some clothes on. Remi will watch her for a minute,” the blonde instructs from the other side of the room.

“And maybe take a shower? You look like Carrie on prom night.” I push his hands away and this time he lets me back away.

His nostrils flare and his eyes scan me over. “You’re bleeding.”

“Excuse me?” I balk. “You’re the one covered in blood.”

---