Page 59 of Castings & Curses

“But why? I figured it would work in my favor. You know, because I’m willing to give up my place in the den to be with her.”

“Hm. But saying it kind of implies that she mightnotbe worth it. The sacrifice, I mean.”

“Of course, she’s worth it. That’s why I’m moving.”

“Hopeless. You’re utterly hopeless.” Pippa threw up her hands and walked away.

“I don’t get it.”

“Well, don’t look at me,” Jared said. “We may be mates, but there’s no understanding what goes on in her head. I don’t know if it’s because she’s a woman or a witch or both, but all I’m saying is… good luck, man.” With a shake of his head, Jared hurried after his mate.

Great. Well, that wasn’t discouraging or anything.

Corwin climbed into the car and sat there a moment, contemplating everything Pippa had said, but finally he just shook his head, started the car and headed out of pack territory.

There really was no understanding women.

* * *

“So,let’s hear it. What are your plans for claiming your mate?” Tempest demanded the next morning.

Natalie almost dropped her cup of coffee, she was so startled by the question. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, come on, it was perfectly obvious by the time we went to bed last night, that you were ready to leap into the unknown with the crazy, tree-fighting wolf,” Jo said.

Natalie snickered. “I’m going to use that. From now on, I’m going to call him tree-fighter anytime he annoys me. It’ll be a perfect way to remind him that he’s a total moron.”

“Yeah, I doubt that’ll work,” Amari said.

Natalie slowly lowered her cup, shocked that Amari would say such a thing.

One of the other witches, sure, but Amari?

“Why would you say that?” Natalie asked.

“Because,” Amari said, “if you call the wolf tree-fighter, he’ll probably think you’re giving him a compliment.”

Rowan snorted. “Oh, man, you called it, Amari.”

“Yeah, I have to go with Amari on this one too,” Jo said. “Chances are, in wolfy world, tree-fighter is synonymous with virile hunter.”

“Strong warrior,” Morana offered as she entered the kitchen and headed for the coffee maker.

“Alpha King,” Amari giggled.

“Wielder of the Penis,” Tempest crowed.

Natalie burst into laughter. “Okay, you’re probably right. Damnit. I’ll have to think of another, better insult.”

“In the meantime?”

“In the meantime, I might possibly consider letting him claim me as his mate. Maybe.” She smirked over her coffee cup. “After I make him grovel and work for it, of course.”

“Oh, of course,” her coven sisters chorused back.

Rowan just shook his head and muttered, “Poor bastard.”

They were just finishing breakfast when the front door opened.

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