Page 36 of Castings & Curses

Corwin let out a low growl.

She just grinned at him. “Look, you idiot, if you want your mate, you’re going to have to court her. She’s not going to be like all your other women, fawning all over you—‘Oh, Corwin, you’re so strong.’” She pretended to swoon in her seat. “The truth is you’ve been spoiled all your life, and for once, you’re actually going to have to work for a woman’s esteem, and I for one, am thrilled to witness your comeuppance.”

“Some sister you are.” Corwin scowled at her. “Where’s the loyalty?”

“Oh, I’ve got plenty. It just happens to be reserved for the sisterhood. In other words, I’m on Natalie’s side.”

“Rude,” he muttered.

“So, I think the first thing he needs to do is win over the cat,” Mallory announced.

Corwin groaned.

“What cat?” Rissa looked confused.

The other wolves at the table all pointed over her shoulder.

Rissa turned and stared at the white cat who was currently bathing herself on the cat tree, ignoring Chester who was giving her the evil eye from his perch above her and Hocus Purrcus who was on the one below, batting at her tail that swished back and forth above his head.

“You stole your mate’s cat?” Rissa exclaimed incredulously.

The other wolves burst into laughter, their hilarity drowning out Corwin’s protest.

* * *

“Has anyone seen Moonbeam?”Natalie walked into the kitchen, a worried look on her face.

“If she’s not in the house, she’s probably with Hocus Purrcus,” Tempest said.

“At the wolf den?” Natalie exclaimed. “Why would she be there?”

“Because she likes the other kitties?” Jo suggested.

Natalie sighed. “We need more familiars. I can’t believe we got our first familiar as a coven and Pippa immediately moved out, taking Hocus Purrcus with her.”

“Yes, but good news! You just bonded with our second familiar,” Morana said.

“Which does us no good if she prefers the wolf den to our coven house,” Natalie said. “I think I’m insulted.”

Rowan snickered. “Don’t be ridiculous, Natalie. She doesn’tpreferthe wolf den. Neither does Hocus Purrcus, for that matter. It’s just that they’re cats and they’re doing what cats do best.”

“And what’s that?” Natalie asked sourly.

“Exploring their territory, of course,” Rowan said.

“Whatever.” Natalie snapped a lid on her coffee cup and headed for the door. “I’m going to that den and reclaiming my cat and the goddess help that damn wolf if he gets in my way.” The door slammed behind her.

“So,” Tempest said into the silence that had fallen in Natalie’s wake. “When do you think they’ll figure things out?”

“I’m voting for never,” Morana said.

“Yeah. Never sounds about right,” Rowan agreed.

“Never,” Jo said, Annika nodding at her side.

“Maybe in ten thousand years,” Amari whispered.

Tempest snickered. “Guess we’re all voting for never then.”

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