Page 137 of Pack Scratch Fever
I’m never seen him at a loss for words before.
“Or what?” he finally sputters.
“Or she files a restraining order,” Poe says. “And suesyoufor coercion.”
I’m not sure if he can do that, but it’s a brilliant bluff if it’s not true.
My father would never want white-collar crime to ruin his reputation.
Who would go golfing with him then?
“This is ridiculous,” my mother gasps. “And inappropriate. I don’t even know who the three of you are.”
Her voice is laced with malice and disgust as she looks at my Alphas, and something inside me snaps.
She doesn’t know the first thing about them, yet she judges.
Just like she does with me.
“They’re my pack,” I snap.
Wait.
I’m considering them mypacknow?
Everyone in the room turns to look at me, and I lock eyes with my father.
“Get the fuck out,” I snarl.
“Oh, so now you’re big and brave because they’re here,” my father says, even though his own voice is timid. “You finally found lowlifes that will put up with your behavior.”
Maddox snorts and heads toward him, forcing my father to back into a wall. “Sure. We’re horrible people. Listen to your daughter and get the fuck out of here, you piece of shit,” he growls. “Or I’ll remove you myself.”
“You won’t lay a finger on me,” he retorts.
“I wouldn’t test me,” he says cooly, placing his hands in the pockets of his black pants. “I’m a bit possessive when it comes to Piper, I’m afraid.”
“Joe,” my mother whispers, standing near the doorway. “Let’s just go.Please.” She’s eyeing Avery warily, as if nervous he’ll try to hurt her, which is ridiculous.
Avery wouldn’t harm a fly.
He’d just kill my mother with kindness.
Maddox steps aside, allowing my father to hurry past him, and Avery and Poe do the same. My father pauses at the doorway with my mother and turns to look at me one last time.
“You’re going to end up a lonely old cat lady,” he spits.
“She may be a cat lady, but she’ll never be alone,” Avery says, still as calm as ever. “She’ll always have us.”
My inner Omega preens.
I smile proudly, my heart fluttering.
No one has ever stood up for me before. My sisters were always spoiled, so they didn’t bother defending me growing up.
But cats have always been there.
The neighborhood cats were happy just to spend time with me, and my parents constantly made fun of me for liking them so much.
