Page 49 of Venice Heat (Urban Heat 2)

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Shae shifted in her seat on the plane. Her stomach hurt. Now that they were on the way, she feared meeting his family. He hadn’t said whether he would tell them the truth, but surely they would figure it out by her last name. He’d said they would go to his hometown first and meet everyone. The honorable thing, he’d mentioned. Then she remembered he’d described himself as a rogue wolf, a loner. Eiji had separated himself from his family because in a way he was a misfit being a male wolf. If Eiji’s family didn’t accept her, that was just fine. She and Eiji would have each other’s back, and that was all that mattered.

She needed to do one last thing before moving on with her new life. Since her cell phone had been destroyed in the mess at Eiji’s house, she used a phone available on the plane and waited for the call to go through. Both excitement and dread passed over her at the voice of the person on the other end.

“Sakura, how’ve you been?”

“Shae.” No one could instill more disgust in their tone than her oldest sister. “I’ve heard all kinds of stories about you lately. I’m assuming they’re true?”

“If you’re assuming, why ask?”

“I guess you’re right.”

Shae sighed and ran a hand over her face. She already regretted calling.

“Look, I know we haven’t been close lately, but since I’m not going to be around…um…maybe for a long time, I thought you could follow up on something I was looking into.”

Sakura laughed. “When have I ever been a team player, Shae? Don’t be stupid.”

“Get off your damn high horse and listen to me. Dad and Kasen haven’t been too honest with us.”

Sakura sucked her teeth, and Shae could just see her rolling her eyes. “Oh, what, now you’re going t

o try to get me to turn my back on the family? You think we’ll all get along? The Keiths are supposed to bow to the animals, is that it? You have no idea the storm that might come down on our heads, little sister. Fuck, what am I saying, there is a storm coming—because of you. But don’t worry, we can handle it. You go on and hide with your new tail between your legs.”

Shae swore under her breath. “Mom died in Miami, not Vegas. And it wasn’t a bear that attacked her. Check into it if you want. Despite everything, I love you. Bye.”

She slammed the phone into its cradle, knowing she’d done all she could. Eiji took her hand into his lap, and she leaned her head on his shoulder, preparing her mind for the trip that would take more than seventeen hours. And then…her new life as a wolf shifter.

The End

About the Author

Tressie Lockwood has always loved books, and she enjoys writing about heroines who are overcoming the trials of life. She writes straight from her heart, reaching out to those who find it hard to be themselves completely no matter what anyone else thinks. She hopes her readers enjoy her short stories. Visit Tressie on the Web at www.tressielockwood.com.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

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