Page 54 of Dead Wolf Rising (Bad Moon Academy 3)

“Which is exactly why I haven’t fired her.” Lou pauses. “You’re not coming back to work, are you?”

I think the real question is,Raven’s not coming back, is she?

“I don’t know. There’s a lot to be decided. Raven’s been offered a pack and land by the Heir Alpha.”

“And now she’s a shifter.”

Sitting next to her, I bump my leg against hers. “She’ll always be yours, Lou. Whatever happens, wherever we end up, you’re going to have an open invitation.”

“I know.” She swipes at the tears on her cheeks. “I love her so much.”

“Me too.” I nod and wrap my arm around her shoulder. Lou rests her head on me and takes a deep breath. “She’s going to be all right.”

“I know that too. She’s come a long way.” The woman trembles in my arms, but I pretend not to notice.

Smiling and looking around Lou’s yard, I squeeze her arm. “Thanks to you.”

“I told you I’d kick your ass if you made me cry,” Lou says on a soft laugh, rubbing away more tears. “If any of you make Raven cry, I’ll kill you all.”

“I hear you.”

And I do.

I, for one, plan on making sure Raven is never hurt again. After all, I am the nurturer.

Chapter 19

DRACO

Despite the rumors, I can cook a little, which is why I make a point to be in the kitchen before Lou gets there. I’ve already started the coffee, and after giving me a startled look, she grins.

“You’re not so bad.” She bangs around in the cabinets, pulling out two mugs and some sugar and cream. I watch as she stares at the drip coffee, waiting for the last bit to brew before filling up both cups. “Sugar?”

“I prefer it black.”

“Of course you do.” She snickers and fixes her coffee up the way she likes it before coming to hand me mine.

“Thank you, Lou.”

She hums and takes a drink, sitting across from me at the worn table. “So which twin are you?”

“I’m Draco, the nice one.”

“Tell me, Draco. What color is your wolf?”

Right for the jugular. Nothing gets by this woman.

“I prefer to say onyx black, but Carter would laugh at me, so let’s go with midnight.” I stare into the murky drink and lift the mug to my lips. “Why do you ask?”

“I’ve shot at a black wolf a few times,” she says, narrowing her eyes. “Why were you stalking my niece? Do I need to call the police on you?”

I laugh. “I suppose most people would.”

She’s not chuckling, so I frown.

“Your niece actually talked to me first. I watched her for a while, making sure she was okay. You’re a great shot.”

“Not good enough,” she mutters, setting her cup down and placing her arms on the table. “Give me one reason why I shouldn’t be pissed at you.”

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