Page 56 of Dead Wolf Rising (Bad Moon Academy 3)

“Okay. Will you bring pie?”

A smile full of teeth and joy crosses her face. “Yeah, I can bring some pie.”

“She’s my favorite,” Adler tells Carter in the back.

Aunt Lou hears him, and she shakes her head. “You guys take care of my girl now, you hear?”

“Yes ma’am,” they chorus.

“Do you want to come in for a bit?” I jerk my thumb toward the rundown building. “You don’t have to go right away.”

“The bar opens in an hour or so, and I have to finish some paperwork and place orders. I’ll be back next weekend though.”

I reach across the center console and hug her. “I miss you already.”

She pats my back and shushes me. “Get this place cleaned up. Take care of yourself.”

“You got it.” I grab the door handle and climb out of her SUV.

“Raven!” Layla rushes over and we hug.

So many hugs. Who knew I’d like them so much?

* * *

We havelunch with the pack and make plans for cleaning. I have a credit card Aunt Lou gave me, and a few of them go to buy supplies. We need food, brooms, dust pans, towels, mops, and more. Most of all, we really need a car. Aunt Lou doesn’t have enough money for all of that, so we’ll need to make a plan for how to make money to cover the expenses.

“I can meet you all at the store,” Adler offers. “My truck is at my house, but I can go get it.”

“Good idea.” Carter nods. “While you all are out doing that, we’ll figure out what we need for the bigger repairs.”

“And I’ll go see if I can find Bea.”

Everyone stops mid action when I say that. Penelope’s eyes round like saucers, and she places her hand over her mouth. Layla nudges her with her elbow, and says, “Do you want us to stay to help?”

“No. There’s not much you can do. I have to handle this myself.”

Looks are exchanged, and I see more than a few of them getting ready to protest, so I shake my head.

“Seriously. It’ll only make it harder for me if I have an audience. Besides, we really need some food. The best thing you can do for me is to help get the things our pack needs.”

“All right,” Layla says. “But I swear if something happens while I’m gone, I’m going to lose my shit.”

I laugh. “I solemnly swear not to cause trouble.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about.” She frowns and looks at the men. “You guys make sure no demons come for her.”

I don’t know how she expects them to do that, but they all swear to protect me. Once everyone sets off on their respective jobs, I turn to the guys. Adler had to leave since he has to fly home for his truck, so that leaves the other four here with me.

“I’m going to the ballroom.”

“We’ll give you space.” Everett glances at the guys. “There are a ton of issues at the academy, so we may not even make it to the second floor by the time you finish.”

“Thanks.” I spin on my heel, ready to get to business, but Carter grabs my arm and spins me around. His lips slam into mine, and he kisses me like he’ll never see me again. I melt in his arms, kissing him back just as fiercely. He lets me go after a few seconds.

“Be careful.”

I fight off a smile. “I’ll try.”

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