Page 91 of Moon Tamed

“Your camping collection is safe. However, we do have a question. Why does Allasandro suspect your new townhouse is not being occupied?”

“Hot chocolate service,” I informed my father in a serious tone. “At that townhome, the hot chocolate is not served while I read. At another location, hot chocolate mystically appears at good intervals. And then I forget to leave. I should probably start going to sleep somewhere other than a chair in front of a fireplace, but it’s comfortable!”

“I see. You have been lured off with the promise of warm beverages, a fireplace, and books.”

“That is an accurate statement.”

“Are you running home every morning to get changed and take a shower?”

“Basically,” I replied, aware I skirted the truth. “Mornings can get a little chaotic at current.”

“That sounds like a bit of an understatement, as Allasandro has been trying to catch you in the act for a few days.”

“Well, I have been actively working to not get caught in the act, Dad.”

“You’re an adult, Coraline. Why are you worried about getting caught in the act?”

I blinked, and I spent a few moments considering his question. “Revenge from my family and friends would be swift?”

“What type of revenge are you thinking we’d concoct?”

“The delivery of defenseless baby animals comes to mind,” I confessed.

“That is fair. Your mother and I think about that sort of revenge often, but honestly? You have to put up with wolf breath and slobber, plus you like baby animals. It wouldn’t be revenge. It would be a reward.”

“That’s also true.”

“I’ll make sure your mother knows we’re having the entire herd over for dinner tonight. No paintball demonstrations in the house. If you want to shoot Allasandro, do so in the front yard.”

“I am leaving my weapon and ammunition at work, where I’ll likely be ambushed tomorrow.”

“Allasandro informed us you’ve been shooting everyone in the faction rather ruthlessly.”

“I like winning and hate losing, Dad.”

“As such, you only have yourself to blame when this backfires on you in amusing fashions. For us, that is. Not for you. You will not be amused.”

My father was up to something, but I couldn’t even begin to guess what. As such, I had no choice but to level accusations his way until I learned more about his scheming. “You are up to something.”

“Yes, I am.”

Interesting. “Will I like the something?”

“You’ll love it,” my father admitted. “It involves your favorite three activities.”

“Okay. I’m signed up. I don’t suppose you can bring your SUV over, can you? My boss and his son are wolves, and my brother is practicing his death scenes. I don’t drive, Dad. While I could steal a vehicle, I’d kill us all trying to get to your domicile.”

“I’ll be there in thirty minutes. If you’re bringing the wolves as wolves, please leash and collar them while also gathering their clothing.”

That much I could do. “Thank you, Dad. We’ll see you soon.” I hung up and returned the phone to my brother. I waded into the wolf-on-wolf battle, grabbed Calden by his scruff, and dragged him away from his father, securing the pom pom leash to his collar. “Peter, there’s a green leash and collar set in my office. Please retrieve it. Dad is coming to pick us up. There’s a bag of clothes for Calden near the door, and I bet Mr. Stephans has clothes in his office, too. Get them so they’re not wearing your pajamas or traumatizing the guests.”

“The guests moved out yesterday, so they’re safe from the wolves. I’ll get the rest,” Peter promised, bouncing to his feet with zero evidence he’d spent most of his day being tormented by the Hunters of Moonriver.

I regarded the pair of wolves with my sternest expression. “My father is coming to retrieve us, so I expect you both to cooperate, while wearing your collars and leashes. If my chance to get my momma’s cooking is ruined, I will be inconsolable for the rest of the night. In the morning, I will be out for so many points that the Hunters will accept that they will never beat my score or match my willingness to score points on anyone to cross my path. There won’t be enough ammunition in this entire faction for what I will do if I don’t get my momma’s cooking tonight.”

To my amusement, both wolves sat and waited with picture perfect patience for my brother to return.

One day, I would learn. Calden decided the only place fit for him to occupy was the seat beside me and my lap, and the first time my father attempted to evict the wolf to a safer seating position in the SUV, he growled. The second time, he landed a nip, which began the war. My father played the role of jealous father well, and Calden took to his position as my protector and general suitor with enthusiasm.

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