Page 24 of Zoe

“Something like that,” Kristen said.

“Yeah, I see you gave up on the glamour spell,” Heather said. “You’re looking decidedly older this morning, mother.” The enjoyment on Heather’s face made Kristen prickle.

“I’m natural,” Kristen said with a shrug. “I do not need to try to recapture my glory days.”

“Now that you’re an old mated woman?” Heather teased.

“My mate loves me for who I am,” Kristen said.

“Funny, I don’t remember fate giving him much choice,” Heather said.

“So, Christmas cheer bypassed this cabin this morning,” Kristen said with a cut-glass edge to her tone.

Maria snorted a chuckle. “She should be happy; she got to break a couple of shifter heads last night.”

“Not break – exactly,” Heather said. “But, it was fun throwing their butts out into the snow.”

“Magic?” Kristen said.

“Couldn’t have shifted the shifters without it,” Heather said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“So, what’s with you and your new bestie, Eileen?” Kristen asked.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Heather said. “But the bar was busy, and she needed a hand.”

“And we all know you’re at your happiest behind the bar,” Maria said.

Heather put her book in her lap and considered it. “I am missing my bar. You get to see every kind of humanity going from behind that raised platform,” she added.

“And the fact you’re nosy and overhear everything that’s going on is just a bonus, is it?” Kristen asked.

“That’s good too,” Heather said.

“But it’s the breaking heads she really likes,” Maria said.

Heather shrugged. “I’m doing what I’m good at, and Christmas and New Year is always a boom time for idiots who can’t handle their Christmas spirits,” she added, grinning.

“So, what about Zoe?” Maria asked, turning her attention back to Kristen.

Kristen shrugged. “Let the wooing take its course.”

“And see if she kills him,” Heather said, chuckling. Kristen and Maria slowly shook their heads at her. “What? Zoe doesn’t want a mate.”

“It’s not what we want,” Kristen said. “It’s about what’s good for us. Now, who wants to come to pack land for dinner tonight?”

“Pass,” Maria said, shaking her head fast.

“Hard pass from me,” Heather said. “I know what’s good for me, and a possible mate on pack land isn’t one of them.”

Kristen sighed. “You know, you two were a lot more fun and adventurous when we were the age you look.”

“Now we are older and smarter,” Heather said.

“And a little creakier,” Maria added.

Heather grinned. “Maria thinks she might have old times or is pre-menopausal.”

Kristen raised her eyebrows and considered her friend. “Makes sense,” she said, and Maria elbowed her in the thigh.

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