Total pages in book: 203
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
Val gasps.
Stacy winces.
Robert takes a seat.
Jase stares at his sister, his expression unreadable.
“And then I plan to leave. Go stay with Aunt Casey and her pack in Northern California.”
“For how long?” Val asks.
“A little while, at least.” Sherry shrugs, then looks at me. “So, no, Bailey. You’re not getting a victim impact statement from me. And no, Stacy, I’m not looking to be besties because I got stuck with your brother for a few days and got my life ruined. But Jase, if you can talk any of those witches into deleting my grief for that dead asshole who ruined my life, I’d appreciate it. Even though I probably deserve it. Excuse me.” She takes her phone and earbuds and walks up the stairs.
This is fucked up. It’s like Sherry has guilt about karma but is still unable to stop herself from showing she continues to be a raging cunt.
The coffee maker beeps and Val is about to rush up behind her to go make coffee, so I put my hand on her arm.
“It’s okay. We should go.”
“You don’t have to. We could have coffee and cake. Chat.”
“I’m sorry to be rude, but I really think we should go. Sorry if my visit was upsetting. And thank you very much for trying to welcome me, for what you did at Jase’s house, even if it’s not… even if we don’t…” I give my head a shake. “I appreciate all of your effort and kindness, Val.” I turn to my sister-in-law so I don’t accidentally burst into tears, but Stacy’s expression doesn’t help.
“Oh,” Val says. “Okay. But if you want to talk, Bailey, my door is open.”
I’m at a loss for words. She looks kind of crushed.
“I’d like a word, Jason,” Robert says.
“Wait for me out there,” Jase commands, eyes on me, before he follows his dad out of the room, thrusting his hand through his hair with frustration.
Stacy follows me out and opens the back passenger door.
“Up front, sister,” I say.
“I figure Jase’ll want to drive and-”
“Jase has two feet, four paws.” I shrug and get into the driver’s side and start the car.
She gets into the passenger seat and asks, “You’re not waiting for him?”
“Nope. You want to come to the library or you want me to drop you at home?”
“You’re opening the library?”
“No. I’m going to work on that petition. And check my emails and group chats for the things I set in motion. I only have until tomorrow to get this stuff organized.”
“Then I’ll let you do that on your own,” she says, “but if you need anything, let me know.”
“Don’t take on her bitchiness,” I say. “You were sweet to visit, to check on her, and it’s her loss.”
“Yeah, well, she wasn’t fair to you, either.”
“She never is,” I mutter.
But I’m feeling guilty about seeing Jase’s parents’ reaction to my plan to contest the claiming. I’ve always liked them; they’ve always been nice to me. And here they are dealing with this turmoil with Sherry as well as having their bubble burst thinking I’m simply making Jase “work for it”.
27
JASE
My father squeezes the back of my neck reassuringly. “You’ll get there.”
“Fuckin’ frustrating,” I mutter.
The only thing remotely helping matters is that she still smells like I’ve fucked her, which made me very pleased walking into the Blackwood house and now my childhood home. I figured she’d lose the scent when she went to change her clothes, but it’s clear she didn’t swap out the bra.
Grey and Graydon have both got sticks up their asses about it, and I can’t exactly blame them for that, but informed Grey that he wouldn’t have it thrown in his face if my mate hadn’t taken off on me this morning.
“You think it’s funny to rub our noses in that?” he accused.
“She’s supposed to be with me, in my house, my bed until we’re ready to be around other people. The only fuckin’ joy I have at all right now is that she almost smells like she’s supposed to smell. Me bein’ pleased about that isn’t a slight to you or your pops. You only smelled me on her because she took off on me this morning.”
“I don’t wanna know what the fuck you did, because the notion makes me want to throw a punch,” he said through his teeth.
“She’s mine,” I said, looking straight into his eyes. “Mine, brother.” I pounded my chest. “I’m being held back by magic instigated by your fuckin’ relatives to keep me from claiming my soulmate. My soulmate, man. I don’t need to defend myself but since it’s you, I’ll say I didn’t intentionally mark her. But if I had done it, it’s within my rights. And frankly it’s the only good that’s happened to me in days, knowing she smells a little like she’s supposed to smell.”