Coven

by Lacey Weatherford

  All I could do was agree again—slow to shake the effects of his kiss.

  Taking me by the hand, he led me back to where everyone had started gathering. Tables had been set up, and some of the pack were unfolding chairs. Our appearance was answered with a round of applause and wolf whistles—my disheveled look the source of many comments.

  Grinning, I kissed Mason on the cheek and walked over to Jasmine. She was busy moving plates and dishes around on the main table as others were bringing them.

  “What do you need me to do?” I asked, moving a stack of cups over so she could place a bowl of potato salad down. “Is there anything more to bring out?”

  She began to answer, but one look at me and she burst into laughing. “I see my brother made good use of his time.” She lifted her hand, and began to straighten out my hair.

  “Of course, just like I knew he would.” I couldn’t help the confident smile.

  “Well, I think we’ve about got it all done, so you both have perfect timing. We’re just waiting for Daniel to finish grilling, and we can all eat.”

  Looking around the table, I noticed the absence of steak sauce. “You know, the guys are going to throw a fit if they don’t have their precious sauce. It may induce a riot,” I scoffed, even though there was some truth to my statement. One thing I knew was the pack brothers took their grilling very serious.

  “They’re just going to have to settle for ketchup then.” Jasmine laughed.

  “What do we need to settle for?” Daniel interrupted, placing a fresh plate of hot steaks onto the table.

  “You’re going to have to eat with ketchup today. No problem, right?”

  With tongs in one hand, he whipped them around to point at us. “Oh hell yes, there’s a problem. Everyone knows you can’t use that stuff on your meat. It’s practically blasphemous. What are you two … heathens?” The look of disgust was evident. He looked around for support from the rest of the pack and was answered with a number of agreements. Men.

  “Fine then, we’ll quickly run into town and grab some before you all die from the inconvenience.” I moved away from the table, gesturing Jasmine to follow.

  “Where are you going, and why?”

  I hadn’t heard Mason approaching, and I took in a deep breath. “Daniel seems to think if he doesn’t have the right condiment for his meat, it’s a travesty, and I’m worried it may scar him permanently.” I cast my gaze over at my pack brother, and rolled my eyes again. “So to save his fragile ego, Jasmine and I are going to quickly head to the store to buy some.”

  “Absolutely not.” The tone in his voice said it all—there’d be no argument.

  “Do we need to go through this every time I want to go somewhere? I won’t be alone, and we’ll be back before you know it. You can’t keep me under lock and key.”

  “I’m not trying to, Darcy. I just want to keep you both safe, and my gut says to send someone else for it.”

  “Ugh, you and your gut.” I couldn’t finish my sentence, I was so annoyed.

  “It’s just into town, and the girls will be back before you know it. They’re going to keep pestering you until you cave anyway,” Daniel interjected, pulling a face.

  “Fine, but I’m coming with you then.”

  “That defeats the purpose! I’m not asking for a lot, just a little independence.” I recognized the moment I’d won. Squealing in happiness, I flung my arms around his neck and feathered kisses over his cheek. “I love you. I promise we won’t be long.”

  “Okay, there and back. No side trips.” Even though he offered a smile, there was a clear warning in his voice.

  Grabbing hold of Jasmine, we made our goodbyes. But before we were out of earshot, I heard Daniel slap Mason on the back.

  “Relax, Bro. What’s the worst that could happen?”

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