Oath Sworn
Page 26
“One that I trust, yes.” He nodded, meeting my stare.
I thought about it, swallowing. “She really wanted me?” I asked, crossing my arms. I had to look away for a second.
“She did,” he confirmed. “She’s wanted to see you since you were taken by the Council. I took her to the Tribunal just to see you, because I thought it would be the last chance you both had. She adores you, Jacky, and I would be honored if you shared your space with us and helped me protect her.”
“Where do you want to live?”
“We were thinking Tyler, but closer if we had to,” he said, smiling. “Only an hour and a half from Dallas, it would be easy for Landon and me to commute when we need to. And yes, you’ll be able to see her any time you want. It would be helpful, actually. I’m out of free babysitters. I have no teenage wolves to order around.”
“Okay.” I nodded. “Yeah, move in. You do know that I’ll always be able to find you, right?”
“Even better. If you need Landon or I for anything dealing with Carey, that will come in handy.”
“This is still my territory, wolf.” I was firm, shoving a finger to my table. “That’s clear, right? You’re a guest. No moving other wolves in under my nose.”
“Agreed,” he promised, smiling. “Thank you for this, Jacky.”
I grinned back, letting the tension in my posture go. “As long as we do game night. Carey can kick all our asses together.”
“Deal.” He extended his hand and I took it. “Friends?”
“Of course,” I agreed. I made a split-second decision I probably shouldn’t have. “I, Jacqueline Leon of the werecats, hereby do swear to protect Carey Everson from all harm that may befall her for as long as I shall live. I shall afford her the right to live in my territory with her family or legal guardians and to contact me when the need arises. I reserve the right to revoke this protection in exceptional cases.”
“You cats and your oaths,” Heath said softly, shaking his head. He couldn’t hold back a smile, though. “You do me a great honor.”
“You do me one.” I meant every word of it.
An hour later, Carey and Landon walked in. I laughed as she hugged me, showing me her cast that now had dozens of names on it. We talked for hours and when they left, I felt better than I had in years. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel lonely and didn’t think I would for a long time.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading!
Jacky will be back for more adventures. I’m excited to begin this journey with her and you. She’s exciting for me to write, and a refreshing change of page I hope you enjoyed as well.
Reviews are always welcome, whether you loved or hated the book. Please consider taking a few moments to leave one and know I appreciate every second of your time and I’m thankful.
And if I still have you… Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive content and information on my upcoming works! I send it out monthly. Newsletter Signup!
Or you can come join me in being a little bit crazy in The Banet Pride, my facebook reader’s group.
About the Author
KristenBanetAuthor.com
Kristen Banet has a Diet Coke problem, smokes too much, and cusses like a sailor. She loves to read, and before finally sitting to try her hand at writing, she had your normal kind of work history. From tattoo parlors, to the U.S. Navy, and freelance illustration, she’s stumbled through her adult years and somehow, is still kicking.
She loves to read books that make people cry and tries to write them. She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
Also by Kristen Banet
Witch of the Wild West
Bounty Hunters and Black Magic
Werewolves and Wranglers
Age of the Andinna
The Gladiator’s Downfall
The Mercenary’s Bounty
Complete Series
The Redemption Saga
A Life of Shadows
A Heart of Shame
A Nature of Conflict
An Echo of Darkness
A Night of Redemption
Wild Junction
The Kingson Pride Series
Wild Pride
Wild Fire
Wild Souls
Wild Love
The Wolves of Wild Junction Duet
Prey to the Heart
Heart of the Pack