“Miss you too, Mom.” Yep. We were just one big happy family. A normal family. Would there ever be anything normal again?
While I rubbed my aching eyes, the two of them finished a totally inappropriate conversation. Dad cleared his throat before issuing his final words on the subject. “I don’t think I need to tell you not to talk to reporters. That story just needs to die a miserable death.”
“I know better and I’m not heading to New York for theToday Showeither.”
“Good. I’ll handle the bastards. I’ve already put in a call to our attorney. He’ll ruin everyone touching this if necessary.”
“Don’t do that, Dad. This will blow over.” There were other shifters in the news including one hot lead singer from a rock band who continued to get himself in daily trouble. He’d even been caught by several photographers when halfway between being human and wolf. Not a good look for anyone. That’s the effect cocaine had on the shifter population.
He seemed surprised I was comforting him. “Yeah, I guess you’re right, but I’m finished with having your brother taken advantage of.”
What about me?I wanted to ask the question but didn’t.
“You too. Let me handle the situation.” My father’s voice remained gruff. At least he had the capability of making things disappear.
“Okay, Dad. I will. Have you talked with Saint?”
“We’re about to chat in a couple minutes, which is why I need to run.”
I smacked my head against the wall. “Well, tell him to call me.” As if I believed he would.
“I will, but you know how your brother is.”
“Yeah, I do.” All too well. My father wasn’t one for formalities, hanging up without offering even a gruff goodbye.
I stood with the phone held against my head, trying to control my breathing.
Just before I turned to go down the hall toward the offices, I backtracked to one of the windows looking out over the parking lot.
While security was actively doing their best to remove the fans and protestors, I could still read their signs.
Werewolves are people too.
Werewolves deserve a chance.
Werewolves are sexy beasts.
Kill the savages.
Some were even more creative. And brutal.
A reminder that we weren’t wanted here, even though we were just people trying to enjoy our lives.
The signs were very colorful in shades of black, orange, and red.
Expressions of both love and hate.
I leaned against the window. Fuck my life.
CHAPTER 3
Steven
Get your ass moving.
The inner voice had no patience with my self-pity.
Neither did I.
