Page 86 of From the Edge

“I would love that, but I can’t even order a ride share without online money.”

“Can we crowd-source this?”

“What? Get everyone’s opinion?”

Rowan grinned. “Yes. We are creating a pack in this house, and packs help their members.”

Hope inhaled. “Right. Not alone anymore.”

Aspen walked up from the basement with Mira. “Who’s not alone?”

“Any of us. Now come in, you two, and have dinner. Alora is coming by later to brainstorm stuff for the nursery school and the drop-in centre. Mell has the provisional license and is working on the hiring as well as getting furniture set up there with age-appropriate toys.”

Aspen chucked. “This place is busy.”

“Just at dinner time.” Hope smiled.

They walked into the dining room, and Aspen laughed at the savagery that had destroyed the meal. There were still eight servings left, and that was enough for the ladies.

Rowan opened the discussion with, “So what can Hope do to earn some money?”

Every male at the table froze.

Hope snorted. “Except that.”

Mira swallowed and said, “You could try your luck at the casino.”

Hope paused. “Oh, I really could. I just need a start.”

Rowan reached for her wallet, but Edric held a billfold in front of her. “Fourteen hundred dollars. Either pay me back in a month, or we will discuss options.”

She closed her hand around the leather and looked at him. “Right. I am going to get this over with tonight. I hate being broke.”

She got up, sprinted up the steps, and to her floor. She put on her wing dress and brought her wings out. She took off, and the house let her out the skylight. She surged up and headed for the casino. Her luck was one of the only things she could control.

* * * *

Rowan listened to the hum and smiled. “It looks like it’s happening now.”

Edric got up. “Which casino would she go to?”

“Heverwell. It was owned by the family of one of her early foster homes. She hated them.”

He nodded. “Please excuse me. Send me the lease application, and I will have it back to you by tomorrow.”

Rowan blinked. “Right. Did you find a room you want?”

“The house is making me one on the third floor.”

Rowan paused, and Ren laughed. Rowan said, “It is building you a room on the third floor.”

He grinned. “Excellent. I will move in on the weekend.”

Rowan nodded. “Email contract has been sent with a second one for meals. This Saturday is the family and friends’ barbeque. Everyone is welcome.”

He nodded and headed for the exit.

Rowan smiled and looked at Ren. “Well, I think Hope is going to be less alone than she thought.”