Batwings & Bloating: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel by Lisa Manifold

Author:Lisa Manifold [Manifold, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ocean Top Press, LLC
Published: 2024-08-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

The next day was uneventful, on all fronts. Karson called me at the shop to let me know that they’d contacted their clan, and would get back with me as soon as they heard anything. Cassius texted me, told me again how sorry he was that his mom interrupted our date and was so rude, told me he missed my presence, which I thought was sweet and held promise, Maelisara’s cold reception notwithstanding.

And the day after that was low key as well.

Until lunch time.

The door opened, and Brandon Stanhope came in, followed by Michael. Did that guy have any other setting than smug jackass? It didn’t seem like it.

“Hello,” I said, looking around. “How can I help you?”

“The question is, how can we help you? I realized that we weren’t very welcoming to someone who is new to our community, and you were right to call me out on my behavior,” Brandon said smoothly.

“I’m glad we see eye to eye on this,” I said, keeping my arms loose.

Bash came out from around the counter, stopping to sit by my feet.

“I’m not going to do anything,” Brandon said, addressing Bash.

“Whatever. I don’t trust you,” Bash said. “You have already trampled on manners and hospitality with my medium once.”

“What brings you in?” I asked, hoping to stop my cat from clawing the face off a damn werewolf.

“I’m here to offer my help, and the help of my pack, should you need it. Your familiar is right. We didn’t show appropriate hospitality to you when Cherry passed.”

Michael grinned even more broadly, rocking back and forth on his feet.

Why did this feel so completely insincere?

Probably because there wasn’t a drop of sincerity in either of these con men. I studied them for a moment. They were con men. But what was the con? And why were they trying to run it on me?

“Thank you,” I said. At this point, I had no intentions of asking either of these men for anything. But I didn’t want to piss them off, not just yet. They were here because they had an agenda. That was as clear as the sun shining.

And they clearly thought I was less together than I was, which pissed me off. But I’d said my piece the other day, and there was no sense in picking a fight that wasn’t necessary. Plus, it was better to let them show their hand.

“So how can I help?” Brandon asked.

I hadn’t thought it before, but he was kind of oily, too. Like the car salesman who promised too much, then lost your number as soon as the first payment was due. That kind of guy. Went along with my con man assessment.

“At this point, I think I’m good,” I said.

“Can we aid the Renaldis at all? They’re having a hard time with the loss of Kaelin,” Brandon said. He put on a good face of sympathy.

“Did you know her well?” I asked, wanting to see what he’d say.

“Well enough. She was a strong woman. She fought hard for her skulk.

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