Page 17 of The Witch’s Daughter

“That’s not what I meant.” Alpha Kera’s brow creased.

“I will definitely be going if Tisiphone is going.” Jaxon smirked as he leaned back in his chair. “This should be fun.”

I like the idea of fun.

It won’t be fun.

I ignored the sounds of the twins snickering, and the slight little smile on Calla’s face. I’d already been embarrassed enough for one day. No need to make things worse.

“Like I said, you don’t have to go.” I kept my chin held high despite everything. “I’ll take care of what my Alpha needs.”

“Trish…” Alpha Kera warned, but I was in too deep to back out now.

“No, I insist, Trish.” Jaxon sat there smugly.

I wanted to wipe the stupid grin off his face. He knew not to do this. I’d released him from my Gram’s dying wishes that he would protect me, like I was to protect my sisters, and yet he still tried to weasel his way into that role every chance he got.

“I don’t need your protection,” I growled.

Jaxon shrugged. “I didn’t say you did, but Alpha Kera is right, there is strength in numbers.”

“You’ll all be going?” Kera twisted her hands behind her back, but I pretended I didn’t see her nervous twitch.

“I can’t wait.” I echoed Jaxon’s nonchalant shrug. “Plus, maybe someone there can help me figure out my magic.”

Did I believe that? No.

But Aunt Kera’s and Coral’s faces seemed to relax upon hearing those words.

“If you’re sure,” Alpha Kera said hesitantly.

I nodded once more.

“Awesome.” Jaxon glanced around the table, daring anyone else to make a snide remark like I knew they were all itching to do. “It’ll be just like old times.”

6

Jaxon

“Tisiphone, wait up!” I called after her as she escaped the conference room before any of us even stood from our chairs and hurried down the hall.

She disappeared into the front office.

Don’t let her get away.

I almost crashed into her as I walked through the office doorway, but she took a step back to save the basket in her arms from being crushed between us.

Those honey-brown eyes blinked up at me, wide and full of alarm. My beast rumbled a growl meant to soothe her, but Tisiphone took another step back.

Gods, she was beautiful.

It hit me like a brick every time I saw her. The luscious curves of her frame. Her gentle smile. The way my wolf wanted me to drag her into my arms and inhale her soft, feminine scent. The smell was comfort. A home I’d never known, but longed for since I was a child. Except Tisiphone wasn’t a pup anymore. She’d grown and changed over the years, filling out in all the right places and becoming a full-fledged female.

One I couldn’t touch.

“Apologies.” I tried to make myself smaller, less intimidating, as I leaned against the doorframe. “I wasn’t trying to chase you.”

“I know you weren’t.” She thrust the basket toward me. “And I wasn’t running. These are for you. Happy birthday.”