Claws & Crochet

Part 88

ZOEY

Tanya smirks. "Warner is friendly to everyone. This whole town, even the human half, loves him. You'd think he'd date more. Girls are always after Warner because he's the best kind of guy."

The thought of girls being after my werewolf makes me want to growl possessively. Some of my jealousy must show on my face because Tanya points at me and gives a triumphant laugh. "Look at you! You're all about him. He deserves that. And he's all about you. And he never has been before. All the girls walk away with smiles on their faces but moping on the inside because Warner never wanted anything from them. But you . . . hell he's ready to piss on your leg he's so possessive." Her smile fades into an angry scowl that she directs at the window. "And Mom was going to ruin it all."

"I wouldn't have let her." No matter what the wolf woman threw at me, I would've taken it. Because Warner is worth fighting for.

"But you shouldn't have to deal with her weirdness! And neither should Carlos! Or anyone I decide to date!" Tanya collapses back beside me. "You want to know why I'm not pissed at you? There it is. I want my brother to be happy, and I want to be happy. No matter who we choose to love, it's our choice. Not hers. I don't want her to be exiled"—the girl repeats for the third time—"but I think she needs to be. At least until she understands what she did wrong. Until she agrees not to torment the people we date."

Tanya's logic chips away at the guilt I feel. As her declaration sinks in, I don't feel as horrible about the choices I've made. Our relationship has caused a rift in their family, but maybe with time that gash will heal, and it might shape the Jamesons into something different. Something a little bit better.

"I'm glad you're not mad at me."

We lie, side by side, until the door to the apartment creaks again.

"Zoey?" Warner's voice carries back to me.

"We're in here!" I call out, sitting up, Tanya following my lead.

"We?" He asks, then appears a second later, eyes widening. "What are you doing here?"

Tanya's spine goes rigid, and she glares at him, as if preparing for a battle. "I'm dating a guy." She announces. "His name is Carlos, and he's a human. Zoey said you wouldn't mind, and as the alpha in your relationship, what she says goes."

Warner's eyes narrow, but I catch a twitch at the corner of his mouth. "Carlos, huh? What does Isaac think of Carlos?"

Tanya plants her fists on her hips, and even sitting she gives off an air of defiance. "He thinks Carlos is too nice for me and that I'll steamroll him."

I hide a smile behind my hand, and Warner lets out a snort. "Well, there are worse things than all that."

"There are." She agrees. "Now is someone going to drive me to the bowling alley? I'm a good hour late for my date."

"Oh, it's a date you've been clamoring to get too?"

"Just shut up and drive me!" Tanya punches the bed.

"That's not very nice. Maybe I'd rather stay here in bed with Zoey than drive my whining sister to her date."

The way he says in bed sends a shiver down my spine.

Tanya also picks up on the underlying meaning, but she has a completely different reaction. With a gasp, she launches off the mattress.

"Ew! You've had sex in this bed, haven't you? Gross! Don't answer! Now I have to go burn my skin off with acid!"

Warner grins wickedly, and I flip back over onto my stomach to hide the laughter threatening to burst out at her words.

"I'll give you a ride, just go wait by my bike for a minute."

I turn my head in time to see Tanya roll her eyes and stalk out of the room.

Then I have the full attention of a golden-eyed werewolf.

Before he can open his mouth, I roll to my knees, and open my arms wide. "How are you doing?"

Warner gathers me up against him, burying his nose in my neck before answering.

"I'm . . . I'm sorry. If I start talking, I'm not sure when I'll stop."

"And you need to take care of your sister." I cup his face in my hands, pulling back enough to meet his eyes. "Go. I'll be here."

His fingers dig into my back, clutching me close.

"Promise you're not leaving?" The vulnerability in his voice cuts at me.

"Here," I climb off the bed. "I'll give you some insurance." With efficient movements, I strip off every last piece of clothing I'm wearing, only held up for a second when my shirt snags on my cast. I bundle them all together and hand them to an open-mouthed Warner.

"Can't leave if I'm naked, can I? Plus, this way I know you'll hurry back."

When heat flares in his eyes, I quickly slide under the covers and wave him away.

"Go on."

A growl rumbles deep in his throat, and he leans over to plant a promising kiss to my mouth before storming out of the room, my bundle of clothes clutched tight to his chest like a lifeline.