Page 71 of A Lesson in Obedience

Well, she’s alive. She never left California. She’s living it up in Napa Valley.

That’s not far.

CORRIN

Weekend road trip?

I stuck my tongue in my cheek, considering this. It was only about an hour or two depending on traffic, but bombarding a woman out of nowhere wasn’t something I’d ever considered doing. She up and left once my dad was killed, so seeing her and getting to question someone about the past and then praying they could shed some light on the future had me wanting to type out an immediate yes.

My fingers hovered over the keys.

I’ll give you an answer when the sun is out. Go to bed.

CORRIN

Bossy, but I like it. Fine, I will await your thoughts. It can be a girl’s trip! Well, including Beau but he’s one of us. I’ll look up dog friendly hotels!

I haven’t said yes, Corrin

CORRIN

yes, but you will. You are playing hard to get and it’s cute. Sleep tight!

“All good?” Asher asked, concern etching his tone.

I placed my phone face down on the coffee table and nodded. “Yeah, just fine.”

“Right. What was it you said earlier? Oh, right. ‘Don’t treat me like I’m dumb’.” He raised an eyebrow at me.

I let out a soft laugh, but chose to talk about something else. “We should let everyone in on what’s going on…with me?”

“Your erratic nightmares?”

I bit my lower lip. “Yes. I told River that we all need to be more open and it’s only fair. Whoever got into his head is probably associated with the same person who did this to me. They are probably people we don’t even know who either got manipulated just like Grayson or are just inherently bad people, I don’t know, but everyone being so in the dark isn’t helping.”

Asher ran a hand over his mouth. “All? So, you were actually serious when you spoke about having a talk with Grayson?”

“I guess so.”

Asher let out ahmphand then rubbed his hands on the front of his thighs. “You are aware that means no more throwing accusations at any of us? None of us are out to get you.”

“Baby steps, Asher. Your brother was just mentally harmed, so you can’t blame me for assuming you made a choice.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, removing his glasses. “How many times do I need to tell you…”

“I’m sorry, okay?”

He left his glasses resting on his thigh and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. He was so close to me, his words whispered against my mouth. “I invade your dreams to mess with you, help you or bring you pleasure, but that is all. I can protect my brother and I can also protect you, got it?”

I moved my eyes over his face seeing the need for me to understand in his eyes. “Yes,sir.”

He removed his hand from my chin and put his glasses back on. I watched as he rose from the couch, rolling his shoulders. He headed for the stairs and he didn’t look back.

I turned my phone over, settling back on the couch and scrolling to my email. I found one from yesterday evening.

Miss Riley Monroe,

We look forward to your attendance at the Celica coven meeting this coming Monday at 7 o’clock pm, If this interferes with any classes, please respond to this email. If not, then we look forward to welcoming you into the family.