Page 49 of Rhett

“Is nothing secret?” I snapped.

“Not in a small town.” She laughed. “Welcome to Black Forest.”

I sighed heavily. “I’m fine. I just didn’t feel like speaking to anyone.” I shoved a pillow under my head. “I was shaken up after the owl clusterfuck.”

“Well, it’s time to come out of hibernation. Tonight’s ladies’ night at Mama June’s, and you’re coming.”

“I really don’t feel like it.”

“You’re coming. A few drinks and a ride on the bull should take care of everything.”

“Ride on a bull?” I laughed.

“I’m not explaining anything. Just get ready by eight. I’ll be there to pick you up.” Our call ended.

“Pushy woman,” I grumbled, even though the idea of hanging out with her filled me with excitement. I didn’t have any besties, and the vibe with the three of us was great. It was just too bad that I’d be leaving all that behind on Sunday.

CHAPTER14

RHETT

After getting a call from Mack about an incident at the Sleepy Skunk Motel, I hopped into my cruiser with Quinn and hightailed it over there.

“Why won’t Mack say what’s going on?” Quinn asked from the passenger’s seat.

“All he said was that we had to see it to believe it,” I replied.

“I don’t like this shit,” Quinn growled. “There’s never been trouble with the skunk-shifters.”

“Times are changing, that’s for sure,” I said.

Quinn’s cell rang. “Hi, darling. What’s going on?” There was a beat of silence. “Sure, I can pick you up from Mama June’s later.” More silence. “That’s interesting.” He turned to stare at me. “You’ve invited Nova.”

My body stiffened at the mention of Nova’s name. It had been days since the owl-shifter incident, and so many times I had found myself wanting to call her or ring the doorbell to see her but stopped myself. There was no future for the two of us. So I just did my job of sitting outside her home when it was my turn to keep watch.

Quinn continued. “Yes. I do think it was a great idea inviting her to hang out with you and Nyx at ladies’ night, given how much you like her. Okay. Yes. See you later, baby.”

When his call ended, I said, “I don’t think it’s a good idea for Nova to go to Mama June’s.”

“Nova can’t stay cooped up in the house. She needs to socialize with the townsfolk.”

I gripped the steering wheel so hard I swore I’d crush it. “Townsfolk who might be plotting to hurt and kill her.”

“She’s safe at Mama June’s. Everyone knows that June will not stand for any shenanigans at her bar.”

“I don’t like it, not after Josie attacked her.”

“Well, aren’t you protective of Nova,” Quinn commented.

“Just doing my job.”

“Are you now…”

“What are you implying?” I asked.

“That your interest in Nova is more than just as the Protector.” He paused. “That ever since the Josie incident, you’ve been grumpier than usual. And people in town have been talking.”

“Talking about what?” I inquired.