That sends a shiver down my spine. “What does that mean?”
“You make Juliet happy.” Hester tilts her head, reminding me of a hunting hawk, her eyes as cold as a raptor’s. “I like my new neighbor. Be careful how you are with her, or I may need to pay you a visit.”
The words may sound innocent, but I know a threat when I hear one.
“I only want her happiness.”
Hester blinks, a slow judgment in the movement. Then she waves a long-fingered hand, dismissing me. “Send your sister over to me. I want to teach her how to cause mischief.”
Gods, that’s definitely a threat. “She doesn’t need help doing that.”
“Of course she doesn’t need help.” Hester smirks. “She needs guidance.”
That’s a whole hell of a lot of ominous. Still, I decide not to refuse Hester’s request, instead vowing to work on reversing any damage done later.
Even after the tense exchange with Juliet’s guest and the underlying stress of my mother not being here, my chest warms with contentment as my eyes scan the gathering. My belly is full, and despite being the pack leader, I’m not expected to act the host, so I can settle into a cushy recliner and bask in the happy chatter going on around me while I drink my beer.
The doorbell rings, and I consider getting up to see who’s come by now, but Warner is on his feet before I am. That’s better anyway. I may be the leader, but he’s the more charming brother. Pack members come to me with their problems, and they go to Warner when they want to smile.
Besides, I have the perfect view of my woman from my seat. Juliet is just across the room from me, talking with Courtney about arranging some kind of barnyard story time at the library. The two of them speak animatedly, a flush of excitement staining Juliet’s cheeks.
Watching her is almost as good as having her body pressed against mine.
Almost.
Sitting suddenly seems pointless, and I stand, with the intention of crossing the room and wrapping my arms around her. Juliet can still have her conversation while she sits in my lap, I reason.
But before I reach her side, Warner comes back into the room, smiling wide, even as tension tightens the skin between his eyes.
“Hey,” he says, voice loud and attention on me. “An old friend decided to stop by.”
I catch the rose-petal scent the moment before a familiar figure steps into the room.
Monica.
39
JULIET
Warner leadsthe new arrival into the room, and I admire the bouncy golden curls she sports. Her hair, like the rest of her, is beautiful. All smooth and soft.
“Hey, everybody. Monica is here,” Warner announces.
There’s a chorus of hellos from the Jamesons, but from Thad’s and Zoey’s curious looks, I know I’m not the only one meeting the woman for the first time.
“Hi! I’m just in town to visit my parents for Thanksgiving, and I thought I’d swing by.” Monica gives us all a friendly smile, which stays steady as Warner introduces her to his girlfriend, to the pack’s newest member, and then pauses at Hester.
“And you know … Hester Willowborne?” Warner phrases the introduction as a question.
“Oh.” Monica’s expression turns apologetic. “You look familiar, but I’m not sure we’ve ever officially met. I must have just seen you around town.”
“Yes,” my neighbor says in a dry tone. “That must be it.”
With an overly bright voice, Warner directs the newcomer away from my taciturn neighbor and focuses on me.
“This is Juliet. She’s newer to town.”
“Hi.” I extend my hand, and the woman clasps it in her own while offering a sweet expression of interest.
