Page 88 of Bonded Through Bite

“What are you doing here?” Rafael asks, clearly irritated, when a pretty woman hops out of the car.

Samantha gags.

“She’s under The Coven’s protection,” the witch says.

“Who is?” Zack growls, ready to pounce at her.

“Samantha.”

That shuts all of us up. Even Patricia ceases her struggles.

“Say that again,” Zack demands.

“Samantha Ramsey is under The Coven’s protection. She will not be harmed,” the witch says and glares at Patricia. Then she moves her attention to Rafael. “I do apologize for the breach in protocol earlier, Mr. Moretti. And this one too, although I think you can understand why I needed to rush this time.”

I’m stunned into silence. The Coven. Not a coven, not simply any named coven, The Coven. Patricia blanches and slaps Rafael’s hand away when he goes to help her to her feet.

I’m sure if it were any other coven, she would ignore the witch and try to finish Samantha off. And since she didn’t compel us to step aside or aid her, she’s not finished playing whatever game she has set up. This is just the opening move.

“Then you can take her with you,” Patricia spits out, while glaring daggers at Samantha, who’s still retching.

“Actually, that is not possible. Ms. Ramsey is also under Courtkenay protection and will remain at Rosewood estate,” a deep voice comes from the woods where Patricia emerged just a moment ago. A man in a flannel shirt and heavy-duty boots steps forward. He has white hair and a beard, but muscles aplenty. He nods at Zack, who bows at the waist.

“Grandfather.”

“Well, damn,” I mutter under my breath when the Wolf King takes in the scene in front of him.

“I see you’ve gotten yourself mixed up with some interesting things, Zacky-boy,” the man rumbles and his eyes sweep over the scene again.

Patricia’s face is blank and Rafael looks confused. I’m sure I’m wearing that same confused look myself.

“Sophie.” The man nods at the witch.

“Lord Courtkenay,” she replies with a respectful nod.

“Mr. Moretti.”

“Lord Courtkenay,” Rafael replies and bows.

“And you would be?”

“Santiago Wacerra, my grandfather, Lord Courtkenay.” Zacks jumps to do the introductions on my behalf.

“It’s an honor, Lord Courtkenay,” I say and nod, not able to bow with Samantha half lying in my lap.

“Wacerra you say?”

“Yes, sir,” I reply.

He hums but doesn’t say more. His eyes are shrewd, though, and I’m sure he knows more than he lets on.

Samantha is panting, her eyes glazed over and when she whimpers, I clutch her closer.

“Let’s get Ms. Ramsey back inside and comfortable,” Lord Courtkenay says and I gather her into my arms. Rafael is there in a flash to help me to my feet and Zack moves closer too.

“Mr. Moretti, may I enter your premises?” the witch, Sophie, asks.

Rafael looks her over, then glances at Samantha.