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“It is,” Lola said determinedly. “I can’t wait to try this spell on Zander. We’re ready for it.”
“Absolutely,” I said, clinking my mug against hers in a toast to the challenges that awaited us.
The chime of the bell above the door caught my attention, and I turned to see Audrey striding in. Her gaze locked on me, and she marched over to our table.
“Thank goodness I’ve found you! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!”
“Hey, Audrey. What’s going on?” I asked.
“Okay, so I need your help,” she said, her eyes darting around to see if anyone was eavesdropping. “I’m going on a date tomorrow with this shifter from one of the other packs, and…well, you remember I have that tattoo on my hip that looks like someone flipping the bird.” She grimaced. “It’s awful, and I’d really like it fixed before my date. You know, just in case things go well and clothes come off.”
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. I knew Audrey was interested in Kyle, but she clearly wasn’t waiting around for him to make a move. “You’re going on a date? That’s great. Don’t worry, I can definitely help you out. I just got a bunch of new supplies delivered to my studio, including heavy-gauge steel needles for tattooing shifters.”
“Seriously?” Audrey clapped her hand to her chest. “You’re a lifesaver. I was worried I’d have to go through another date with this embarrassing tattoo.”
“Believe me, I get it.” I chuckled, then gently asked, “Are you sure about this date, Audrey? I mean, do you think there’s potential for anything long-term with this shifter?”
Audrey laughed and shook her head. “Not even a little bit. He’s persistent, and I have certain needs that haven’t been met lately since I never want to hook up with Mateo or any of my other past flings again.”
“Ah, I see,” I said, the gears in my mind shifting into motion. God, Audrey and Kyle needed to get over themselves and their pride. It seemed they also needed a nudge. “Well, why don’t you swing by my tattoo studio in an hour? I can fix your tattoo then.”
“Really? You’re a godsend, Tori,” Audrey said.
“Anything for a friend.” I smiled warmly at her, then turned to Lola. “I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”
“Of course. Good luck with the tattoos, and don’t forget about Zander’s session tomorrow morning,” Lola reminded me.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I said before leaving the café.
The brisk air greeted me as I stepped outside, fueling my every step. Anyone could see that Audrey and Kyle were perfect for each other, but how could I make them see it? Their fear of getting hurt held them back, and the way they sniped and sassed at each other was a way to keep a distance between each other and their obvious attraction. But if Kyle didn’t act soon, he was going to lose Audrey. Fortunately for him, he had me. It was time to give my brother a much-needed push toward Audrey.
The scent of damp earth and sweat met me before I stepped into the training area. Shifters grunted and bodies collided with deep thuds as they sparred and honed their skills. I quickly spotted Kyle, who looked like he was wrapping up a lesson with a couple of newer shifters.
Leaves rustled overhead as I reached the edge of the training area, my gaze instantly drawn to Kyle’s broad back. Sweat glistened on his skin as he leaned forward, hands braced on his knees, taking a moment to catch his breath.
“Hey, big brother.” I jogged up to him.
His head snapped in my direction, and he shot me a wary look when he saw me approaching.
“Hey,” he said, taking a swig from his water bottle to wash away the fatigue. “What brings you here?”
I bounced on my toes. “I just got the shipment of supplies I’ve been waiting for at the tattoo studio, and I want you to be my first customer.”
“Really?” Kyle raised an eyebrow, skepticism mingling with curiosity.
“Absolutely.” I beamed at him playfully. “Please? It’ll mean a lot to me. Besides, weren’t you the one who was harping on me the other day to get you inked?”
He sighed in mock exasperation, shaking his head. “Lead the way.”
I nearly skipped as we strolled to the tattoo studio. The late afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground beneath our feet.
Once we arrived, I led Kyle to the chair beside the one I’d prepped for Audrey. He settled into it, peering curiously at the array of equipment laid out on the small table next to him.
“Ready?” I asked, grinning impishly as I picked up the tattoo gun.
“Bring it on,” he said with a cocky smirk.
As the needle touched his skin, Kyle yelped in surprise. I laughed, even though I’d used a numbing agent on him beforehand.
