Big Bad Beast
Page 71
Trying desperately to shake Abby off his leg, Stein prompted, He wants you to make the bread, Hannah. Hes under the happy-go-lucky delusion that being able to bake will make you feel better.
Actually, I dont think that waymuchbut if you want Blayne to think youre involving yourself in this weekends festivitieseven if youre off in a corner by yourself, pounding doughthis is the way. Itll get Blayne off Dees back about your mental health, which will get Dee off your back about pretending your mental health is fine so that Blayne will leave her alone. Trust me, Hannah, its a win-win. So make the damn bread.
Whatever, she sighed, wandering off to get what she needed.
See? Ric asked his cousin. Its all about how you talk to people.
Thats great, but could you just get this crazed bitch off my leg?
What did I just say about how you talk to people?
Dee put on more sunscreen and adjusted the big umbrella so that her entire body was in the shade. She didnt plan to spend a moment of this weekend recovering from sunburn.
So Im thinking about breeding, Ronnie Lee suddenly announced to their small group. With Brendon, of course.
And Dee gave the only answer she could think of. So?
Could you at least pretend to be happy for me?
Im not unhappy for you. I guess I just dont care one way or the other.
What is wrong with you? Ronnie demanded.
Nothin. Why?
Sissy was happy for me! I got a hug and tears. What do I get from you? A so.
Sissys your best friend.
And what are you?
Your Packmate. On more occasions than seems right, your drinking buddy.
Thats it? Thats how you see me?
I dont know why youre so upset.
Because were friends, and friends are happy for each other.
When did we become friends?
Frowning, Ronnie asked, Were not friends?
Dee thought about it a moment and finally answered, No.
At this point, Sissy Mae was lying on her side, hysterically laughing, her arms around her stomach.
How could you say were not friends?
Were not enemies.
I dont understand you sometimes.
Thereby proving were not friends.
Stop! Sissy begged. Stop! You two are killing me!
I dont think its funny, Sissy Mae.
Is this where you tell me I hurt your feelings? Dee asked.
Yes!
Sorry. Not my intent.
Are you like this with Ric? Ronnie Lee demanded.
No. Cause with him Im usually naked when were having these kinds of conversations, which makes them a lot less painful.
This is not funny, Sissy Mae! Ronnie bellowed.
The hysterical snorting and feet kicking would suggest she feels different on that.
Shut up, Dee-Ann.
Dee shrugged. I would, but you keep talking to me.
Stein ended up cleaning out the dairy farmers supply of milk and eggs. But the man was a local bear and once Stein explained he was feeding two male lions at their house party, he completely understood. While the farmers sons took Steins purchases to the SUV, Stein checked out the asparagus in the next stall.
Sir? the girl behind the counter asked.
Uh-huh.
Did you know you have a dog attached to your leg?
Yep. I choose not to discuss it. He smiled at the full-human girl. So . . . whats your name? And age. And breast size. Ow! He glared down at the hybrid. What is wrong with you?
Is it your dog?
Hardly.
Animal Control is out today, despite the holiday. If you want, you can turn it over to them. The girl frowned. What kind of dog is that anyway?
The annoying kind.
Stein purchased several bags full of asparagus and headed back to the car without bothering to get the girls phone number. It wasnt like he could hook up with her today anyway, not with his cousin watching his every move like a hawk. He was trying really hard not to be resentful over spending an entire Fourth cooking and cleaning up after ungrateful shifters who werent even in his Pack, but Stein knew Ric was right. If he ever hoped to make it back into the family, hed have to suck up the pain and get the job done. That was what one did when one was a Van Holtz. And though his uncle may have pushed him out of the Pack, Steins bloodline would never change. Ric realized that and took care of his own like always.
Stein reached the SUV and unlocked the trunk. He found a spot to place the asparagus and quickly counted what they had. Another shipment of meat would be arriving at the house within the houronly Ric was able to get that kind of personal service on a holidayand that should get them through today and tomorrow morning. It was a good thing they were leaving before noon, though. The way those cats ate, the cousins would be back to the market for more supplies if they were staying any longer.
Actually, I dont think that waymuchbut if you want Blayne to think youre involving yourself in this weekends festivitieseven if youre off in a corner by yourself, pounding doughthis is the way. Itll get Blayne off Dees back about your mental health, which will get Dee off your back about pretending your mental health is fine so that Blayne will leave her alone. Trust me, Hannah, its a win-win. So make the damn bread.
Whatever, she sighed, wandering off to get what she needed.
See? Ric asked his cousin. Its all about how you talk to people.
Thats great, but could you just get this crazed bitch off my leg?
What did I just say about how you talk to people?
Dee put on more sunscreen and adjusted the big umbrella so that her entire body was in the shade. She didnt plan to spend a moment of this weekend recovering from sunburn.
So Im thinking about breeding, Ronnie Lee suddenly announced to their small group. With Brendon, of course.
And Dee gave the only answer she could think of. So?
Could you at least pretend to be happy for me?
Im not unhappy for you. I guess I just dont care one way or the other.
What is wrong with you? Ronnie demanded.
Nothin. Why?
Sissy was happy for me! I got a hug and tears. What do I get from you? A so.
Sissys your best friend.
And what are you?
Your Packmate. On more occasions than seems right, your drinking buddy.
Thats it? Thats how you see me?
I dont know why youre so upset.
Because were friends, and friends are happy for each other.
When did we become friends?
Frowning, Ronnie asked, Were not friends?
Dee thought about it a moment and finally answered, No.
At this point, Sissy Mae was lying on her side, hysterically laughing, her arms around her stomach.
How could you say were not friends?
Were not enemies.
I dont understand you sometimes.
Thereby proving were not friends.
Stop! Sissy begged. Stop! You two are killing me!
I dont think its funny, Sissy Mae.
Is this where you tell me I hurt your feelings? Dee asked.
Yes!
Sorry. Not my intent.
Are you like this with Ric? Ronnie Lee demanded.
No. Cause with him Im usually naked when were having these kinds of conversations, which makes them a lot less painful.
This is not funny, Sissy Mae! Ronnie bellowed.
The hysterical snorting and feet kicking would suggest she feels different on that.
Shut up, Dee-Ann.
Dee shrugged. I would, but you keep talking to me.
Stein ended up cleaning out the dairy farmers supply of milk and eggs. But the man was a local bear and once Stein explained he was feeding two male lions at their house party, he completely understood. While the farmers sons took Steins purchases to the SUV, Stein checked out the asparagus in the next stall.
Sir? the girl behind the counter asked.
Uh-huh.
Did you know you have a dog attached to your leg?
Yep. I choose not to discuss it. He smiled at the full-human girl. So . . . whats your name? And age. And breast size. Ow! He glared down at the hybrid. What is wrong with you?
Is it your dog?
Hardly.
Animal Control is out today, despite the holiday. If you want, you can turn it over to them. The girl frowned. What kind of dog is that anyway?
The annoying kind.
Stein purchased several bags full of asparagus and headed back to the car without bothering to get the girls phone number. It wasnt like he could hook up with her today anyway, not with his cousin watching his every move like a hawk. He was trying really hard not to be resentful over spending an entire Fourth cooking and cleaning up after ungrateful shifters who werent even in his Pack, but Stein knew Ric was right. If he ever hoped to make it back into the family, hed have to suck up the pain and get the job done. That was what one did when one was a Van Holtz. And though his uncle may have pushed him out of the Pack, Steins bloodline would never change. Ric realized that and took care of his own like always.
Stein reached the SUV and unlocked the trunk. He found a spot to place the asparagus and quickly counted what they had. Another shipment of meat would be arriving at the house within the houronly Ric was able to get that kind of personal service on a holidayand that should get them through today and tomorrow morning. It was a good thing they were leaving before noon, though. The way those cats ate, the cousins would be back to the market for more supplies if they were staying any longer.
