Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
The heat of his fingers roused goose bumps. I rubbed my wrist. “I’m still mad at you,” I grumbled.
His nostrils flared. “I don’t care.” He reached into his back pocket, then extended a cell phone in my direction.
My phone! I’d never been so happy to see a cracked screen. With a low whimper, I snatched the device to my chest.
“Your interactions with Tavish are interesting,” he stated.
“I’m sure they are, since Isobel and Sorcha were involved.” Eyeing him with suspicion, I asked, “Why are you being so nice to a suspected assassin?” Oh, wait. That one had an easy answer. “You’re going to listen to my conversations.”
He dropped his chin, his gaze pinning me in place. “Until I learn why you affect me so intensely—” a waggle of his jaw “—why you bear a hint of my mark, you’ll stay in here.”
Jolt. I carried a hint of his mark? The rightness of that settled in my soul.
With a huff, he stalked from the room, snapping, “Thora, you come with me.”
She gave chase. “Traitor,” I called with affection, even though her departure was for the best. Also, I knew they would both be back.
The door closed. A metal lock engaged. Feeling lighter than I’d been in weeks, I dialed my mother. I didn’t care if Callen recorded every word.
“Hello, baby! Finally you call your mother!”
Oh, the sound of her precious voice! Happy and upbeat. “Hey, Momma,” I croaked, my throat already clogging. Relief and affection crashed into me. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“No, no. Why are you upset? Did Tavish break your heart already? I knew he was your Mr. Wickham. I tried to warn you. You can’t say I didn’t. Why, I suspected he lacked moral fiber the first time I saw his photo. Didn’t I, Joshua? It’s all in the eyes. But don’t you worry, Elizabeth. I’ve found someone else for you. A true catch!”
A genuine laugh burst from me. “I love you.”
“Yes, well.” Emotion thickened her voice. “Don’t think you’re going to distract me. When are you coming home so I can introduce you to the love of your life?”
“I’m not sure. But I’m not dating a guy you’ve picked out for me. I’ve found someone special, and it’s not Tavish.”
“Who?” she said with a humph.
“His name is Callen. He’s very handsome. And a business owner. Super strong. He’s definitely my Mr. Darcy. He has far too much pride, and I’ve had too much prejudice. But we’re working on things.”
She twittered with delight.
Servants entered, one after the other, each carting valuables. From plush pillows and soft blankets to covered dishes. Oh, yeah. Callen was hot for me.
“Tell me everything,” Mom demanded.
We chatted about Callen’s better qualities as I ate a crusty cheese sandwich. I didn’t mention the immortal berserker thing, soul switching or the fact that he currently had two wives, and I was stuck in his prison.
After our call ended, I heaved a sigh and plopped onto a bed, already missing her. Servants arrived, bearing clothing, toiletries, and furnishings. No one glanced my way as they arranged the room. I watched at ease.
They divided the space into a bedroom, a sitting area, and a kitchenette. They even unlocked a door to a private bathroom.
My phone vibrated, and I glanced down. A message from a fellow teacher, asking if I was okay. I checked my other messages, curious to learn what Tavish and Isobel/Sorcha had discussed. As I read, I stiffened.
There was a staged exchange between them, all to make me look like a woman in love with the wolf, willing to do anything he desired.
She’d told my boss, “I quit.” He’d accepted my resignation after sending a bunch of unanswered emails asking if I needed time, help or a second chance.
She’d even catfished multiple guys in my address book, making me look like an unstable woman desperate for affection. My ex, August, requested nudes, and she’d promised to send. Not that she’d delivered. Still. The utter embarrassment of it all.
Sorcha and Tavish had done their best to stack the evidence against me. A sure way to garner my death even if their main objective failed. But they’d made a grave mistake, underestimating my husband’s need for me. But I wouldn’t do the same. Not anymore.
Callen would be back, and I could hardly wait.
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
No Freak Outs: Keeping Your Cool During Berserker Bedlam
Hint: Buy Chocolate
From A Beginner’s Guide to Berserker Bliss
Author Unknown
Hinges squeaked, and I cast my gaze to the door. I tried not to smile. Knew he’d return. I was ready for him.
Throwing my legs over the mattress, I sat up just as Callen entered the room. Only a few hours had passed since he’d left. Enough time for me to style the space to my liking and forge a plan.
He’d changed into a button down and slacks. I wore the clothes he’d provided for me. A too big T-shirt and sweatpants. Not glamorous, but cozy and very me.