Page 85 of The Patron Saint of Timber Hollow

"I hope you're going to stick around this time, Artemis. You nearly broke my heart when you ran off."

"Sorry, mom," I say, clearing dirty dishes with the boys and Sam.

Ivy stepped away a few minutes ago, excusing herself to go to the bathroom. Dante followed her shortly afterward.

"How could you have done that to your poor old mom? Was I so awful that you had to run off in the middle of the night?" My mom wails dramatically.

Aggie says, "That's ancient history now, Darla. Won't you leave it be for today?" as I bite out, "I was a kid. I wasn't thinking straight. I'm home now, that's all that matters-"

"I was worried sick, and everyone kept asking where you'd run off. Oh, it was horrible, Artemis. You embarrassed me! I had to find out about your engagement in the tabloids! You were always so strange after your father got himself killed. And then how you talked to Magnus. Oh, I just don't understand how I created such an awful, hateful daughter!" My mom wails, clutching her wine glass, the liquid sloshing over the rim.

"Darla!" Aggie shouts, snatching the wine glass.

And then, Saint throws a towel down on the table.

"Now, I know I haven't been here as long as Jay, or even know the full story of why and how Artemis left town when she was a teenager. I'm just the new guy, but let me make myself crystal-fucking-clear."

Adrenaline spikes through my body, my wolf's claws echoing in my skull as she paces round and round.

Saint draws himself up to his full height before saying, "I will not have you keep disrespecting Artemis in her own house." His voice is calm, despite the tension bunching in his arms and jaw.

"Saint, it's okay—" I start, and he cuts me off, his electric green eyes boring into mine.

"No, it's not. I will not tolerate someone–anyone, even your own mother– disrespecting you like that inyour own house!"

"Pft, this is a joke, " my mom says, rolling her eyes. "What do you care? You're not even her boy toy. That title belongs to little oldJay Temple."

"Mom, please stop-" I begin, barely restraining the urge to hang my head and rub my temples.

"I don't need to be heranythingto her for me to speak up and call you out for how you speak aboutyour own daughter.You sit there and eat the food I prepare you and gush about your son while trashing Artemis for fuckingbreathing. It is abhorrent."

"Oh, Artemis, are you going to break this Pack apart by living here?" Mom tisks, shaking her head. "I knew you shouldn't have moved in with them, didn't I, Athena? Didn't I say that just weeks ago?"

"If you want to eat the food from my table, you better fucking respect the hands that feed you. So either shut the fuck up, treat your daughter with some goddamn respect, or get out of my house." Saint says, angrier than I've ever seen him. His chest heaves, color staining his cheeks and neck as he points toward the door.

And then, my aunt breaks the stunned silence. "I'm glad someone other than me finally said it to you, Darla." Aggie remarks, "Maybe you'll listen now."

"You have no right-" my mom sputters.

"I have every right! I love- I mean, this ismy house. I am Beta of this pack. So, let me repeat myself. Either shut the fuck up and start being nice to your DAUGHTER or get the fuck out."

My eyebrows shoot into my hairline, and I share a loaded look with Sam becausedid he just almost say what I think he said?Sam's wide grey eyes confirm it.

My mom glances at Jay, who raises his eyebrow but stays quiet.

"So what's it going to be, Darla?" Saint asks, picking his towel back up with a deep breath.

I don't think Saint has ever looked hotter than he does right now. I'm moving before anyone says anything, marching over to Saint, only stopping when I have to crane my head back to keep eye contact with him, our chests barely touching.

"Saint?"

"Yeah, Tiny?"

"You're something to me."

"I know." He says quietly, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. Saint briefly breaks eye contact when he looks back to the table and asks again, "Are you going to be a decent person so we can have dessert, or do I need to show you the door, Darla?"

I step into his space, looping my arms around his middle. I cannot wait until everyone leaves and I'm left with my boys.