Page 29 of Crow Me A River

Before he knew what was going on he heard the shift taking him off guard. He watched with everyone else as her Crow flew toward the woods.

“Fuck!” Vin followed her with his eyes until the trees swallowed her from sight, an uneasy feeling settling deep in his gut. He knew she needed space after what she'd just learned. Hell, anyone would. But knowing that didn't stop every instinct he had from demanding he go after her.

Suddenly, a noise to his right had Vin instantly on guard. Before he could figure out what the hell it was, a beautiful woman appeared out of nowhere in a swirl of sparkling colors that reminded him of glitter. She glanced around at the group before her gaze landed directly on him.

“Give her time,” the woman said, giving him a smile. “After I deal with a few things, I’ll tell you where to find Misty. You must be Vin. I’m Zelda.”

Vin started to respond, then glanced at Mac, who just smirked and shrugged as if to say, Yep, that’s my Mate.

“Well, Jack, here we are again.” Zelda turned toward the Crow Alpha, and the smile disappeared. “I’ve been letting things go with your Murder, but no more. I hear you’ve been taking women, one in particular, as payment for a debt owed to you.”

“Zelda, we’ve had this conversation before.” Jack didn’t look nearly as confident as he had a few minutes ago. “This is Murder business.”

“No, this is my business, and as Shifter Wanker, it is my duty to protect all Shifters in Assjacket, along with my Mate, the King of Shifters.” Zelda’s voice hardened as she stared Jack down. “And I draw the line at women being used in such a fashion. We are not objects to be passed around to settle debts or for your pleasure. If you want to fight me on this, you will lose. If I ever hear of this happening again, and you know I will, you and your Murder will be kicked out of Assjacket. Is that understood?”

Vin leaned slightly toward Rafe. “What the hell is a Shifter Wanker?”

Rafe chuckled. “One badass Witch who her badass Mate adores.”

“And you’re the stepbrother, I take it?” Zelda turned her attention to Tucker without waiting for Jack to respond. “As for you, if I ever hear of you stepping foot in my town again, I will personally see to it that you never fly again.”

The gasps coming from the Crows told Vin everything he needed to know about that threat. He may not be a Crow, but even he understood that taking away a Crow Shifter’s ability to fly was probably worse than death to some of them.

“If Misty remains in Assjacket by her own choice, then she is under my protection and my Mate’s.” Zelda looked at every Crow standing there before her gaze returned to Jack. “Is that understood by all of you?”

No one said a word.

“Good.” Zelda’s eyes narrowed on Jack. “I’d hate to see you go, Jack, but this is the final warning you’ll get from me.” Her gaze slid toward Griffin. “And Griffin, you’re lucky you’re not leaving town right now.”

For once, Griffin seemed to know when to keep his mouth shut. He gave a short nod before turning away, the other Crows following. Jack looked like he wanted to argue, his mouth actually opening before he apparently thought better of it. He turned and walked away, Tucker quickly following behind him.

“Well, that’s that.” Zelda’s entire demeanor changed as a beautiful smile spread across her face. She turned toward Vin. “Now, I suggest you get back to her shack. She’s there gathering what little she has and getting ready to run.”

Vin’s stomach tightened.

“Run where?”

Zelda gave him a knowing look. “That’s probably something you should ask her. I suggest you stop her before you have to find out the hard way. She would be a wonderful addition to our town from what Bruce has told me, and I’d be very disappointed if I didn’t get to meet the woman who sings like an angel.”

“So Fat Bastard didn’t fuck up my message, I see.” Bruce released a relieved sigh. “I was wondering why you didn’t show up right away.”

“Oh, but I did.” Zelda glanced down at Bruce and winked. “You just didn’t see me. I wanted to hear what was going on without anyone knowing I was here.”

Rafe stared at Bruce in surprise. “You called in the big shots?”

“You better believe it.” Bruce puffed his chest out, looking way too proud of himself. “I knew they’d handle it. Misty’s a cool chick, and lover boy there would be heartbroken if she mated some ugly birdbrain.”

Vin growled at Bruce before looking back at Zelda. “Thank you.”

“Eh, it’s part of the job.” Zelda waved him off. “Now go get her before the Crows beat you to it.”

That was all Vin needed to hear. He was already moving before Zelda finished the sentence, taking the steps in one jump. Misty might think running was her only choice, and after everything she’d been through, he couldn’t blame her for believing it. But he’d be damned if he let her disappear without knowing she had another choice. She had him.

Spotting Tucker before he reached the woods, Vin changed direction. There was something he needed to take care of first. Grabbing the bastard, he spun him around and wrapped his hand around his throat. “If you ever try to contact Misty again, I will kill you in the most painful way possible. She is, and always will be, under my protection. Is that understood, you sorry piece of shit?”

Tucker could only nod as Vin tightened his grip around his throat.

“Vin!” Rafe yelled in warning. “Don’t kill him...yet.”