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"He’s not pushingat allit’s like he’s detached himself from the situation" And Zander was baffled by it "You could be worrying for nothing She ht now"

"No," allowed Bracken, "but rejection doesn’t faze you"

He was right Zander couldn’t recall ever being personally threatened by criticism or rejection He was comfortable ho he was, despite his faults

Jase blossoms, and wild berries

The scent swirled around him moments before Gwen appeared at the table, tray in handand his wolf returned to his hidey hole

"Morning," she said with a smile, but it was that formal smile that he didn’t like She stacked the plates and cutlery on the tray, cool as a fucking cucu Her hands were perfectly steady, her expression was calm, and her voice was even And damn if that didn’t rankle Zander wanted her to be as affected as he was

"More coffee?" she asked

"I’ave a quick shake of the head before asking, "You working at Half ’n’ Half tonight?"

"Nope I only work there three days a week" Then she was gone

S, Bracken sank into his chair "Huh Well, whatever happened between you two doesn’t seelare, he went on, "Damn, it seems like you didn’tyour touch"

Zander glowered at hi motherfucker"

"Hey, is that any way to speak to one of your best friends?"

"Couldn’t care less"

Bracken just chuckled

A little while later, Zander went into the kitchen to find Gith a small sheet of paper clamped between her lips as she slipped on a jacket "Where are you going?"

She took the paper out of her o" Before she could object, he added, "Bracken will stay here in case the Moores show up" Zander wanted time alone with her

Behind him, Bracken said, "I will?"

"You will"

"I will" But Bracken didn’t sound happy about it

Gwen shook her head "That’s okay I’ll be fine"

"We’re here to look out for you, re with hio"

CHAPTER SEVEN

Why did she always end up with the cart that had squeaky wheels?