The other pack members scattered around the living area were also enjoying the show. In fact, Roni and Marcus—a mated couple who acted as enforcers for both the Phoenix Pack and the Mercury Pack—had even switched their attention from the movie they had been watching to the other couple, observing the argument while sharing a bag of strawberry licorice.

Like the other rooms within the large multifloored cave dwelling, the living area was all modern furnishings and woodsy colors. Decorative swirls were carved into the main light-cream sandstone wall of the room, complementing the rustic fireplace. The large sectional sofas and plush armchairs were all angled toward the state-of-the-art audiovisual system.

“I’ve never even heard of that dumb superstition before,” Ryan went on. “It wouldn’t surprise me if you made it up to irritate me.”

Makenna’s eyes widened. “I didn’t. There’s even a rhyme about it.”

“You say that as if the rhyme gives it credibility. There’s also a rhyme about Humpty Dumpty. He was fictional too.”

“Actually,” Roni cut in, “there are some who believe that Humpty Dumpty was King Richard III of England, who was defeated in the 1400s despite how big and tough his armies were. And there are others who think Humpty Dumpty was actually a cannon that was placed on a city wall but later fell to the ground.”

Makenna smirked at Ryan. “Don’t know everything, do you, White Fang?”

“There is no such thing as bad luck,” he maintained.

“You’re tempting fate again.” Makenna pointed at the coffee table. “Knock—”

“Do not tell me to knock on wood.”

“Fine. Tempt fate. See if I care.” Makenna picked up her e-reader and returned to her book, dismissing him. Ryan honestly looked close to leaping off his chair and snatching the e-reader right out of her hand.

Dominic exchanged an amused look with his Beta female, Jaime, who was sprawled beside him on the reclining end of the sofa. As her mouth opened wide in yet another jaw-popping yawn, he said, “You look zonked.”

“Sleepless nights will do that to a girl,” she muttered, adjusting the soft blanket that was tucked around her legs.

“Why don’t you go rest in your room while the baby’s sleeping?” Makenna suggested.

Jaime gave a tired shake of her head. “I’ll stay.”

“He’ll be fine,” Dominic assured her.

“I know, I just . . .” Jaime lowered her voice, as if confessing a shameful secret. “I don’t want to leave him. Clingy, aren’t I?”

“I’d say it’s normal,” Makenna consoled.

Jaime gently skimmed the baby’s cheek with her fingertip. “I can’t believe how easily he falls asleep for you,” she said to Dominic.

“What can I say? I’m his favorite uncle,” said Dominic. “I’m still surprised you called him Hendrix.”

Jaime frowned. “And what’s wrong with that name?”

“Nothing,” said Dominic. “It suits the little guy. I just wouldn’t have expected Dante to go for something unusual. Also, he was set on Daniel.”

“Hendrix doesn’t look like a Daniel.”

In agreement with that, Dominic nuzzled Hendrix’s downy head. He was so small and cute, and he smelled so fresh and sweet.

“You know, Dom, this is the most laid-back I’ve seen you in days,” Jaime observed. “You’ve been a little moody lately. Seemed kind of distracted.”

“It wouldn’t have something to do with a certain pallas cat called Mila, would it?” asked Trey. Well, it was more of a taunt than a question.

Marcus chuckled. “I really wish I’d been there to see her blow you off.”

“Oh yeah, I heard about that from Madisyn,” said Makenna, her mouth quirking. As the barmaid’s best friend, she’d gotten an earful.

Trey balanced his coffee cup on the arm of his chair, his eyes on Dominic. “I got a call from Vinnie. He said Ingrid mentioned something about you turning up at the barbershop where Mila works and giving her your cell number.”

“Really?” Marcus lifted a brow at Dominic. “Has she called you?”

Dominic narrowed his eyes at the other enforcer. “Since when do you care about my sex life?”

Marcus chuckled again. “I’ll take that as a no.”

“Madisyn did tell you that Mila’s not someone you’ll be able to charm into bed,” Trey reminded him. “I asked Vinnie if he was going to warn you away from Mila. He laughed and said he wouldn’t need to—said she’d see right through your shit.”

Dismissing his pack mates with a Ryan-like grunt, Dominic nuzzled Hendrix again. It was true that Dominic had been moody and distracted recently. Six days. It had been six days since he’d last seen Mila. She hadn’t called. Had he expected her to? No. She seemed determined to resist him, and it was clear that she was stubborn as hell. It shouldn’t bother him so damn much, but it did—hence the moodiness.

Generally, Dominic didn’t “think” about women. Didn’t wonder what they were up to or where they were or who they were with. But Mila popped into his head several times a day. Hell, he’d even dreamed about her. Dreamed he was fucking her mouth, her sleek curls bunched in his hands.

She’d be singing at the Velvet Lounge tonight, and he fully intended to be there. He liked being around her. She amused him. Intrigued him. Teased him. Wasn’t easily impressed or charmed, which meant he had to work for her attention. Her eyes lit up when he amused her, which he liked, but she hadn’t fallen at his feet. Didn’t flirt or encourage him. She was just . . . refreshing.

Trey’s cell began to ring, and Hendrix fussed a little but thankfully didn’t wake.

“Hey,” Trey greeted the caller.

Thanks to his shifter-enhanced hearing, Dominic recognized the voice on the other end of the line as Gabe, Jaime’s brother, but he couldn’t quite make out the words.

Trey’s face hardened. Without ending the call, he spoke to Dominic. “You have a visitor, but I’m not so sure you’re going to like who it is.”

“Emmet Pierson?” Dominic had expected as much.

“No. Rosemary Pierson.”

Dominic swore under his breath.

Roni licked her front teeth. “That bitch is either ballsy or stupid.”

“I’m leaning toward crazy,” said Trey. His gaze slid back to Dominic. “If you’re willing to hear what she has to say, I’ll ask Gabe to tell her to wait outside the gate.”

“I’ll speak to her,” Dominic told him, carefully handing Hendrix back to Jaime.

“Want company?” Marcus asked him.

Standing, Dominic shook his head. This was his mess. “I’ll deal with her.”

He stalked through the network of sandstone tunnels, exited the main door, and descended the steps that were carved into the cliff face. The ancient cave dwelling was situated deep in their territory, surrounded by forests and mountains. It had been increasingly modernized over the years and comfortably housed all twenty-seven members of his pack.

The breeze kept him cool as he jogged through the maze of wild shrubs and weathered trees, alarming the small animals who then fled into the underbrush. The sounds of birds chirping, wings fluttering, and branches creaking were as comforting as the scents of pine, wildflowers, and sun-warmed earth. But none eased his irritation.