Echoes of Fire (The Mercury Pack #4)(61)

Madisyn gently elbowed her. “Don’t get all mushy on me, Wray.”

“You’re happy, Drake. Admit it.”

“I’m not unhappy.”

“You’re happy. Just say it.”

“Don’t wanna.”

Makenna chuckled again, but the sound abruptly cut off as something caught her attention. “Oh.”

“What?” Frowning, Madisyn tracked the she-wolf’s gaze to the wooden porch. And tensed.

“I didn’t think they were invited. I mean, it’s not bad that they were. I just . . . considering this is unofficially a ‘Welcome to the pack’ thing for you, I didn’t think Shaya would invite outsiders. Especially a female your mate was once pursuing.”

Madisyn watched as Kathy rushed to Harley’s cousins and gave them a gushing welcome. “I don’t think Shaya did.”

Realization dawned on Makenna, and her face darkened. “That old bitch,” she growled.

The chatter died down as everyone suddenly became aware of the new visitors. Smiles fell away. Brows creased in confusion. Tension snapped the air taut. And the margays felt it, which made Madisyn wince in sympathy. Because it had to be hard to walk into a party setting and have everyone look at you like they had no idea what you were doing there. And now everyone was waiting to see what Madisyn would do, willing to take their cue from her.

Looking at the smallest of the four females, who also happened to be Shiloh’s twin sister, Madisyn said, “God, Jazz, those are like two-inch heels, and you still don’t look any taller.”

Indie, the oldest of the four, gave a half smile. “That’s what I said.”

Jazz shot Madisyn a mock glare. “Kiss my ass, Drake.”

“Flirting with me already?” Madisyn chuckled. “Sorry, sweetie, you’re a little too short for me.”

And the tension was broken. Talk quickly resumed, and Harley guided her cousins over to the buffet table.

Bracken stalked over to Madisyn. “Hey,” he said softly, eyes serious, “you all right?”

“Fine,” said Madisyn, “but you’re not.”

Taking her hand, he pulled her to her feet and then held her to him protectively. “No, I’m fucking not. I can’t believe—”

Shaya hurried over. “I’m so sorry about this. I didn’t know that Kathy invited them, I swear.”

Madisyn raised a hand. “It’s fine, Shaya.”

The redhead’s lips thinned. “It’s not, because she did this to hurt you. She wants you uncomfortable. She wants this whole thing to be awkward for you and as far from welcoming as possible.”

“Well, she failed.” Madisyn stroked Bracken’s arm, wanting to pet the tension out of him. He was quivering with suppressed anger, and she suspected he was also feeling the sting of betrayal. “It would be weird if Shiloh was pining after Bracken, but Ally assured me that she’s not. I’m pissed with Kathy, sure, but only because she’s got him all riled up.”

Bracken let out a long breath and kissed her forehead. “I’m all right, baby. I just didn’t anticipate this, and that enrages me because I want you to feel safe with me. I feel like I didn’t protect you from her.”

“I don’t need protecting from some old heifer. And I do feel safe with you.”

“But not safe and welcome here, and that guts me.”

Madisyn went pliant against him. “Don’t let her spoil this barbecue, Bracken. That’s what she wants.”

“If you’re uncomfortable and want to leave—”

“I don’t.”

“Nick will lay into her later,” said Shaya, glaring at Kathy, who seemed totally oblivious to the harsh looks she was receiving. “He can’t right now because it would offend Harley’s cousins if he looked upset by them being here.”

“Roni looks like she wants to drag her mother through a rosebush backward,” Makenna noted. “I really hope she does.”

Madisyn patted Bracken’s arm, frowning at how tight his muscles were bunched. “Go get yourself a beer or something. I’d like one.”

He rested his forehead against hers. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Then I’ll get you one.” He laid a soft kiss on her mouth and then stalked off.

“He is pissed,” said Makenna. “Utterly and righteously pissed.”

“In his position, I would be too.” Sinking back into the sofa, Madisyn sighed, eyes on Kathy. “I figured she might act weird like she did last night. Or make snarky remarks or give me the cold shoulder. Maybe even the silent treatment. I never expected her to invite Shiloh—this is supremely unfair to her, and the margay will quickly realize exactly why Kathy did it. If Shiloh had been carrying a torch for Bracken, this would have been hard for her.”

Just then, Dominic settled himself on the arm of the rattan sofa and put a napkin near Madisyn’s face. “Hey, do you think this smells like chloroform?”

Rolling her eyes, Madisyn swatted his arm. She could see the concern lighting his eyes and knew he’d come to check on her. “I’m fine.” But she’d allow him to distract her and make her laugh purely because it would annoy Kathy to see her enjoying herself.