The Lying, the Witch, and the Werewolf (Down & Dirty Supernatural Cleaning Services Book 4) by Kate Quinn (uplifting books for women .txt) 📗

If I was thinking straight I would’ve had him shift to Mikey Stephens, the boy I had a crush on for most of high school. He liked me too...until he realized he had to stand on his tiptoes to kiss me. That fact didn’t bother me, but it was a dealbreaker for him. Since then I’ve been self-conscious around shorter men, as if I’m responsible for their self-esteem. With Seamus’ help, I could’ve gotten some free therapy to put all that behind me. Right now he’d be wearing Mikey’s face and showing me that a man who stands at boob level has unique advantages unknown to his taller brethren.

Instead, I’m looking at my ex and remembering that I failed him in more ways than one.

I release Liam’s hand and he immediately shifts back to Seamus. His eyes, when they meet mine, are gentle and concerned. “Not helpful?” he asks.

“No, it was,” I reassure him. “Just not in the way I expected. I think when I get home, I gotta talk to the real Liam and finally be totally truthful with him about our relationship and where it was going.”

“Well then I guess my work is done here,” Seamus says with a smile as he stands up.

“Wait,” I call out. I follow him to the door of my yurt. “Is there anywhere here to get a drink where it’s not like a prelude to sex? Just more hanging out and being social in a brotherly/sisterly type of way?”

Seamus frowns, thinking. “Well, there’s the Friends With Benefits club, but I don’t think that’s what you mean.”

“No, definitely not,” I agree.

“But if you’re looking to avoid any romantic encounters for now, I can show you the infirmary.”

“Infirmary?” I ask, wondering if I’ve finally stumbled onto the dark side of the cult, like maybe those anti-STD spells don’t work so well. And I bet those people aren’t on the chore list, either. “How many people are there?”

“Oh, it varies,” Seamus answers. “But there’s always at least a few people on no bed rest.”

“No bed rest?” I repeat.

He nods. “Chafing. It’s a serious problem around here. For mild cases you get yellow tagged, meaning slow it down. But a red tag puts you out of action and into the infirmary.”

I grimace, imagining how much sex would need to be had for one to reach red tag status. Then I also recall the scene at dinner and understand why the infirmary always has a few beds full.

“All right,” I say to Seamus. “Let’s go visit those poor red-tagged folks and share some purely platonic cheer.”

18

I wake up hungover, and with my bed partner from last night licking my face.

“Ugh, Shit, stop!” I push the big lug away, there’s really not enough room for both of us on this tiny cot. But he has the superior muscle advantage and so I’m the one who tumbles off.

Oof. I hit the hard floor and just lie there, deciding whether or not I’m gonna puke.

Not, I finally decide with relief. Slowly, I sit up. My yurt is bright with sunlight and the sound of voices filters through the canvas walls. Clearly the day has started without me.

Somehow I find the strength to gather my shower supplies and head over to the coed bathrooms. Adorra mentioned there can be a line for the showers because of how many people use them for playtime, but luckily I seem to have missed the morning rush. I pick a stall as far as possible from the one where I can see three pairs of feet beneath the curtain and hear a chorus of moans.

The hot water revives me and then after a breakfast of bacon and eggs, I feel pretty much back to normal. Realizing that I totally skipped out on my cleaning assignment last night, I pitch in with the breakfast crew. I’m just finishing up mopping the floor (and leaving it cleaner than it’s been in a long time, from what I can tell) when Cassie comes in and rushes over to me.

“Paige!” she says. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. You’ll never believe what I did last night.” A giggle escapes her as she amends, “Or should I say who I did.”

“It was Mac,” I say, not even having to guess. Cassie’s interest was like a billboard posted on top of her head.

“OMQ! Yes!” She gapes at me in surprise. “Paige, you might also have the second sight.”

“Nah, I think it was just a lucky guess,” I tell her.

Cassie shrugs, seeming to accept this, and then leans in closer, clearly wanting to share some of the dirty details. “He knocked me all night long.”

“Rocked you all night long,” I correct.

“And cocked me all night long,” Cassie adds, her eyes twinkling. She nods to me. “Now it’s your turn.”

I realize she thinks we’re playing some sort of sex rhyming game, which feels oddly innocent in the middle of this place.

“Okay,” I say, “What about…” I trail off as someone across the room catches my eye. It’s a tall guy wearing only boxers, his blonde happy trail leading the way to what looks to be a very promising package. He’s carrying a plate piled high with bacon to one of the tables. The dude clearly likes his protein. But that’s not really what caught my attention. He’s gorgeous. And also oddly familiar…

My gaze wanders back to his well-fitting boxers and I realize I’ve seen them before—and not in a pile beside my bed. It’s the magical pair Nico wears to shift, disappearing when he’s in wolf form, but keeping him somewhat modest when he shifts back into being human.

Maybe sensing my intense stare, the man looks my way and our gazes connect. The sense of knowing, yet not knowing him, increases. Then he winks. And grins.

I recognize that wink anywhere—even on a face with two eyes.

Grabbing Cassie’s arm, I quickly steer her in the opposite direction and then out the door. I don’t know if Cassie’s foresight will help her see through