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

“Sorry,” I say, pulling my hand back. He shifts into his human form and sits up.

He stretches and scratches behind his ear, as if parts of his wolf self are still lingering. Finally, he speaks, his voice even more low and growly than usual. “You shouldn’t pet strange animals.”

“You’re not strange,” I retort, “you’re—”

I stop, cutting myself off. I was going to say ‘Nico’, in the same way you say someone’s name in a way that means ‘mine.’

Clearing my throat, I finish lamely, “My office mate.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Nico laughs and I almost detect a hint of bitterness.

I really don’t want things to be weird between us now. But even without the effects of the chocolate, I can’t keep my eyes off Nico’s body. I also can’t help noticing that both of Nico’s eyes keep returning to my chest as well—on full display thanks to my ripped shirt.

“So...drugged sex chocolate, huh?” I say awkwardly.

“Looks that way. But If they’re giving out chocolate at the Humans First Rally, what is their end goal?”

“Good question,” I say. “I was wondering that, too. Wherever the Humans First party is, it’s safe to bet that there will also be a counter-protest, which means lots of angry humans yelling at lots of angry supes.”

“And the supes yelling back at them,” Nico adds.

I nod in agreement. “Do you think they want to manipulate everyone to fuck in the streets? Embarrass the Humans First Party?”

“Does that make sense?” he asks.

“Well, it makes as much sense as anything else that’s going on here.” I shake my head and stand, stretching. Why did I think it was a good idea to sleep in the freaking woods like a tree nymph or something?

“And would that even be so bad? All those Humans First jerks do deserve to be embarrassed.” Especially Brent, I think, but don’t vocalize. It was not that long ago that I thought the Humans First movement was appealing. Supes did ruin a lot of things. But now I know better.

“You think we should just let it happen?” he asks, one eyebrow raised. He gets to his feet and I take a step back. I can’t help it. His closeness is still too much.

“Maybe.” I shrug. “But honestly, this whole thing makes no sense. Together We Come is all about enjoying sex, bending over backwards to make sure everything is consensual. A drug-filled orgy that has people fuck against their will doesn’t seem very in keeping with the spirit of this place.”

I don’t like where my head is going with this. Yes, I dislike the Firsters and everything they’ve done to rob supes of their rights. But should anyone ever be put in a sexual situation without full consent and foreknowledge? Sure, it might be funny as hell to see Brent blasted all over the front pages with a mermaid on his dick, but is it right?

Nico tilts his head, waiting for me.

“I think we need to warn them,” I say.

“I knew you wouldn’t want all those people to suffer,” Nico tells me. “You’re such a good girl.”

I snort. “Look buddy, whatever was in that chocolate has worn the hell off. So, don’t push your luck.”

”Fair, but if a supe and the Firster politician's ex show up warning everyone that they’re about to have non-consensual orgy, who is going to believe us? We should go grab a chocolate bar as evidence.”

“Good idea,” I agree. “I’ll go back while it’s still early. In and out.”

He grins at this as I turn on my heel and march off toward the chocolate lab. “Paige, it’s this way,” he tells me. I spin and follow the direction he’s pointing. Apparently, the chocolate might have some aftereffects like confusion and disorientation. And—really, am I going to walk back in there with Nico?

“Stop,” I say, hitting the brakes so hard Nico bumps into me. “You’re not going.”

“What?” Nico asks, rubbing his nose. “Why?”

“Because,” I say, and simply point at his dick, then my vagina.

“Ah…well…” Nico grins at me. “I know you had trouble resisting me, but I managed to fight you off.”

I glare. “Really? That’s the way you want to play this?” I demand. Stalking closer to him I stab a finger into his chest. “You wanted me,” I say. “You wanted all of this so badly you had to change into a wolf and run away to keep yourself from humping my leg.”

Nico leans right back in. Taking my finger, he redirects it so it’s pointing at my own chest. “You’re right,” he says, his voice low. “I do want this.” Still holding my hand, he moves my finger so that I’m tracing the upper curve of one breast and then the other. “All of it,” he adds, sounding almost hoarse with want.

And even with no more chocolate in my system, I’m right there with him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he can see the way my heart is beating, frantic and fast with want. “But when it happens,” Nico adds, “you’re gonna be sober, with no excuses and no way to rationalize why you couldn’t resist getting a little werewolf strange.”

My mouth is so dry, I have to swallow twice before I can scoff, “Little. At least you admit your shortcomings.”

His eyes darken and he comes even closer so his lips brush my ear. “There’s nothing little about me, Paige.”

I shudder and then jerk away, taking my hand and every other part of me, far from his reach.

Maybe all the chocolate isn’t out of my system after all. That’s why I’m ready to bang him against a tree.

“We don’t have time for nonsense right now,” I snap, my words meant for myself as well as Nico. “I’ll go back to the lab while you head for the commune. Cassie should know what’s going on here. I’m pretty sure she’s ready to commit to this place one hundred percent, and she should have all the details before that happens.”

“Absolutely,” he agrees. “But Paige, if