Sold to the Alpha (Alma Venus Shifter Brides 1)

“Thanks.” Avelyn raised her glass and Jocelyn did the same. “What shall we drink to?”

“Hmm… I t

hink…” she hesitated, as if she was just trying to come up with an idea when it was obvious she already knew what she’d say. “I think we shall drink to my nephew.”

“Nephew?” Avelyn laughed cheerfully. “What if it’s a niece?”

“That works too.”

They clinked their glasses and took a small sip, enjoying the wine’s rich aroma. Avelyn couldn’t believe she was laughing and chatting so comfortably with Jocelyn, Max’s sister from hell, the major bitch who a couple of weeks ago had treated her like she were some new, advanced form of disgusting bug.

“What’s with the new attitude?” asked Avelyn, her slightly squeezed eyes showing suspicion.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jocelyn set down her glass and asked the maid to bring them dessert. Yes, somehow, Avelyn had managed to grow on her, but she wasn’t about to say that out loud.

“You’re being nice to me.”

“I’m always a nice person, you just don’t see it.”

“Right. I see how this works. If someone wants to be in your good graces, they have to almost die first.”

“Not true.” Jocelyn smiled, pleased with Avelyn’s remark. Without knowing, the redhead had just stroked her ego. Or, maybe she did know it. The thought made her remember who she was dealing with: a Vulpes bride. She doubted the werewolf venom in her blood would manage to change her personality along with her body.

“Then? How does this work? How do you make friends?”

“Friends? Aren’t you going too far?”

“Oh yes, I forgot. You don’t have friends.”

“I sure do, you just don’t know them.”

“Have you also got a boyfriend?”

“Are you trying to piss me off again?”

“Yeah… I think I am. This whole thing, you being nice and chatty, is rather scary. I guess I’m trying to go back to our comfort zone.”

“Pff…” Jocelyn fixed her eyes on Avelyn’s blue ones. The maid brought their dessert, apple pie, and set the round, delicate plates before them. “All right, you win.”

Avelyn rose a dark, perfectly arched eyebrow in curiosity.

“I just figured you’re not that bad after all. You make Max happy, and now you’re going to give him a child… That means a lot to all of us, me included.”

Avelyn moved her eyes to the apple pie and sighed. “That’s not going to happen, and you know it. You were there.”

“Don’t talk like that. You’re not alone, Avelyn. We’re doing everything we can to keep you safe and find a solution. You’re one of us now, and we Blackmanes look after each other.”

“I thought you were mad at me for releasing… her, and running away.”

“Oh, I was, believe me. Actually, I think I still am to some extent. You’re one hell of an actress and a cold-blooded schemer. However, it’s Max’s own damn fault that he kept you in the dark. He should have listened to me and Karl.”

“Karl… I don’t know what to think of him anymore.”

Jocelyn gave her a concerned look. “Just take him as he is. He’s changed.”

“He did what he did.”

“Over 100 years ago. People make mistakes.”