Blood Twist (The Erris Coven Series)

5



LIZ





Liz wasn’t sure how long she sat at the table with Teagan and Cian’s fathers when she spotted Torin helping Lexie up the walkway.

Seeing her best friend up and mobile was a far cry from the state she was in only days before. The power of her bond with Torin allowed her body to heal quickly. Her crutches had been replaced with a walking cast and her contusions had the faded tinge of light butterscotch.

If the NFL only knew what they were missing....

Braden strode in behind them. The sun glistened off his fair hair, accenting his perfect features. Admiring the seamless way his muscular physique moved with purpose, she offered a light wave, hoping they could talk. Braden smiled quickly before heading over to his cousins across the yard.

Teagan and Cian were amusing Ella by the pool. Somehow the two attractive damphyrs were able to make the young blond smile. Liz would have preferred hanging with them if it wasn’t for the fact that Ella’s eyes gleamed like razors whenever she glanced in Liz’s direction.

She’ll get over it.

Lexie plopped down beside her. Torin’s blue eyes studied his girlfriend, looking for any signs of physical discomfort. She smiled up at him and his tense shoulders visibly relaxed. Kissing her softly, he turned to join his cousins by the water.

Liz’s eyebrow went up. “Are you two communicating without words now?”

Lexie stared at Torin’s backside as he walked away. “Kind of – I guess. He can feel what I feel,” she flushed. “It’s a part of our bond.”

“Does that mean if you discover the toilet seat up, he’ll feel that too?” Liz teased.

“Let’s hope he doesn’t find out,” she beamed. As Lexie looked down at her hands folded neatly in her lap, her tawny lashes grazed her cheeks. “He makes me happy though.”

Liz could tell. She had never seen Lexie truly in love before.

Unless her Jared Leto obsession technically counted, the girl was borderline stalkerish. Not that I blame her.

Still, Liz couldn’t be happier for her friend.

Lexie had suffered a terrible year, beginning with the death of her father. Getting attacked by a werewolf was only part of her problem. At least she would have Torin by her side while she dealt with her mother’s illness and Ella’s infatuation with Nicolai.

Liz’s smile faded. “I think you should keep a close eye on your sister. She really misses Nick. The two of them were close.”

Lexie nodded, “She is so angry with me right now. I don’t know what I can say to make things better.”

“Only time will make things better,” Liz spoke softly. “She needs your mother.”

Lexie rubbed her temples with her fingertips. “I know she does. Until the elders find a cure, there’s nothing we can do.”

“Last night while you and Torin were in bed, Braden told Teagan that he believes he located an antidote for the lycanthropy. I want to go with him.”

“A cure? I wasn’t sure there was one.” Lexie’s tone reflected her relief. “When is he going?”

“I’m not sure,” Liz answered. “But it must be soon.”

Lexie gave her friend a side long look, a knowing smile crept across her face. “Why do you want to go with him? Are you interested in Braden?”

Liz blinked. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

“He’s adorable and a good guy.” Lexie pointed across the lawn, but Liz didn’t need to see her friend was motioning at the tall, blond damphyr. “Admit it.”

“Yes, he’s fine, but I’m not into him like that.” Liz poked at the kiwi on her plate.

He could be the poster boy for American Eagle Outfitters…I’m more Hot Topic-ish.

Lexie leaned forward with a smug expression. “I never would have guessed I’d be with Torin,” she plucked a grape from Liz’s plate and popped it in her mouth, “but he’s exactly what I needed.”

Liz allowed her eyes to venture over to where Braden stood by the pool. His smile was charming, but that was beside the point. Attractive or not, Braden was the only one with a plan.

“I just want to make sure he doesn’t come home without Ruby’s cure.”