Echoes of Fire (The Mercury Pack, #4)

by Suzanne Wright

“They’re right in what they say—pallas cats are crazy motherfuckers.”

“Someone ate a full bowl of Bitch Flakes this morning.” “Dude, I ate two.”

“I’ve eaten chicken breasts that were bigger than your tits.” “And I’ve worn heels that are longer than the dick you appear to be packing,”

“I don’t hate you. But if you’re ever pushed into traffic, there’s a good chance that it was me.”

“You want a lot of things from me.” He shook his head. “No, baby. I want everything.”

“I appreciate you, Dawn,” said Madisyn. “I just also want to set the bastard’s ass on fire and watch him burn. Is that so wrong?” “Yes, actually,” clipped Dawn. “It’s called ‘first-degree murder,’ and there are—” “See what I mean?” Madisyn made an exasperated sound. “You take the fun out of everything.”

Zander rubbed at his jaw. “I think there’s only one pallas pride in the whole of the United States.” “The Olympus Pride,” said Bracken with a nod.

“You don’t have to look at me so suspiciously.” “Dominant male wolves are generally all grr, mine, grr when it comes to their mates. They feel the need to share the news with the world.” His mouth twitched into a smile. “Grr, mine, grr?” “Am I wrong?”

“They’re vicious little shits, Bracken.” “Endearingly vicious,” Roni cut in. Kathy ignored that. “They fly into rages.” “Deadly cute rages,” said Roni. “It’s not even a berserk rage, which I could at least admire.” Kathy put her hands on her hips. “They’re just downright mean.” Roni raised a finger. “Adorably mean.”

Archer’s face hardened to stone. “Fucking with me would be a grave mistake.” “I’ll pencil in some time to dwell on it tomorrow.”

“These guys bothering you, baby?” “They’re giving it their best shot, bless their hearts. I’ve heard that God does love a trier.”

“If you ever so much as bother Madisyn again, I won’t just destroy you, I’ll wipe out your entire clan. It’ll be as if you never existed.”

Madisyn had been sincerely surprised by how fast the feline accepted his touch. She hadn’t even tried chasing him away from her private space. The cat barked at freaking ants if they got near her precious rockery.

“I still wouldn’t risk it,” said Vinnie. “You can tell yourself it can’t be that bad, but you’ll change your mind eight years down the line when you’re disciplining one kit for trying to kill the other in its sleep.” Luke glared at his brother. “Not a night I’ll ever forget.” Again, Tate shrugged. “That sound you made annoyed me.” Luke’s brows snapped together. “What? Snoring?” “Breathing.” As the brothers proceeded to argue, Vinnie held up a finger. “One, Slater. Just one.”

“I said, turn left.” “I heard you.” “I have a gun here.” “Well, then, I guess you’re gonna have to use the fucker, aren’t you?”

Tate shrugged. “You were pissing me off.” “By doing what?” “Existing.”