Read Online FavoriteObsession by Nancy Corrigan - Free Book Online Page A

rocked her and filled
her with happiness. “So do you.”
    “You like to make a big entrance. Don’t you, cousin?”
    Kade’s voice boomed over the murmurs of the crowd and the
classic rock playing in the background. She turned to watch him stride toward
them. His displeasure rolled off him. With his gaze locked onto her, she knew
exactly what caused his bad mood. She raised her chin. Let him be mad. It
was simply a kiss, one I don’t regret.
    Kade stopped in front of them, hands clenched at his sides.
The pissed-off male flicked annoyed golden eyes between each of them before
settling on Aron. “Why would you start a fight with someone under my
protection? You know I can’t let this go unpunished.”
    “Don’t blame this on me.” Aron pointed at Josh. “He started
it. I was simply trying to enjoy my beer.”
    Josh offered a hand to her. She took it and he pulled her to
her feet. Both shifters followed the simple gesture as if they’d never seen a
person do such a gentlemanly thing before, but she knew exactly what put the
livid glint in their eyes. She had allowed a male whom they considered a lower
pride member to help her instead of reaching for them. A slap in the face to
both of them. Like she cared.
    Gaze on the shifters in front of her, she stepped closer to
Josh. He laid his palm over her lower back. The subtle show of ownership wouldn’t
go unnoticed, nor would her acceptance of it. Yeah, she was in for a stern
lecture. At the moment, she didn’t care.
    She smirked and focused on Aron. “I disagree. You were the
one looking for a fight. You always were a showoff.” She motioned toward the
empty booth in the far corner. “Why don’t we get a table in the back? I’m sure
Aron will want to visit for a few minutes before he goes home.”
    Aron dismissed the couple of human women who’d descended on
him to offer their version of comfort with a wave of his hand. He inclined his
head. “I agree. It’s a tad loud for conversation but I can promise I won’t be
leaving anytime soon, sweet Mira. So don’t you worry. I have plans,” he
grinned, showing off a hint of fang, “and you’re a part of them.”
    Curiosity showed on Kade’s face. “Is that right?”
    Aron nodded and casually looped his arm around Jazz. “Oh,
yes. My wandering days are over.”
    Josh called out a drink order to one of the waitresses and
led Mira forward before she could comment. She and Jazz slid in one side of the
booth. Josh claimed the spot next to her, but Kade and Aron glared at each
other, neither taking a seat. Coiled muscles and narrowed eyes marked their
silent battle of superiority.
    “Must we play this game?” Jazz turned her attention to Aron.
“We know you’re a big, bad alpha, but Rafe has told me you want no business
leading the pride. So don’t pretend to challenge Kade. Either sit down or get
out.”
    Mira smiled. She loved her friend’s frankness.
    Aron chuckled. “Of course, little female.”
    Once Aron took his seat, Kade leaned close, one hand on the
cushion next to Aron’s head, the other on the table. “Unlike some of our
previous homes, we are too integrated with humans to give in to dominance
scuffles all the time. Decide now, cousin. Accept me as you pride leader or
fight me. We can set up the ceremonial challenge for tomorrow night.”
    Aron inclined his head. “Jasmine is correct. I want no part
of leadership. Never have, never will. That has not changed in the years I’ve
been away.”
    A single nod of Kade’s head and the tension in the air
around them eased. “Good. Care to tell me why you’ve decided to return to the family
after all these years?”
    Aron sat up taller, as if working up the courage to make his
announcement. Since he’d already told her why he’d made the trip, she didn’t
understand his hesitation.
    “I learned of the Council’s order for Mira so I’ve come to
reclaim what is rightfully mine.”
    “No.” She fought the wave of sadness and rage his