Read Online Things That Go Bump in the Night IV by Ashleigh Raine, J. C. Wilder, Lorie O'Clare - Free Book Online

years, and he seldom saw them since both of them had moved to packs back east. He’d forgotten the defiance one’s own cubs could show.
    And although Beth wasn’t his cub, she was Sandy’s daughter. He didn’t know the young lawyer that well, other than her outstanding reputation that spoke wonders about her. But she would be part of his life if he continued to see Sandy. And he had every intention of doing that.
    “I’m afraid that isn’t possible.” He spoke just as someone tapped on Beth’s office door.
    “What?” Beth almost yelled while glaring at Ralph.
    Sandy opened the door, looking at each of them with curiosity and concern covering her expression. “Am I interrupting something?”
    “Not at all, Mom.” Beth forced a smile although her anger filled her office. “I think my point is clear, Mr. Hipp. You may go now.”
    He’d been dismissed. Sandy gave him a rather amused look. He knew she was guessing what had just transpired here. He glanced from mother to daughter and then slowly left the office. But he had every intention of waiting for Sandy.
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    Lorie O’Clare

Chapter Nine
    Beth was absolutely outraged. Sandy could only imagine what her daughter and Ralph had been discussing before she’d arrived.
    “Ethan told me that you wanted to talk to me.” She decided her daughter could fill her in if she wanted.
    “Mom.” Beth picked up her pen, clicked it open and closed a few times, then dropped it on her desk. “Ethan told me that he saw you and Ralph in our kitchen last night.”
    Sandy leaned back in her chair, waiting for her daughter to say what she would.
    Obviously she was upset by the news. Angry—if the encounter she’d just missed with Ralph in here was any indication.
    “I take it you don’t like Ralph,” she said when Beth seemed at a loss as how to continue.
    Her daughter shook her head, her anger still simmering. “He’s incredible security for the pack. And his investigational skills are outstanding.”
    Sandy nodded, knowing all of this already. Ralph had a solid reputation with the pack. In fact, he had a solid everything. She blinked, trying to stay focused for her cub.
    Grown or not, Beth needed her right now. She was upset. And Sandy understood. Beth had never had to share her.
    “He’s just not right for you, Mom.” Suddenly the successful attorney was gone. Her child, trusting and concerned appeared before her.
    Sandy stood up and started to walk around Beth’s desk. “You shouldn’t get yourself so upset about this.”
    Beth bristled. She held her hand up, stopping Sandy in mid-pace. “I am looking out for your best interests. And if you don’t see what those are, then I guess it’s my job to open your eyes.”
    Sandy didn’t like her daughter’s tone. It was one thing to be concerned. But she wouldn’t be reprimanded by Beth.
    “I do know what my best interests are, young lady.” Sandy didn’t try to approach her any longer. Instead she turned toward the door. “You will not speak to me like that.”
    Beth sighed. “Mom. He is a werewolf on the prowl for a piece of tail. And from what I’ve seen, he is doing okay without adding you to his list of conquests.”
    Sandy turned back around. Ralph wasn’t playing the field. She was sure of it. “How could you say such a thing? I know it’s always just been you and me. But you’ve got to accept the fact that it is okay for me to date.”
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    Blue Moon
    Beth took her time coming around her desk. The anger no longer lingered in the air.
    Something akin to concern surfaced. And Beth’s concerned look worried Sandy. Her daughter didn’t know something that she didn’t, did she?
    “Just be careful, Mom. I don’t want you hurt.” She reached out, taking Sandy’s hand. Her warm touch softened Sandy’s heart. Beth was really worried about her.
    “Sometimes we don’t see things as they really are. Just don’t do anything you might regret later. Please.”
    “I won’t, dear. I promise.” Sandy