The Unleashing
Page 35

The new Crow had her hand on the doorknob when Erin suddenly announced, You killed your dog.
Everyone in the room froze, Kera spinning around to look across the room at her pit bull, who had been quietly sitting in the corner while her owner got fixed up. Vig immediately straightened up, his eyes wide and locking with Tessas.
What are you talking about? Kera demanded.
Kera, just go, Tessa pushed.
Brodie is right there. Shes fine.
Yeah, Erin shot back. Fifty pounds heavier and stronger. With all her teeth.
So?
When you said you wouldnt join the Crows without your dog, that left Skuld with only one option. In order to bring your dog with you, she had to kill her first and then bring her back. She only chooses from the dead. So yeah, Erin taunted, you killed your dog. Dog killer.
Kera dove at Erin, her towel dropping to the ground as she wrapped her hands around Erins throat.
Erin fought back by slamming her ice pack against Keras jaw.
Tessa caught hold of Erin while Vig grabbed Kera. They both pulled back as the two women threw punches and tried to bite each other. It wasnt even a proper fight at this point. It was just a brawl between women, one topless.
All that was missing was the liquor and frat boys.
Take her! Tessa ordered Vig when he managed to get Kera away from Erin. Just get her out of here!
He walked out the door, the once dead and now alive Brodie immediately following.
And, as soon as Kera left the room, Erin immediately stopped struggling.
Tessa released her and walked around to stand in front of the Crow whod been part of her team since the day shed arrived.
Was that bit of information really necessary? Tessa asked.
Depends on your definition of necessary.
What is wrong with you, Erin?
I dont know. She just pissed me off when all I was trying to do was help her out.
She fell out of a window because of you.
She survived!
Thats not Tessa stopped, shook her head. There was no point in arguing with Erin when she got like this. It seemed the woman had come out of her mothers Irish-Catholic womb contrary. Rumor was that during the baptism, baby-Erin didnt cry once, but she did slap the attending priests face. Twice.
Even worse than her falling out the window . . . is that you embarrassed her in front of a guy she really likes.
Again, trying to help.
How is that helpful?
Erin shrugged. Shes got good tits. And now he knows shes got good tits. And real ones. Notfake.
The worst part about all that . . . Tessa knew Erin was dead serious.
Vig managed to hold on to Kera until they were halfway down the hall. Thats when she pulled herself away, arms flailing, and turned to face him.
Vig leaned back a bit, afraid she was going to turn that dangerous wrath on him, but instead, she asked, Is what she said true?
Kera
Is what she said true?
Vig had never learned to lie, so he didnt bother. Probably. The thing you must remember when it comes to the gods . . . theres always a price. Theres always a sacrifice.
Kera swallowed, stepped back, her eyes on Vig. Then she crouched down and Brodie ran into her arms. Thats when Vig realized Kera was crying as she hugged her dog.
He really had no idea what to do then. He wasnt used to crying.
Yardley King, a Crow for the last three years, was walking down the hall, still wet from the pool, a towel over her shoulder, a tiny bikini barely covering her body. She stopped when she reached them, her gaze moving from Kera and Brodie to Vig.
Whats going on? she finally asked.
I killed my dog, Kera sobbed.
Eyes wide, Yardley looked at Vig and he mouthed, Erin told her.
Yardley immediately crouched beside Kera, putting one arm around her shoulders. Oh sweetie, dont feel bad. You didnt know. And Brodies been so happy here. Shes like our mascot now.
I didnt know.
Of course you didnt know! No one thought for a second you knew. Thats why no one said anything, she muttered, big blue eyes rolling.
Kera glanced up at Yardley, looked back at Brodie, and then her head snapped up again. Youre . . . youre Yardley King.
I am! Are you a fan?
Isnt everyone a fan of yours? Kera wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. I heard on the radio this morning, your latest movie is number one at the box office.
I know. Yardleys grin was blinding. And its fabulous! Im going to make so much money. She leaned in and whispered, I got a piece of the backend. She giggled. I love my agent. Shes the best! And a Crow. Her names Betty. You will love her.
Keras eye twitched the slightest bit. Youre quieter in your movies.
I know. I always play the murderous psychopath, which is so funny, because Im naturally perky and happy. And I get emotional at the drop of a hat. Sweetie, she said, her hand on Keras shoulder, is there a reason youre not wearing a shirt?