The Unleashing
Page 73

She ran to the door. Love you guys!
The other Crows stared at Jace, which made her feel nothing but uncomfortable and horrified.
Even worse . . . the other Crows had the same expression.
Kera opened the small refrigerator in the stretch town car, checked out the bar. So this was what being rich was about. A stocked bar and a jar of honey-roasted almonds.
Popping a couple of almonds into her mouth, Kera glanced at Erin. Should I ask whats going on?
No.
Okay. Almond?
Yardley stepped into the limo, tossing Erin her wallet and handing over Keras backpack. She knocked on the window separating them from the driver and they began moving.
So a dog rescue that will also help vets, Yardley said.
Well, Ill probably use dogs from local rescues and match them to vets looking for companion animals.
That sounds really wonderful.
I just want to help these guys, ya know? They were there for me; now I want to be there for them.
Yardleys smile was so wide and bright, Kera immediately understood why she made five mil a picture.
Its wonderful to see that youve found something youre passionate about. And thats why Im going to help you get started.
I still dont know if this is the right time for me to
Da-da-da-da-da, the superstar cut in. I have to remember my lines today to sell a car in Japan. So I cant have your obsessive negativity in my head.
I dont think Im being obsess
Would you just trust me? Im your sister-Crow and you can always trust me.
Unless it involves drinking, Erin stated.
Are you still holding that against me? Yardley demanded.
We all are.
Something you should tell me? Kera asked. You know, as my mentor?
All Ill say is, never trust this woman when liquors involved.
Thats so unfair.
Youll wake up in some Beverly Hills hotel room, Erin went on, with your panties around a supermodels neck and no memory of the night before except for that tattoo right above your ass that says its an exit, not an entry with an exclamation point.
Huh. Kera scratched the tip of her nose. Male or female supermodel?
Erin shook her head. Youll realize that in the end, considering everything else that happened that night . . . it wont matter.
With everyone staring at her like that, Jace was moments from bolting for the door and freedom. But thats when Lev gave a littlebark and peed on the counter.
Oh my gosh! Jace snatched Lev off the counter and rushed him outside. He ran off, still peeing, got about ten feet from Jace, stopped peeing, and plopped down. He was asleep in seconds. He was so adorable; she already couldnt imagine her life without the little guy.
And she knew that was exactly how Kera felt about Brodie.
Jace picked up her sleeping puppy and walked back into the house. Annalisa had already sprayed Lysol on the counter and cleaned up any evidence that Lev had peed there. Sherri had moved back into the kitchen so she could sob at the kitchen table, and the others were getting her water and rubbing her shoulders, trying to calm her down.
The Crow sisterhood. And Jace was part of that. They needed her, so shed do what she had to in order to help. Even if the very idea of it made her want to panic-pee on the counter like Lev.
Jace licked her lips and forced herself to say, We should search the neighborhood for Brodie.
Okay.
We . . . we should all go. She gestured to the Crows in the room. We can split up. Cover more ground. Everyone, make sure you have your cell phones so we can . . . uh . . . keep in contact. Okay?
Annalisa nodded. Sounds like a good plan. But lets keep it among this group only. If Chloe and the other Crows find out, itll get back to Kera and shell flip her shit over this.
If we find the dog before she gets home, Jace pointed out, then we wont have to worry about that. Okay?
They all nodded and Annalisa motioned to the Crows. Lets go, guys.
As the others went to get their bags or change clothes, Jace walked over to a hiccupping Sherri. You stay here in case Brodie comes back.
Okay.
Jace carefully placed a sleeping Lev on the table in front of Sherri. And youll watch over Lev for me.
Sherri lifted her tearstained face. You trust me with your puppy?
Of course I do. Jace wrapped her hand around Sherris throat, lifted her out of the chair, and slammed her into the wall. Because we both know what Ill do to you if something happens to my dog. She leaned in, making sure that Sherri could see Jaces eyes at this moment. When they were a bright, angry red.
The Crows didnt think Jace had control of the rage shed been gifted with by Skuld. But they were wrong. Sometimes, she had complete control of it and she used it when she deemed necessary. Like now.
Dont we, Sherri?
Sherri nodded. Yes. Yes, we both understand.
Good. Jace released her sister-Crow and smiled. And thanks.