“Not on his life,” Bailey states.
Grey blows out a breath, looking at me with empathy.
“I’ll stay here, sleep on her bedroom floor,” I mutter. “I’m not leaving.”
“Can we break for five?” Grey asks.
“Sure,” Erica agrees.
“Bailey. A word?” Grey requests.
“I don’t feel like talking,” she says snottily. “I’d like to help Cicely, if I can. I messaged with her and told her I’d dig into the archives tomorrow to see what I can find out about Jared’s pack. And I’d really appreciate it if Mom and Dad can be prioritized after Cicely and Jared. Since, obviously, there’s danger with Cicely.”
Grey’s hand clamps down on the back of his sister’s neck and he says, “Walk. We’re talking.”
I flinch, wanting to step in, not liking his aggression even if I know to my bones that a good talking to is what she needs. I hold myself in check as he practically frog-marches her outside.
Her face is red, but she doesn’t fight it.
My eyes pan the room. “What are we doing about what they did?”
Erica speaks up. “We all think it’s best to file a report through the SCC and make sure it’s documented on their end.”
“Who’s we?”
“The council and the coven,” Riley replies.
“That Starling coven is fucking with us again. We should make a strong point that leaves no room for interpretation,” I say.
“We’ll talk it over amongst the council,” Tyson declares. “Not here.”
“It’s best we work together on issues like these,” Erica says.
“We’ll discuss it later, Rik,” Riley states.
The room goes quiet.
17
BAILEY
“What’re you doin’, squirt?”
I rear back, insulted.
“You’re okay droppin’ him in a woodchipper?” Grey demands.
“Wow,” I say.
“He’s the one you wanted, Bails,” my brother points out, very unnecessarily.
“I’m shocked, Grey. You’re normally very smart, but right now?” I let that hang.
His expression hardens a little. If I weren’t so pissed off, this might sting.
He gets in my face and says, “You have no idea how difficult it is for someone in his position to handle a situation like this. Now he’s not only unable to claim you, he’s also got to deal with having you around other males. This is cruel, little sister.”
“He’s right, Bailey,” Dad says, stepping into the huddle in the driveway.