Free Claws by Kassanna

of fang. “If you’re going after them, I intend on being with you. I need to show those idiots a bit of Cajun justice.”
    “Umm, would that be wise? I mean your mate holds an important position. I have their scent I can track them and take care of it. Your hands can remain clean.”
    “Is that why you’re up so early?” Sint took a sip of her drink and stared at Sasha over the rim.
    “Maybe.”
    “Etienne won’t like you going off alone. You know you have a history of getting into situations when you’re by yourself, or so Etienne tells Percel.”
    “I grew up in the Everglades. I think I can handle myself.” Sasha picked up her fork and took a bite of her gumbo.
    Sint put the cup down and waved her hand. “Now why would you want to do that when you have people willing to watch your back? My youngest daughter, Mais, and I will accompany you. Think of us as a cover. Leave that lovesick gator a note that we’re taking you into New Orleans for the day. Then we can go hunting.”
    Sasha swallowed. “That’s not a bad idea.”
    “Of course not. I’ve done it for years. Anytime I need to take care of some business I don’t want Percel looking over shoulder at. Mais and I can be ready in a half an hour. We’ll take the car and leave it with Marree. That way we won’t raise any suspicion. We can track the bastards from there.”
    “Put some thought into this, did you?”
    “I never make a move without a plan. Those fuckers come into my territory killing animals I consider under Betaille protection. We don’t murder for fun. Out of respect to the Goddess, we only hunt for food and out of necessity. It’s time to show those fellas the error of their ways.” Sint rose and dragged her cup across the clear surface before lifting it to her lips. “We’ll be by that blue car.” She angled her head before checking her watch. “In fifteen minutes.”
    “Does the boar know you have this violent streak?” Sasha dropped her fork into the bowl.
    Sint glanced over her shoulder. “That’s why he married me. You’ll learn, cat. For every shifter the Goddess made sure there is a perfect mate. May not be what we expect but the one chosen for us is exactly what we need. See you in ten.” She trotted out of sight.
    Sasha grunted as she scrubbed her face with her hands. The chair scratched the wood as she pushed it back with her legs. Anxiousness dissipated her appetite. She swiveled her head to crack her neck. It was time to hunt. Picking up the dishes, she hurried into the kitchen, placing the crockery in the sink. When Etienne took it upon himself to move her stuff, he misplaced all her weapons and she didn’t have time to find them. Guess she was going old school and using what came natural—her claws. She snatched a pen from the corner of the counter and flipped over an old restaurant menu to jot down a quick note. Tossing the pen, she stopped and cocked her head. They weren’t a couple living in domestic bliss. She didn’t really owe him an explanation of where she went. Goddess, this claiming was playing games with her head.
    She crumpled the paper with her fist. She didn’t have time for this. She dropped the loose ball on the tile countertop, turned, and walked away. Sasha left her phone on the patio table as she hurried from the house.
     

     
    Etienne turned over and slid his hand across the cool sheets where his mate should be. He cracked open a bleary eye and stared at the stark-white pillow. With a groan, he flipped onto his back. She’d done it again, disappeared to heaven knew where. He sat up and inhaled. Her honeysuckle scent drifted to his nose. She couldn’t have gotten far. He swung his legs over the side of the mattress and rose. A quick bathroom stop, get some clothes on, and he’d go in search of her.
    Pushing his arms through the sleeves of his t-shirt, he placed his palm on the screen door and shoved it open. The smell of burning charcoal and broiling meat assaulted his senses. He