Free Edged Blade by J.C. Daniels

way. He went to snatch the duck away and I whipped my hand out of his reach.
    “She stole it,” he said.
    “I’ll pay for it,” I said calmly. “Just tell me how much it is.”
    “I’m not selling it to you.” His lip curled and he glanced down at the girl. He went to grab her. I dropped the rest of my groceries and shoved my hand against his chest.
    He went flying back.
    I took advantage of the momentary distraction to pick up the girl and put her in my car. I’d only barely had the chance to shut the door when he came rushing at me. Magic sparked around him as he swung out at me.
    Splintered power danced in the air around him. An untrained witch, probably watered down—just enough ability to light a fire—or make him feel tough.
    Ducking under the punch, I slammed my fist into his gut and spun away.
    He lumbered after me.
    I caught the next punch.
    His face went red as I started to squeeze. I heard bones break.
    As he started to squeal, I flung his hand away.
    “Well. This is entertaining.”
    With a disgusted sigh, I looked up as Megan Banks came striding up.
    Megan was the second in command for the local wolf pack. She looked like a soccer mom, cussed like a sailor and had a jaw like a brick wall. I’d broken my hand on that jaw of hers. As I caught sight of the amusement in her eyes, I relived that moment. It had been worth it.
    Blowing out a disgusted breath, I looked at the groceries I’d dropped when the little girl had plowed into me. The eggs were a lost cause. “Hi, Megan. Long time, no see. Oh, you’re in a hurry? Sorry to hear that. See ya.”
    She chuckled as she knelt down next to me. “I’m here to speak with the man you made cry like a baby.” She picked up a packet of steak and held it out. “Planning on having company?”
    I just stared.
    “It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Alpha. Perhaps I should swing by and just touch base. It’s a courtesy…from the pack to the clan.”
    “Come by my house tonight and die,” I said.
    She threw back her head and laughed.
    Trying to ignore her, I stacked up the groceries that weren’t ruined. I’d need another bag.
    “Don’t worry. I’m here to pick up a cub. You’re safe…I’ll be playing mama.” Her voice went soft then.
    A cub…? I looked up, watched as she rose.
    I did the same, fighting the urge to glance back to my car.
    “I thought you were here to talk to him.” I jutted my chin at the man who had finally gotten to his feet, although he was still clutching his mangled hand.
    “I am.” Distaste thickened her voice. “Maurice called and said he had a stray kid in the store—was positive she was a wolf. We pay rewards for anybody who finds a youth.”
    Narrowing my eyes, I looked over at him, thought about the way I’d seen him going to grab her, the fear in her eyes.
    “How long ago did he call you?” I asked softly.
    She frowned. “He left a message—it’s been about two hours or so. He said she was secure. I couldn’t get here immediately. I was tending to…a problem.”
    I fought the urge to snarl. “You might have another one.”
    “What?”
    I pointed to my car, and she turned just in time to see the tiny child duck into the back, hiding.
    Terrified.
     
     
    “Now, see here…that’s not fair!” Maurice jabbed a thumb at his chest. “That’s my reward.”
    “You had one of my wolves locked in a closet ,” Alisdair MacDonald said. The words sliced through the air, vicious and feral.
    “The kid tried to run! She bit me! She stole my merchandise!”
    I started to laugh.
    Dair cut me a cold look.
    “It was a rubber duck,” I said. The child was currently sound asleep in the other room—with the rubber duck. We could see her through the open door—or I could. The raised voices didn’t disturb her at all, so either she was that exhausted or she was used to them. Either scenario tugged at my heart. “She took a rubber duck. She’s five years old, if that, and she was scared.”
    “She’s a