Free CupidRocks by Francesca Hawley Page A

“You bastard. Mandy’s the
groupie you banged between sets last night, isn’t she?”
    Joe nodded, silent and serious. Eddie turned on his heel
then left the room, slamming his fist into the wall as he passed. Mandy groaned
and sank onto the bed, dropping her head into her hands.
    “I’ve never seen him like this, honey. I’ll go talk to him.”
Carly left, pulling the door shut behind her, and Mandy knew her mother had to
run to catch up.
    “I hate to sound like your mother here, but…I told you so,
angel.”
    Mandy looked up at Joe. He was painfully pale, his muscles
were still clenched in preparation for fight or flight. He licked his lip then
wiped blood from his mouth. Joe was still ready to face Eddie and his teeth
remained elongated into fangs. Things shouldn’t have happened like this. Damn.
    “I hate to say it, but you were right and I was wrong, Joe.
I can’t believe it. Eddie never acts like that. He’s been rude, but he’s never
attacked anyone before.”
    “He’s never caught anyone in bed with his daughter before… has he?”
    Mandy whipped her head around, frowning at Joe. “No, he
has not . Damn it, Joe.”
    “Sorry.” He took a deep breath, holding up his hands. “I’d
probably react the same way if I was him.”
    “But he likes you. You’re friends, aren’t you?”
    Joe laughed sadly. “I thought we were.”
    “I know he’s never wanted me to get involved with a musician
but this is crazy. Why isn’t he happy? He hasn’t been as bad as Carly about the
mate thing, but he’s been nagging me too.”
    “I don’t know, angel, but we’d better get dressed and go
face the piper.”
    There was a loud knock at the door. Mandy stood up and Joe
walked over to stand protectively in front of her.
    “Now what?” Mandy murmured, setting her hand on his
shoulder.
    “Who’s there?” Joe asked gruffly, tensing to fight again if
needed. What a miserable morning. He didn’t think Eddie would be thrilled, but
he hadn’t expected the old wolf to attack him. Damn, the bastard packed a
vicious punch and shit, did his lip hurt.
    The door opened and Sharon peered around it at them. “Sorry
to bother you guys, but…” She looked back into the hallway then back into the
room. “Eddie’s fucked up. He’s out in the lawn threatening to go get hammered
and Carly’s in the kitchen crying. She never cries. Could you two come out
here?”
    “Let the son of a bitch go get drunk!” Joe growled.
    “No. He can’t! ” Mandy dropped the blanket and ran to
the dresser, pulling out clothes haphazardly.
    “Why?”
    “He’s an alcoholic.”
    “An alcoholic? He never told me that.”
    “He’s been clean for years.”
    “But, I didn’t think shifters could get addicted.”
    “I don’t know about all shifters, but Eddie did and
taking a drink over this is just stupid and I’m going to tell him so.” Mandy
stumbled into a pair of panties, tugged on some jeans and pulled on a big
T-shirt. She looked back at him with a frown. “Why aren’t you dressed?”
    “My clothes are upstairs.”
    “Oh. Well, put on what you wore last night. I have to go.”
She ran to him, gave him a hard, fast kiss on the mouth and followed Sharon out
of the room at a run.
    He winced. He loved kissing her but his mouth still hurt. He
thought he knew Eddie. Thought there was mutual respect. He must have been
wrong. Shit.
    Mandy ran into the kitchen behind Sharon to see her mother
sitting at the kitchen table sobbing. She knelt and brushed away Carly’s tears.
    “This is all my fault, Mandy. If I hadn’t pushed you into
lying about Zach, Eddie wouldn’t be so on edge. So ready to believe the worst
about a friend.”
    “It’s not your fault. I’m sorry I lied to you about my mate
status, Mom but I’m so glad I found Joe.”
    “I’m glad you did too, but Eddie shouldn’t drink. I have to
stop him.” She started to stand, but Mandy pushed her back into her chair.
    “It’s his choice. I learned that in