Free Enticed (The Brazil Werewolf Series Book 3) by Amanda K. Dudley-Penn Page B

from Luc’s teasing.  Finally, the parade of people ended and only Sophia remained with us.  It was obvious that she was still upset with Luc for showing up by the way her lips were pressed together so tightly they were white from the strain. 
                  “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your bachelor party?” She asked with a pinched expression. 
                  “They won’t start the party without me,” he said with a shrug, “That’s the wonderful thing about it being thrown for me.”
                  She groaned and then, shook her head and walked away.  I raised my brows, “You shouldn’t make your mother mad,” I said, pursing my lips.
                  He laughed, “What’s she going to do…Spank me?”
                  I nearly laughed at that image, “You probably need one.”
                  His eyebrow rose and he grinned wickedly, “Well, perhaps you should take care of that.”
                  My eyes widened as I felt the color rise in my face.  I couldn’t formulate an answer as he grinned at my reaction.  Thankfully, I didn’t have to because Sophia announced that it was time to open the presents. 
                  “Choose the one you would like to open first,” Sophia said smiling widely as she swept her hand toward the table with gifts covering every inch of it. 
                  I stood and walked around the table thankful that Luc didn’t follow me.  I needed a moment where his presence didn’t swamp me and I wasn’t blushing or thinking wicked thoughts.  I took slow and measured steps around the table before a small package caught my eye.  It was wrapped in scarlet paper, standing out from the pastel wrapped gifts around it.   It sat on the very edge of the table.  I picked it up and turned it this way and that as I tried to imagine what was in it. 
                  “Who is it from?” Sophia asked, tilting her head as she studied the small present. 
                  I glanced back at the table for a card, “I don’t know,” I said, frowning as I touched the spot where the gift had rested, “There is no card.  Maybe, it’s written on something inside.”
                  “Well, open it,” Mirella said, suddenly curious. 
                  I shrugged as I slowly peeled the wrap from it to reveal a small jewelry box the color of ivory.  It was beautiful but simple with a little gold clasp on the front and a rounded top.  I thumbed the clasp releasing the lid from the base.  A golden chain sat in the middle covering the entire bottom.  I pulled the chain up until it was released from the box.  Two rings dangled from the center of the chain.  I blinked and took a sharp breath as I recognized the rings.  I swallowed hard as the jewelry box fell from my hand and a small strangled sound broke from my throat.  I blinked as my eyes began to heat from unexpected tears. 
                  “What is it?” Luc asked alarmed as he stood and stepped toward me.  I raised my eyes to his as my hand began to shake. 
                  “The rings,” I whispered as I began to tremble, “They are my parent’s wedding rings.  They were wearing them when they died.”
                 

Chapter Eight
Letting Go
                  I was too frightened to open the rest of the presents.  I didn’t know what else Eli had sent me…If anything.  Instead, I walked back to Lilly and Marco’s home with Luc while everyone else either went through the gifts or searched for Eli.  I shook my head as I tried not to glance over my shoulder at the thought of Eli’s closeness.   
    I swallowed hard as a tremble shook through me.  Though tears clouded my vision, I was numb to everything else until an odd memory from my childhood surfaced, replaying over and over in my mind.