Free Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig

cupboard and began filling them.
    “There are six of us,” Willow explained, “and even I get stressed when we’re all under the same roof.”
    Whoa. Six. Dani essentially grew up an only child since Alexandra was so much older than her. “So, you don’t all live here?”
    Willow’s strong cheekbones glowed under the warm lighting, highlighting her pale blue eyes. “Heavens no. Well, Range, Leif, and Ido, but the whole family comes together for Sunday dinner and anything remotely close to a holiday. It’s a Metcalfe family thing. Oh, and wait till you meet Mom. Everything comes together when she’s around.”
    “My father said she had surgery. Is she okay?” Dani asked, grateful for the natural, easy way Willow acted. And for not bringing up who Dani was or why she was here. She tugged the lightweight sweater over her shoulders and clutched the top of it closed.
    Wrinkling her nose, Willow sighed. “Healing, but it’ll take a while. They completely reconstructed her back after a bad car accident. She’ll be in a brace for the next six months as her spine and back heal.”
    “Bet she doesn’t wear it tonight.” Range set a glass of ice water in front of Dani, along with a mug. “Give this a try, it might chase that chill away.”
    “No way would she let anyone see her in it.” Willow giggled. “If there’s one thing Metcalfes do right, it’s pride.”
    “Pride and parties.”
    “Well, tonight we have the help of caterers.”
    Dani didn’t miss the way Range’s sister rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry about that. My stepmother has this twisted sense of helping—she thinks sending all this stuff, the caterers, is helping. Most of the time, it doesn’t. It just makes people feel … weird.”
    Willow sipped her drink. “No worries. Brooke can keep her busy. And I see Stone has already captured your father’s attention.”
    The sprigs of mint on her drink wafted up with a light menthol scent.
    “Hey, boy scout,” Willow taunted her brother. “Why don’t you tell Mom everyone’s here.”
    “But Canyon—”
    “Hates parties. He’ll be late.” She grinned. “Mom will put you
out
on the range if you leave her back there too long.”
    “Ha, ha. Fine.” He glanced at Dani. “I’ll be right back.”
    A gust of wind blew in from the back door. “Sir, we are ready.” A man in a white serving coat, black slacks, and bow tie waited with his white-gloved hands folded.
    “Shall we?” Her father motioned to the tents. “Fine food, great people, and a perfect evening!”
    Dani sipped her drink, wishing her father would take a backseat. Let this family run their own home and party. But no, he had to be the center of attention, the one with the power.
    “So, you are a demolitions expert?” Willow asked as she directedDani out onto the back porch, then down a pebble path to the massive tents.
    Dani nodded, nerves churning.
    Willow smiled. “I’m in the Peace Corps.” The beautiful blond eased into a chair toward the back of the tent. “I joined right after I graduated from college, all idealistic and everything. Thought I could reform the world.”
    Dani tugged back a seat next to her and settled in with her warm mug. “I joined the Corps of Engineers because I thought it’d make my father mad.”
    Willow laughed. “Did it?”
    “Mad didn’t come close.” Dani smiled, remembering how her father all but threatened to disinherit her. “I think my sister saved me.” Indeed Alexandra convinced their father to overlook her rebellious streak.
    Amazed at the easy conversation between her and Willow, Dani told herself it was okay to relax—at least a little. She honestly felt okay here, didn’t feel the need to erect barriers or hide behind rehearsed answers and platitudes.
    A while later, Range’s lanky form escorted a graceful woman garbed in a burgundy pantsuit. “Senator Roark, I’d like to introduce my mother, Moira Mulroney Metcalfe.”
    Her father stood and bowed. “Mrs. Metcalfe,