Free Fox Fate by Robin Roseau Page B

points than regular cards. I don't have a problem with the cards. I don't have a problem with the wager. But I have a problem with setting me up like that. I'm not angry, but I can't trust either of you."
    I could tell that hurt as well.
    "Michaela..."
    I put my hand on my hip.
    "But... the cards were funny!"
    "They were," I admitted. "Are you suggesting they weren't designed to help you win?"
    "I gave you questions you should know," she said defensively.
    "You know," I said. "I agree. I should have been able to answer every single one of those. I am a pack alpha, and I should know the history of the pack. But I don't, and you knew it, didn't you?"
    "Then I don't understand why you said I cheated."
    "Fine," I said. "Call it what you want, but I won't accept any more wagers from either of you." I paused a moment. "Now, I think we should test the plumbing and get ready for dinner. If you don't mind, I'll take first shower so I have time to dry my hair."
    Without waiting for a response, I headed towards the bathroom.
    * * * *
    I showered quickly. I prefer long, luxurious showers, but I didn't trust Carissa's plumbing. When I got done and stepped out of the bathroom, Lara was hovering near the bathroom door. I thought she'd been pacing. She turned to me, but I cut her off before she could say anything.
    "All yours," I said brightly. "I'll get ready out here."
    "Michaela," she said. "I don't understand why you're angry."
    "I'm not," I denied. "Go on now; we don't want to be late. This restaurant is famous, and I'm practically starving. Will we be able to wander Bourbon Street after dinner? I'd like to listen to some music, and maybe there will be dancing somewhere. I'd like to dance with you."
    "I didn't cheat," she said in a small voice.
    "I already told you to call it what you want," I replied. "You're the alpha; you make the rules. If you said it's not cheating, it's not cheating."
    "I didn't cheat," she repeated.
    "Fine. I was wrong. I'm sorry I accused you." I said it tersely. I actually hadn't intended to bring it up, but it had slipped out. I wasn't going to fight with her about it. It wasn't going to matter in the future, after all, as I wouldn't accept any more wagers.
    "Michaela?"
    "What?" I asked. "You won. It won't come up again. Go on now. When you order for me tonight, I want étouffée. I suppose crawfish aren't in season. I've heard something about sucking the heads, but I've never done it."
    She turned for a moment, then finally turned to the bathroom. A minute later, I heard the shower.
    I dug out my hair dryer and started on my hair. A few minutes in, with Lara still in the shower, there was a knock at the door, and a moment later it opened, admitting Elisabeth. I looked over my shoulder at her for a moment, but didn't stop drying my hair.
    She was grinning broadly, and when she stepped in, I saw she had an outfit for me to wear. She had one of my pink strapless maxi dresses and was holding a set of heels by the straps.
    I shut off the dryer. "You came prepared."
    She just grinned more widely and set them on the bed. I turned away and returned to drying my hair. She hovered for a moment, then stepped out, closing the door behind her.
    I was still drying my hair when Lara finished in the shower. She spent a few more minutes in the bathroom. My hair was as dry as I was going to bother, so I shut off the dryer as the bathroom door opened.
    "Hey, sexy wolf," I said.
    She stopped in the doorway. "What's that?" She gestured to the bed, or more exactly to the clothing waiting for me.
    "Elisabeth came prepared," I said. "I guess that's what I'm wearing tonight. You'll get to feast your eyes on my naked shoulders." I wagged my eyebrows at her.
    Lara turned away. We shared a suitcase and garment bag. The bag hung from a hook on the back of the door, and the suitcase was sitting open on a table near the door. She unpacked both, making use of a wardrobe in the corner and a dresser underneath the window. I went back into the