“Her memory isn’t the only thing like an elephant,” Zoe said in a not so quiet voice, while staring pointedly at the woman’s retreating hips. Marla must have heard for she turned and shot the most evil look their way. Not finished, Zoe added another stinging comment. “She really shouldn’t wear such skin-tight clothing. It shows every bulge and bump.” Elise couldn’t believe how rude Zoe was being and simply stared speechless, as Marla spun around and began to walk towards them again.
Phoebe placed a warning hand on Zoe’s arm but Zoe shook it off, hot angry emotions flashing in her eyes as a low growl started to emit from her throat. Marla appeared as if she was about to lose control and Elise began to wonder if she’d end up in a werewolf version of a catfight. At the last moment, a man wearing a suit coat and a nametag proclaiming him as the gallery manager, called Marla’s name. She paused, shot one last hateful look at Zoe, and then turned to talk to the man.
Phoebe and Rose both grabbed Zoe’s arms and dragged her out of the mall. Gesturing towards a stately, turn of the century home that was located about a block away, the sisters began to walk briskly down the street.
“What was that all about?” Elise asked, hurrying along behind. Sure, she’d stood up to Marla that morning but she’d been a wreck inside. Zoe didn’t even seem fazed and had, in fact, deliberately provoked the other woman.
With a toss of her head, Zoe began explaining. “Marla and I go way back, but not as friends. She’s always been jealous that our father was chosen as Alpha over hers. Now she keeps trying to climb the ladder within the pack by latching onto whoever seems to be next in line. Right now she’s mad because she chose to back the wrong brother. For some reason, she was sure Ryne was next in line and got her claws into him, changing him from a nice guy into this power hungry Alpha-wannabe.”
“So she and Ryne...?” Elise queried.
“Rumour was that Ryne was planning on making her his mate.” Phoebe explained. “But when Ryne lost the challenge and left, she was out of the running again for working her way into the big house. Not that any of us think she ever really gave up. With Ryne out of the picture, she simply changed her target.”
“Oh...” Elise let the information sink in for a moment. “So that means—”
“Yep.” Zoe pulled open the door to the Grey Goose Tea Room. “She had her sights set on Kane. When we got the call that Kane was coming home with his new mate, Marla looked like she was about to burst a blood vessel.”
Phoebe giggled. “I wish I’d had a camera handy. I’ve never seen anyone’s face turn that red before.”
The sisters quieted down as they waited to be shown to a table, and Elise took the opportunity to check out her surroundings. At one point in time, the Grey Goose had been a private home but was now a combination tea room and gift shop. Crafts, jewellery, scarves, and unique wall hangings were tastefully displayed in small side rooms and alcoves, while tables were arranged in the centre part of the building. The plaster and woodwork had been restored to its original splendour, while period furniture was used throughout. Soft music drifted from speakers strategically hidden in the numerous potted plants, providing cover for the various conversations that came from the patrons.
Immediately impressed with the atmosphere of casual elegance, Elise wondered what the chances were of getting a part-time job in such an establishment. The waitresses seemed busy enough, so maybe the owner would consider adding one more to his staff. Tucking the idea into the back of her mind, she followed the others as a server led them to their table.
Once seated, Zoe immediately launched into a whispered commentary about someone she knew who was seated across the room. Elise glanced at the person in question, catching a glimpse of Rose out of the corner of her eye. The girl was so quiet, keeping her head down and studying the menu. Rose and Zoe appeared to be total opposites and it seemed a strange friendship. While Zoe had basically been picking a fight with Marla, Rose had almost crawled inside herself and become invisible.
When Rose left to use the ladies’ room, Elise broached the subject and Zoe happily explained. “Rose is my ‘project’. I’ve noticed lately that Daniel seems interested in her—Daniel’s my brother-in-law—and so I’ve sort of befriended Rose in the hopes that I can get the two of them together.”
“She likes to think she’s the world’s greatest matchmaker.” Phoebe chimed in.
“Well, I got you and Alex together.” Zoe pointed out.
“One success and it goes to your head.” Phoebe rolled her eyes.