Bear Claw by Crissy Smith Page B

herself for her family.
    Colby had moved smoothly to her side and had taken her hand. As he lifted her fingers to his lips, she resisted making a fist to punch him. She didn’t feel a thing from his touch and was relieved once he released her.
    “I’m in town helping with a project and your parents were kind enough to invite me for dinner. Once I found out you were also attending, I couldn’t say no.”
    Suspicious, she narrowed her eyes. “What kind of project?”
    She knew that Colby had also attended law school with her brother and had heard that he’d made partner at a firm in Los Angles.
    “I’m helping William introduce the shifter registration legislation.”
    She shouldn’t be surprised. The Gentrys followed the same social standings and beliefs as the Brooks. That was why her mother had pushed her at Colby when she’d been younger.
    Not that she’d needed much of a push. Colby had been a devastatingly handsome young man—coal black hair with unique hazel eyes. Colby worked out rigorously and had the gym body to show for it. He’d been every young girl’s fantasy and Brandy hadn’t been any different from the rest. Except for the fact that the Brooks and Gentrys were such good friends. As a result, she‘d spent more time around Colby than the other girls had. Plus, Colby and William had been close friends all through school and into college.
    Looking back, she realized how pathetic she’d been chasing after him. She was also aware that he had encouraged her crush. Whether he liked the attention or because of their families, she wasn’t sure. But she did know he’d strung her along for years.
    “I see. I wasn’t aware anyone else was joining us for dinner,” Brandy stated uneasily.
    “I thought I would surprise you, dear,” her mother told her.
    Brandy knew the real reason was that her mom knew she wouldn’t have come.
    “Now sit. William, will you pour Brandy some wine?”
    Not seeing a way out of the situation, she pressed her lips together but moved to one of the small couches. Her father smiled at her as she passed him and her mother. The warning glare her mother sent her almost had her stopping and giving the woman a piece of her mind. Instead, she would endure drinks and dinner.
    Pick my battles . There would be enough disagreements as soon as the shifters were brought up.
    Annoyed that Colby had sat next to her, she gripped her knees through her slacks. William passed her a glass of wine, and although she didn’t want it, she took a sip.
    Too dry for her taste.
    “So your mother tells me you volunteer in helping children learn to read,” Colby said as he shifted closer, his leg brushing hers.
    Shaking her head, she smiled pleasantly. “I work at a library,” she corrected.
    “What she means,” her mom interrupted, “is that she had to take a position that allowed her the advantage of aiding those in need. Brandy decided to concentrate on the children of the lower class to insure they have every opportunity to read.”
    Not entirely true, but Brandy had often heard her mother’s spin on what she did.
    “That is very admirable,” Colby told her. “Although it can’t be easy having to spend so much time in that neighborhood.”
    “I’ve very comfortable in that neighborhood . I have made many great friends and admire how hard all of the residents work.”
    For just an instant, she saw disgust in Colby’s eyes. He blinked it away to replace his features with the fake, interested mask. “As long as you don’t forget where you truly belong,” Colby said, his tone almost scolding.
    Lifting an eyebrow, Brandy smirked. “Oh, I know my place. Don’t for one second doubt that.”
    Satisfied with her answer, Colby sat back, throwing an arm around the back of the couch. Brandy leaned forward slightly to avoid him touching her.
    “Your brother told me some disturbing news that you’re involved with a group trying to gain support to fight against the shifter