I let my legs relax from where I’d had them wrapped around Braxton. My body protested, acting all pissed off that I was removing myself. But I was starting to have thoughts which were not appropriate for when my parents were in the room. As if he read that in my suddenly flushed cheeks, Braxton raised his eyebrows at me, a smirk tipping up the corner of his lips and flashing more than a glimpse of dimple.

Friggin’ dimples. They were weapons.

When he let me go, I wiggled my way in between him and Jacob, leaning against the wall. Both brothers reached out and draped their huge arms across me. Somehow it worked without completely crushing me under their bulk. I caught the green-eyed wink the fey flashed at me. So far the Braxton-and-me-thing hadn’t changed our pack dynamics. Which was a massive freaking relief.

I felt eyes on me and turned to find Louis’ keen stare. “What do you think we should do first, Jessa?” he asked.

I leaned forward a little, more than ready to give my thoughts. “If we are going to do this, we have to unlock Mischa’s mark. She’s vulnerable with only half of herself free, and we need to know if she can shift to dragon.” Jonathon wouldn’t like it, but it had to be done.

Mischa almost bounced from her place on the couch. “Yes! I’m sick of being the weak one with no knowledge of my abilities. I choose to no longer be the victim.”

I flashed her a broad smile. Finally. I was so proud of her for making the choice.

“Will you unlock her powers?” I asked the sorcerer.

He again rested those unusual violet eyes on me. “For you, little sister, I would do anything.”

I snorted, and I wasn’t the only one. The Compasses turned as one and leveled a single glare in his direction. Of all the things Louis had ever done, his use of the word “sister” seemed to have set them off.

“What did you say?” Tyson was the closest in terms of distance, and as he straightened he blocked my view of Louis. I wasn’t tall enough to see over him and he was far too broad to see around. “Jess is not your anything, you need to learn your place.”

“Hey!” I muscled my way out of the men. “I think I can speak for myself, Tyson Compass, and I can also kick your ass if you need a reminder.”

He arched one of his well-shaped brows at me. “I think I’d enjoy a good ass-kicking, if it was you delivering it.” His eyes flicked across to his brothers. Even Maximus had finally stopped pacing and was now standing on the other side of Jacob. “But seriously, Louis needs to take a step back. You’re our sister, our pack, and he is not a part of that.”