living covenant 03 - eternal covenant Read Free Page B

wasn’t joking about Zoe Lake being a name that instilled fear. I would rather have people fear her than force her to take my last name.”
    “You couldn’t force me to take your last name,” I called out. “I would either take it because I wanted to or not take it because I don’t feel like it. You couldn’t force me.”
    “Thank you, Zoe,” Aric said. “That’s obviously the most important part of this conversation.”
    I ignored the dig. “I’m either going to hyphenate my name or stick with Lake,” I volunteered. “I won’t switch over to Zoe Winters regardless.”
    I jolted when I turned, surprised to find Helen practically on top of me. She was quiet when she moved, like a cat. That was probably some werewolf thing.
    “What’s wrong with the Winters name?”
    “Nothing is wrong with the name,” I replied, skirting Helen and quickening my pace so I could hide behind Aric in the kitchen. He had a can opener out and was opening my corned beef hash. He seemed to be enjoying the show. “I just happen to like my name.”
    “I like it, too,” Mom said. “That’s why we picked it.”
    As former mages, my parents created entirely new identities when they left the fold and started mortal lives. I’d never bothered to ask how they selected their names. Now didn’t seem the time to do it, though, especially because Helen looked as if she was about ready to blow.
    “Your name has no history, though,” Helen pointed out. “The Winters name has centuries of history.”
    “That’s great,” I said. “It doesn’t change the fact that I haven’t decided whether I’m going to hyphenate or stick with Lake.”
    “But … .”
    “No, Mom,” Aric said, shaking his head. “I know you’re taking this as some sort of personal affront, but Zoe can’t ditch the name Lake. That’s how paranormals know her. That’s what makes them afraid. She cannot abandon the name Lake. It’s not going to happen, so you have to let it go.”
    “Don’t you want her to take your name?” Helen pressed.
    “I don’t really care,” Aric answered. “I want her to be my wife. The rest doesn’t matter.”
    “You’re much more accepting than your father,” Helen said, brushing Aric’s hair out of his eyes. “I think that’s terrific. If your father puts up a fuss about the name, I’ll handle it.”
    “Thank you,” I said.
    “That’s enough talking about that anyway,” Mom said, hopping up on one of the stools at the kitchen island. “Let’s talk about the wedding.”
    “Yes,” Helen said, enthusiastically clapping as she joined her. “What color are the bridesmaid dresses?”
    I shrugged. “I have no idea.”
    Helen’s smile slipped. “But … ?”
    “I told Paris and Kelsey they could pick whatever dresses they wanted,” I said, reaching for the bread so I could pop it in the toaster.
    “So they’re not going to match?”
    “Nope.”
    “They’re going to be the same style, though, right?” Mom pressed.
    “Probably not,” I said. “Paris and Kelsey don’t like the same styles.”
    “You cannot have mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses,” Mom snapped. “That’s tacky.”
    Uh-oh.
    “I’ll talk to Paris and Kelsey and get that sorted out as soon as they get here,” Mom said. “What kind of linens did you order for the tables?”
    This had to be a trap. There could be no other explanation. “Why would I get linens for card tables?”
    “Why would you have card tables?” Helen asked, mortified.
    “People will need somewhere to sit,” I replied, unperturbed. “I didn’t think throwing picnic blankets on the lawn would make anyone happy.”
    “Zoe, I need you to tell me exactly what you have planned for this wedding,” Mom instructed. “I’ve taken a step back because I know you don’t like to be crowded, but I’m a little worried.”
    “Mom, we don’t want some elaborate thing,” I said. “We got a great caterer. We rented some card tables and folding chairs. We got a