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"Yes?" Liam's body goes rigid at her touch, which makes my wolf way too happy. What the hell is wrong with me?
"We've seen you guys in here before and were wondering if you wanted to eat with us." The girl has an extremely low-cut top on and is doing her best to push her boobs together; subtlety is not her strong suit. I look over at Quinn, who has leaned back in her chair, hand on her stomach, and is rolling her eyes, showing her annoyance. This must happen a lot. It makes sense; there is an allure to most shifters that the humans feel drawn to. We tend to stick within the shifter community to mate, but many shifters mess around with humans until they do that. I'm curious to see if that is how Liam rolls.
"Thanks, but we're just going to grab and go." Liam tries to take a step back from her, but she follows. I gotta give her credit—she is determined.
"Oh, that's too bad. Maybe we could tag along. We are really flexible with everything, including changing our plans for the evening."
Did she really just try and tell him she was flexable? Does this actually work on people? Dominic hasn't said a word, and the other girl is just staring at him with doe eyes. I'm pretty sure Dominic is staring at the wall, hoping she just leaves. Maybe he doesn't want to hurt her feelings, or maybe the best way to get rid of them is by ignoring them. I don't know, I've never been in that situation. Liam is about to respond, but Quinn beats him to it. She loudly sighs and sits up in her chair. Eli is trying to hide his laughter because he thinks it's funny the guys are in this predicament; at least, I think that's why he's laughing. Or it could be because of what Quinn's about to do next. I'm not sure.
"Okay, girls." Dang, Quinn has pulled out her mom voice. "It's time for you to go. These men are one, too old for you, and two, not interested. Take a hint."
The blonde isn't giving up, though; I'm no longer impressed by her determination, just annoyed.
"I think these men can speak for themselves. They don't need a pregnant mother hen to speak for them."
That was the wrong thing to say to the Luna of a pack. Granted, they didn't know that, but they sure as shit know now that that was a bad idea. Eli stands abruptly, and Liam and Dominic stop trying to turn away from them and turn to cover and protect Quinn. Damn, Liam looks hot, all protective. DAMN IT PAIGE!
These girls are going to be educated quickly about insulting a Luna. The girls have changed their demeanor from snobby and stuck up to weak and scared. I can't blame them. Eli is a terrifying Alpha. Even I would cower if he was pissed at me.
"Watch your mouth, girl, that's my wife, and you will show her respect. I don't know who you are, but if you ask anyone around here, you will know you don't mess with us. Now go."
The girls nearly fall over themselves to grab their bags and run out of the restaurant. That felt really good to watch. Not because the girl interested in Liam is gone—nope, that's not why at all.
Eli sits beside Quinn again, who is smiling from ear to ear. She loves it when he 'Alphas out'—that's what she calls it.
The guys end up leaving after that, and our pizzas aren't long to arrive either. We end up back at the house, where Maddie's bedtime routine starts.
"I'm going to turn in for the night," I tell Quinn as she is herding Maddie up the stairs.
"Okay, I hope you sleep well. We'll see you in the morning."
I head to my temporary room and close the door. After a nice warm shower, I put on a pair of sleep shorts and an oversized T-shirt. I go to the window by the bed and open it a crack to let the cold air in. I've always loved sleeping with the window open and buried under a million blankets. I sleep the best with the fresh air coming into the room. I climb under the duvet and snuggle in. Grabbing my phone, I open my mail-order app. Hopefully, talking to my match will brighten my spirit a little bit. As per usual, his message is there, waiting for me.
Sexywolf: Hello sunshine, how was your day?
I feel some tension leave me as I read his words.
Wineowolf: It was busy. How was yours?"
Sexywolf: Same. It would have been better if I had gotten to see you today. ;)
Wineowolf: I know. I would have had a much better day had I seen you and not dealt with annoying people.
Sexywolf: What happened? I thought you were helping your friend out.
Winewolf: I am! I was. No, I still am. It's just I ran into someone who made me feel like shit, and it ruined my day. It's fine. I'll get over it. It just would have been more fun to meet you and not that person. They have always made me feel like I am worthless. I know it's silly, but sometimes it's hard to ignore it.
Sexywolf: Damn sunshine, I wish I was there to give you a hug. If it's any consolation, you are the bright spot in my day and have been for the past two weeks, making every day that much better.
That is so sweet. He is such a kind guy. Damn, I wish I had met him before coming here.
Wineowolf: Well, I should be heading home next week. Maybe if you are free, we can meet up as we planned.
Sexywolf: I'll be counting down the days.
We talk for a little bit longer before my eyes get too heavy and I need to sleep. Sleep doesn't come easily, however, despite how tired my body is. My mind races with the old lies of 'you're not good enough' and 'you're not worth anyone's time.' Is it so wrong that I might find some happiness? Will my match reject me once he meets me, finally seeing the weak shifter I am? I may have come a long way in my self-growth, but I am still scared of being rejected. Part of the healing process is still hearing the lies and trying to fight against their hold. But there is something about Liam that calls to me; I find him really attractive, and wonder if he is okay, which is really starting to piss me off. I'm just exhausted. I don't know how long I toss and turn, but eventually, the tears come, and I am overwhelmed by emotions. Sometimes, I grieve the little Paige who had to grow up too fast and protect herself because no one else would. I let the tears come freely as I try and fade into sleep's darkness. Tomorrow will be a better day, but for right now, I will grieve little Paige, and tomorrow, I will be the stronger Paige because of it.
Chapter 9 - Paige
