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“I always thought that I would.” Vivian’s brow pinched. “But not right away. Is that okay?”
“Of course. It’s your body.”
She blinked, as though she was confused.
“What?” He pried the bottle from her hands and took a drink.
She shook her head. “Nothing. You’re just amazing.”
Callum snorted. “One thing about me, don’t praise me too much. I already have a big head.”
His mate laughed.
“And if my sister hears you say shit like that to me, we’ll both be in trouble.” He grinned at her to let her know he was teasing.
“Rafe said you were his age. I’m only twenty-three. Are you sure you don’t mind waiting?”
“How long are you thinking?”
She shrugged. “I really don’t know. I always thought when I got mated, I wouldn’t have a choice in when I had kids or how many I’ve have.” He was about to dispute that, but she put her hand up. “But I know that’s changed now. If you’re serious about me being able to attend school and have a career, then I’d like to wait a bit. And we should talk about what maternity leave is like in the States. I heard it’s not as good as here.”
“It’s not.” He took another sip. “But the pack steps in to help. And who knows, maybe I’ll be the one that wants to take parental leave, and you can keep working.”
“Seriously?”
“We’ve got time to figure it out.”
“Can I hug you?”
His eyebrows lifted. “Sunlight, you can touch me whenever you want.”
She launched herself at him, her arms crunching him in her embrace. He hugged her back.
It wasn’t sexual, but he felt her hug with his whole being. She was happy. She was communicating. And it gave him hope that this whole thing could end in something other than a trainwreck.
That evening, after the rain had stopped, he opted for a leisurely stroll, wandering through the woods. Rather than take a direct route back to Elliot’s, he zigzagged around trees and bushes, stretching his legs. He encountered a family of raccoons and sidestepped a skunk. As he approached civilization, he came across a cat with a collar.
Figuring he’d take the road back he stopped just shy of a driveway where Aunt Charlotte’s car was parked.
Why was her car way out here at almost one in the morning?
Confused, he paused, and still hidden in the dark, he watched as Thatcher opened the cabin door. He held the door open for Aunt Charlotte. She was buttoning her sweater when he grabbed her arm and tugged her toward him.
Even from several feet away, Callum could see the disgust on her face as Thatcher scanned her features before pressing a hard, fast kiss to her lips.
Thatcher didn’t bother waiting for her to get into her car, and shut his front door before Charlotte was even off his porch.
She started her car, and as she backed out of the driveway, her headlights spilled light over his hiding spot. Hitting the brakes, she stopped and stared at him through the windshield. Her shoulders slumped in defeat, and for a moment, she closed her eyes.
Before Callum could decide to approach her, she let off the break and continued on her way.
The taillights disappeared down the road, leaving Callum in the moonlight. He looked to Thatcher’s cabin. The alpha had shut off his lights and had clearly retired after whatever rendezvous he’d just had with Elliot’s mother.
Rage and betrayal fought for supremacy.
What the hell was happening between Aunt Charlotte and Thatcher? And more importantly, did Elliot know that Thatcher was fucking his mother?
CHAPTER TWENTY
