“You know I process better on my own.”
A gigantic body took the seat next to mine. The guy was so big, I could practically feel him towering over me. The chest-achingly familiar smell that came with him caught me completely off guard.
Inhaling deeply, my eyes closed at the scent ofhome.
Motor oil.
Tires.
Sweat.
I had avoided mechanic shops like the plague for years. Now that I was finally smelling one, it made my throat thick.
It didn’t bring back any specific memories… just feelings.
Strong ones.
“I know, but this is a lot, Jade. Even for you. Let us make it easier.”
“It would’ve been easier if you told me the day she disappeared.”
“I know. We thought about it, but it’s kind of against the rules, and none of us thought Stella was going to hunt this long.”
“Hunt?”
“That’s what it’s called when you’re trapped in your wolf form after meeting your soulmate. A mate hunt.”
“Lovely.”
“Yeah. I know. It looks like the guys are there. Just… give them a chance?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Alright. See you soon. Love you.”
“Do not bring up the L word while I’m considering strangling you,” I said flatly.
Abby laughed. “Fine. Iwillsee you soon, though.”
“You’d better.”
I hung up, dropping the phone on my lap and taking another deep breath.
The scent of a mechanic shop after so many years missing it should’ve distracted me.
Instead, it sort of… relaxed me.
It made everything feel easier, somehow.
Which was insane, and completely illogical.
Then again, so were werewolves.
The giant next to me lifted his heavy, beat-up work boots onto the coffee table. His thick thighs and muscular calves caught and held my attention as he stretched his legs out in front of him. The grease marks on his dark work pants were impossible to miss.
I could hardly take my eyes off his legs, so I didn’t dare let myself look at the rest of him.
“I assume you’re from Abby’spack,” I said, forcing my gaze off his legs.
