“I’ll talk to her.”
“Sadie Lynn,” Pryce calls ahead. “Come on, I have a surprise for you.” He jogs ahead and the two disappear up the trail, hand in hand. I wish I could do the same with Angel.
She stops at the edge of camp. “You okay?”
“I told you these pack activities are not my thing.”
“According to Sadie Lynn, you used to be here every year. You even used to do a little skit with Damien, something you two started as kids.”
I haven’t thought about those skits in years.
“Is that a smile, Garrett?”
“No. Definitely not.”
“Yes, it was! Don’t lie to me.”
As if I could ever lie to her. “It was a competition more than a skit.”
“I don’t care what you call it. It’s time to rock this place.” She grabs my hand and we race into camp. I’ve never seen her so excited to be with my pack. Her energy, that beautiful smile, and the light in her eyes is contagious. Makes me want to be a part of the celebration, be a part of my pack again.
Every part of camp has been decorated, from the tree with its garland and ornaments to the wreaths hanging on the cabin doors. Even the path leading down to the lake where the kids will perform has glass jars with candles inside lighting the way.
As we pass through the camp and head onto the lit trail, Angel gives me a push toward where Frank and Callen are hanging out.
“What are you up to, Angel?”
“I need to take care of something, and I don’t want you disappearing on me. Hang with your buddies and don’t walk off, shifter.”
“You’re bossy.”
“Only when I need to be.” She waves toward Frank and Callen. “Go, be social.”
Frank lifts a brow as he catches our exchange. Great, now I’m going to have to explain this to them, and I’m not even sure I know whatthisis.
I do as I’m told, walk over to Frank and Callen while my wolf laughs his ass off.
“Whipped,” Callen says.
“I’ve seen you with your mate,” I toss back. “And you’re an enforcer.”
Callen hides a chuckle. “Shit gets real when it’s just you and a female, doesn’t it?”
“You mated guys think you have it all figured out, don’t you?”
Callen stands straight, more cautious with me now. “I was just observing your dilemma. Nothing more.”
“What dilemma?” Frank asks.
“Garrett has no idea how to stand up to a female he’s in love with because he’s too busy fighting the idea that he loves her.”
I almost say I don’t love her. Can’t do it. Because I’ve fucking fallen for her so hard I’m tripping over myself. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“He does,” Frank adds. “We’ve both been there. None of these females is easy. You don’t want them easy, either. Takes all the fun out of claiming them.”
“You don’t know anything about Angel and me.”
“We see how she affects you, Garrett. You avoid everyone unless it’s work related—except Angel. She’s living in your cabin.”
