“It can be.”
“Add the bacon back in to dredge through the syrup and I’m in,” Frenzy said.
“Consider it done,” Jack said, taking two loaves of banana bread out of the fridge and setting them out on the cutting board while he got out everything else he’d need. “So, have a seat, have some coffee, and start talking to me.”
~~~
Alison returned to her house and quietly let herself in. She stood there for a minute with her head leaning against the door, her eyes closed as she relived anxiously scanning Jack’s yard, searching for any trace of Feral, and the crestfallen feeling that had overtaken her when she realized he wasn’t there.
“So, was he there? Did he come back?” Maeve asked excitedly.
Alison turned to her, gave her a sad smile and shook her head. “No. Frenzy came back, but he’s the only one.”
“I’m sorry. Oh! Maybe he’s got to get permission or something and can’t just decide without the input of the others like him,” Maeve said, trying not to dash all Alison’s dreams.
Alison shook her head. “I heard them talking. I think Frenzy’s joining the Pride. So, I’m sure if Feral wanted to, he could have.”
Maeve walked over and hugged Alison like a mother would, though they were about the same age, not allowing her to deal with it all on her on. “It’ll be okay either way.”
“Yeah, I’m just mad at myself. I shouldn’t have believed him,” Alison said.
“I think he was sincere,” Maeve said.
“Then where is he? If Frenzy’s here, I’m pretty sure Feral could have been here if he’d wanted to be.” Alison hugged Maeve again, then walked around her and toward the living room. “I’m going to throw these blankets and pillow covers into the washing machine.”
“Washing away his scent isn’t going to get rid of the memories. I still think there’s a chance he’ll show up,” Maeve said.
“I thought so, too. That’s why I rushed over there when Niko left saying that the guys were back from looking into what happened to your Pride.”
A shadow of emotion crossed Maeve’s face.
“I’m sorry. I’m whining about a male that didn’t even care enough to come back, and you’re dealing with so very much more. I’m so sorry, Maeve.”
“It’s fine. Really. The world doesn’t stop turning because something awful happened. We’ve all got little individual universes in this world, and we aren’t all focused on or dealing with the same things at the same time. I know you care. But I also know you’ve got your own priorities, just like I do.”
“That’s true, but just because my universe isn’t turning out like I’d hoped, doesn’t mean I can be less than caring about yours.”
“Seriously? You’ve put a roof over my head. Helped me run Niko off when he gets too insistent. Took my son and me shopping and basically become my best friend in the few days that I’ve been here. You’ve done so much more than you or anybody else needed to. And I appreciate you.”
Alison smiled at Maeve. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want to. But be forewarned… Niko most likely won’t give up that easily.”
Maeve rolled her eyes.
“And like you said about Feral, I think Niko is sincere, too. I just don’t think he’s sure of what he’s sincere about. This whole thing has him all turned around — at least in my opinion. But he obviously cares.”
“I’m already a single mother of one. I do not need to take on another child.”
Alison laughed, causing Maeve to laugh, too.
“He’s a good male. Strong. A leader of the Pride, and assists Jack whenever needed. Popular. Funny.”
“A ladies man. Player, if you will,” Maeve added.
“No, now. To be fair, he’s not a player. Players will mislead a female, say anything necessary to achieve their end target. Niko never does that. He’s very clear up front about whatever happens being nothing more than an encounter and not to come back the next night looking for anything, because he might not even remember them.”
“And that’s not a player?”
“Nope. He’s a ladies man. A confirmed bachelor, but not a player. He doesn’t lie. I think he’s just been gobsmacked. He’ll figure it out.”
