When I first became leader, the random presents my pack members offered me were not welcome. Every one was a constant reminder of my new role, one that I only held because my dad died.
And what was the point of them? Some bribery for favor?
Eventually, I came to realize they were simply shows of support. Now I give a simple thank-you and do my best to utilize whatever they gave me.
I drive Sylvia to the local diner. There’s a couple of nicer restaurants in town—ones that scream the worddate—but something in me, likely my wolf, pushes me to choose a casual atmosphere.
There will be plenty of time to treat her to a fancy dinner on future outings.
With burgers in front of us, conversation flows easily. Mainly because Sylvia is willing to hold up more than her fair share of it. I’m not much of a talker, but with a few well-placed questions, I have her telling me about her journey to finding the perfect vehicle for her food truck and all the pitfalls she ran into while refurbishing it. She’s just finished a story about an intense bidding war at an auction over an ice chest when the bell at the diner entrance rings, alerting the staff to a new arrival. A second later, a familiar scent drifts over to me.
Lemons and paper.
Ah fuck.
Our future mate is here!My wolf springs to wakefulness, wagging an invisible tail.
As I sit in a booth with a perfectly great woman, Juliet strolls into the diner and steals the vast majority of my attention.
“Ms. Adair! Franky is just boxing up your order now.” The greeting comes from Jess Redland, owner of the diner. The middle-aged woman grins over the register at the librarian.
“Thanks, Jess. How much do I owe you?”
Damn all the gods, her voice is a stroke down my spine.
As the red-haired temptress counts out cash from her wallet, I try to refocus on my date. The task is harder than it should be. Silently, I start listing off the traits that make Sylvia better than Juliet.
Sylvia started her own business.
Juliet works with books. She knows things.
Sylvia’s family has lived in Pine Falls for generations.
Juliet is new. A mystery. We can hunt out her secrets.
Sylvia is a wolf.
Juliet is human. Soft. Needs protection. We’ll keep her safe.
“Are you okay, Roderick?”
At Sylvia’s concerned question, I realize I’ve crumpled my napkin in a fist as I glare down at my burger.
With a decent amount of effort, I force my hand—and the rest of my muscles—to relax.
“I’m fine.” I speak low, not liking how the words taste like a lie on my tongue. My gaze flicks to the side again and catches in an emerald trap.
Juliet holds a box of takeout in her hands as she turns to leave, but she pauses as our stares meet.
What is this mysterious power she holds over me?The thought of it makes me scowl.
Juliet rolls her eyes, then walks out the front doors.
She rolled her eyes? At me?
Furious excitement burns hot in my veins, leaving me anxious to chase after her and …
And what?
