“But you’re probably running every morning and doing weight training, am I right?”
It’s Zane’s turn to grin smugly and repeat my own word back to me.Busted.
I smother the urge to throw something at him. “I’m fine, Mom. I’m eating enough.”
The waitress comes to take our drink order, and we each order a coffee and a water. “Everybody know what they want?” my mom asks. When we both nod, she closes her menu. “So, my dear daughter, are you ready for tonight?”
I sit back against my seat. “I think so.”
“You know you have nothing to worry about, right?” she continues. “Fate will have chosen well, no matter what.”
“Besides,” Zane adds, and I almost don’t even want to hear what he has to say. “If he’s weak, we’ll have Slate whip him into shape.”
Chapter 6
Riley
And so went our breakfast. Thankfully, we left the annoying one in the family behind when we went to the nail salon. I chose a bright yellow nail polish for my nails and toes, to match my dress. And of course, that’s the first thing Zane teases me about when he sees me. “At least we won’t lose you in a crowd.”
I laugh despite myself. “You’re such a dork.”
“Where did I go wrong with you two?” My mom asks with a sigh. Zane and I both laugh at that.
“Thanks for the ride, Brother. See you tonight.” I call out as I follow my mom inside. “All right. What can I do?”
“You don’t need to help; it’s your birthday.”
“Come on, Mom. I need to stay busy to help the time pass faster.”
She turns to me. “Riley, you’re not taking anything your brother said to heart, right?”
“I never do,” I respond with a grin.
She shakes her head but continues. “There’s nothing to worry about tonight.”
“I know. I’m just...anxious. I’ve kind of felt weird all day, just sort of off. I’ll be glad when this is—” I pause at the look on my mom’s face. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“Mom, what?”
“Nothing, Sweetheart. Like you said, you’re just nervous about tonight that’s all.” She walks into the kitchen, and I’m right on her heels.
“Mom.”
“Riley, relax. You’re going to be fine tonight.”
“Then why did you get that weird look on your face?”
She sighs. “You’re like a dog on a bone.”
I grin. “Thank you.”
She gives me a flat look. “That’s not a compliment, Dear One.” I wait her out, and she finally caves. “It just surprised me that you said you’ve felt off all day, restless. That was how I felt when I—” she pauses again, and I nearly groan.
“Mom,” I plead.
“The day I met your father.” I go still. “But I’m sure you’re just nervous for your first shift tonight.” She looks over at me, and her shoulders drop. “Riley.” She puts her hands on my shoulders. “Stop worrying about something you have no control over. If you meet your mate tonight, you meet your mate; and we will celebrate. If not, we’ll still celebrate with our pack. Tonight, is a special night. Shifting is a miracle, Baby Girl. What we have here in our pack is a gift. We are surrounded with the love and support of our pack, the people that want the very best for us. You couldn’t ask for more than that. The chance to shift into a wolf? To be able to run with the pack, hunt, be one with nature? That’s just the icing on the cake.”
