“How did…was it incredible?”
Carver produced the biggest smile I’d seen in months. “It felt like she was right where she belonged.”
I plopped down into one of his guest chairs. “I asked her out. She accepted.” It felt like a confession, like I’d done something behind his back.
“I did, too. She also accepted.”
Goddess, this was happening. We found our mate, and she wanted to spend time with us. “What about Diesel?”
“Let’s find out.” He got on his cell, but before he could dial, our pack brother came in, laughing.
“Did I miss a meeting? Why does it smell like fear and sadness and my mate in here, Carver?” Diesel’s nose could win a world record.
“Because she was scared and sad after that guy almost mauled her, and I am probably wearing her emotions as well as mine. I calmed her down, though. She went back to the motel to rest for the night.”
“Oh. She’s okay now?”
Carver nodded. “Aries and I were discussing the fact I asked her out and she accepted, and he asked her out and she accepted as well. Have you?”
Diesel paled. Rare for him. “I haven’t had any alone time with her. I wanted to, but…”
Aries set his hands on the desk. “I have an idea. She said yes to me and to Carver. What if we make it a date with all of us?”
Diesel leaned forward. “Do you think she would? What if…what if she likes you two and not me?”
“If your wolf tells you she’s your mate, it doesn’t work one way, Diesel.” Carver patted his hand.
“She’s ours. I know she is. Her next night off is Monday. We’re all closed. The club and the laundromat. Let’s go then.”
Chapter Thirteen
Josie
I spent the weekend days working with Thea at the motel. She was giving me more responsibilities, in the kitchen, helping with assigning tasks to those who wanted them, and even a little bookkeeping. That was entirely new to me, well it all was, but surprisingly enjoyable. Unlike the servitude of the pack where most of my jobs were punitive.
Two new females had come in, in bad enough shape, the healer had been summoned. A female healer. I’d never even known it was possible for there to be such a thing. When I expressed as much to Thea late Monday afternoon, she rolled her eyes and gave a little growl.
“Of course you didn’t. That’s why when I mentioned getting someone to give them a going over and look for any problems, one of the new girls tried to bolt. And she’s very much a girl, just barely eighteen and clearly has been through more than most.”
“So, what can we do to help?”
“The healer is with her now, and she will let us know.” Thea patted me on the shoulder and turned back to the stove. “At least I can make her soup.”
Just then, one of the other ladies poked her head into the kitchen. “Someone’s at the door.” It was indeed one of those times when it was locked due to fears about our injured resident’s former mate. He didn’t consider himself former, apparently. When we were locked up, only Thea or someone she assigned could open the door.
“Can you get it, Josie?” she asked, snipping herbs into the pot. “Be sure you know who is out there, though. Look through the peephole. We really need cameras.”
“Good idea. I’ll be right back.” Chewing on a stalk of celery, I headed for the front of the motel. Unlikely that it would be someone dangerous, but there was always a chance, so if I did not recognize the visitor, I’d have to call for Thea to come look at them. Cameras would save her steps and give us a better early warning system. I’d have to mention it to the guys when I spoke to them—right before or after I let Carver and Aries know our dates were off.
As I reached the door, the person outside knocked again. “I’m coming.” I was about to use the peephole when a familiar voice replied.
“It’s just us, Josie.” Diesel.
“I still have to look,” I replied. “How do I know you aren’t being held at gunpoint by some criminal?
“Good girl.” Carver spoke this time. “Security is important. Go ahead and peek then let us in please.”
Us? The two or all three? “Aries?” I asked before sliding open the peephole and answering my own question. “Never mind. I see you.” All three, heads and shoulders visible.
