Page 83 of Broken Souls

In the last few months I've been fixing up the backyard. It was unkept when I moved in. But I've been watering the grass so it's nice and green now. I pulled out the weeds and planted some flowers so it's presentable. I only garden sometimes. Just like I only work sometimes. I still have my job but that's just kept as weekend work to keep me busy. Plus, having a discount at the clothes store is great because I've bought a lot more clothes, revealing ones now that my bruises are gone.

Axe and I stare at the sky in silence, his arms wrapped around me and we fall asleep outside.

Chapter Fifty-Six

I'll have the burger with a coffee, please,” I order, and Ryleigh nods. Olly and I are at The Grail Cafe. She takes Olly's order and then walks off.

“How are you and Brian?” I ask.

“Good. He's great but I miss my family and friends a lot,” Olly says.

“You can always go home for a visit,” I remind her.

“Yeah, it's just a very long trip.”

“It must be hard leaving everything just to follow a man.”

“Well, that's a she-wolf's life.” She shrugs. “I'm guessing you and Axe have always been in the same pack when you found each other. I'm actually surprised how much older he is than you.”

“Oh.” She doesn't know the story with Axe and me. I never really mentioned it. It's refreshing having someone not know the story. “We're actually each other's chosen mates, not destined mates.”

“W... how?” Her eyes are wide.

“It's a long story. Brian can tell you.”

“Here, girls.” Ryleigh sets our drinks down and sits down with us.

“Don't you have to work?” I ask.

“There's no one in here but you guys so I'll chill for a bit. What are we talking about?” Ryleigh says.

“Just pack stuff,” I say.

“I really don't know what to think of werewolves. To this day I'm still stunned by it. What's it like being a werewolf?” Ryleigh asks with curious eyes.

“It's great. A pack is like a big family so it's good to know someone's always there if you need anything. Having a destined mate is amazing knowing he's yours. You don't have to worry about him cheating or leaving you,” Olly says.

“We've had very different experiences,” I murmur.

“What do you mean?” Olly frowns.

“Like I said, it's a long story. I can tell you but I want to keep this lunch a happy occasion and not dive into the gory details of my past, so you should ask Brian.”

“Okay.”

“Anyway, Ryleigh, to answer your question, I believe being a werewolf is a curse.”

“I guess there's good and bad,” Ryleigh comments.

“How do you feel about Dash being a werewolf?” Olly asks.

“It's kind of scary knowing how strong he is. But I absolutely love spending time with his wolf. It's like I've got my own puppy. He's a big sweetheart.” Ryleigh smiles.

“You might never want to call him a puppy to his face. No powerful male wolf would like that.” I chuckle.

“You would be surprised how much of a softie he is.” Ryleigh laughs.

“Brian isn't. He's such a vain smartass.” Olly then adds, “But I love him.”