Page 55 of Bewitching the Wolf

“Sammy!” I squeal. “Arlo!”

My disappointment is pushed aside momentarily by joy.

“It’s soooo long since I’ve seen you.”

Arlo swings me up and gives me a big hug.

I laugh as Sammy and I try to hug, but her belly gets in the way.

“Oh my gods, guys, it’s so good to see you.”

“You were expecting us, yeah? Did Jax tell you we’re taking you out to dinner?” Sammy says.

I pull back, biting my lip. “Um, no, actually… he didn’t mention it,” I gulp.

“Typical. Where is the useless bastard?” Arlo ducks his head as I stand back and he enters. He’s bigger than most wolves here. Sammy follows him in, her bright blue gaze scanning the small den with interest.

“I love it.” She claps her hands together. “It’s smaller than our den, but you are so close to the park, and it’s got such a pretty garden.”

Arlo seems to take up most of the space in the room as he swivels around. “So, where’s Jax?”

I twist my fingers together in front of me. “Erm, he went out. I think maybe for a run.”

“A run? After the workout we had, I’m surprised he had any energy left.”

I don’t dare say he had plenty of energy left… for a very different kind of activity… “Yeah, well, first day with no vape so he’s a tad… skittish, maybe.” I feel my cheeks burning and turn away. “I’m sure he’ll be back any minute. Can I make you something to drink while we wait?” Avoiding Arlo’s gaze, I start to babble almost manically. “Tell me, how is the pregnancy going? What’s it like living down here? We miss you up there, but I mean, obviously it’s safer after what happened to Clem and all. And Clem is really missing you, Sammy, but hopefully she’ll get down to see you very soon, it’s just with Otis working on the mission she’s so busy supporting him.”

Sammy sighs. “I know. We talk every day, but it’s not the same. So it’s lovely to have you here for a few days, Tippy.”

As I open the fridge, Arlo spies an array of potions. “Ah, takes me back. Are you being as bossy to Jax as you were to me?” He smirks. “Maybe he’s run away to escape your smoothies.”

I nod, try to laugh, but it comes out as a strangled little cry. And then, to my absolute chagrin, I burst into tears.

“Oh Tippy, what’s the matter?” Sammy bounces over and this time, despite her big belly, she does manage to hug me. “Arlo, that was so mean.”

“It was a joke, honey.”

I try to smile at his stricken face. “It’s not you… what you said… is fine. I mean, you’ve always been rude about my smoothies, I wouldn’t care what you thought. You don’t count, Arlo.”

He bellows a laugh. “Well thanks, Tip.”

I laugh a little, hiccupping and swiping at my eyes. “I mean that in a nice way.”

Sammy pulls up a chair, and I sink down into it. She sits opposite me.

“What’s happened? Have you and Jax had a fight?”

“Not exactly. Kind of. Maybe.”

“Is he being his usual asshole self?” Arlo flexes a muscle playfully, trying to chivvy me up. “He’ll have me to contend with. And honestly, Tip that was a joke, I loved everything you did for me, you kept me in business for years.”

I know my smoothies improved his sperm count. For all I know, they might have helped with the miracle youngling Sammy is now expecting. The thought helps a little.

In a faltering voice, I say, “I think I inadvertently upset Jax.”

“How?”

“Ah, like you said, probably forcing my potions on him.”