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“I never said that. I saidoneof the best. And anyway,” she cleared her throat, “the casino also did most of the heavy lifting for this one. It was going to turn out amazing either way.” She shrugged carelessly.
Opal wasn’t ready to admit Violet was right. Even if her mind…and her tiger’s, for that matter…could wrap around the fact that Benton was her mate, it couldn’t accept the uncertainty that still lingered in their stolen moments. Even if his presence set her world on fire, she had to keep a level head.
“Yeah, but nothing beats the feeling of stealing the win for the seniors,” Violet said with a hungry glint in her eyes.
“That's true. The earnings from this one should set us up for the next year or so.”
“Does this mean we’re getting a new rec room?”
“Of course. Now you can go wild with your extracurriculars.”
“You know I’m always down for getting wild. We should throw a party for the renovation.”
“We haven’t even won yet, and you're planning a party?” Opal asked with a raised brow.
A mischievous smile spread across her full lips. “Why not. You said it yourself. The win is ours.”
Opal dragged her eyes back to the scoreboard, letting them settle on Benton’s name. Her tiger purred. The thought of her mate's victory sent a shot of lust through her blood. She bit back a groan, turning her gaze to Violet.
“Ours,” Opal agreed with a nod.
“Speaking of joint custody, remind me again what Benton gets out of this?”
“Well …” Opal’s brows scrunched together. She had been so wrapped up in Benton that she hadn’t really put any thought into why he was doing it. “I…I don’t know.”
He was donating the money, so he clearly didn’t need it. At least, she didn't think so. Sure, he was playing some pretty big names in the poker scene, thanks to Gerri’s connections, but was that really all he needed? Pride.
“Thinking about your mate?” Violet coaxed.
“Yeah, about how much I don’t know about him,” she deadpanned.
“Same difference.” She crossed her arms over her chest, raising a dark, sculpted brow. “Am I supposed to just pretend you don’t talk about him all day? Or that you're not ready to run off and suck his face at the drop of a hat?” Violet rolled her eyes. “What's the big deal, anyway. He’s your mate. Of course, youshouldbe all over him.”
“I’m not all over him.” Opal could feel the heat creeping over her cheeks.
“Whatever. My point is you like him. You can’t stop talking about him, which I’m going to take as a confirmation that the fates have once again worked in the favor of two lucky people, so you should just take a deep breath and let it happen.”
“What if we're both just blinded by the pull? What if…”
“Just sayfuck itand ride the wave until it crashes. Whatever lies ahead can’t be as bad as never meeting your mate at all. Most shifters would give anything to find their other half. Hell, some of us spend all of our lives searching.”
Violet’s knowing eyes bore into her, daring her to defy logic and faith. That was what this was, part logic, knowing this person was made for you, and part faith, hoping that it would work out as designed. Opal could dream, but could she let herself fall into it?
She has a point,her tiger cooed.
Oh, now you want to chime in?
She huffed indignantly.I was busy.
Doing what?
Her tiger turned her back on her with a huff refusing to answer. Opal knew all she wanted was their mate. She knew it was cruel to taunt her with the proximity of his scent, but she couldn’t help herself. It was torture both ways, in his arms or out.
“You're right. I guess it’s just a lot,” shesaid and hoped her smile was reassuring enough that they could drop the conversation.
Violet patted her hand, her voice soft and soothing. “I know. Hey, no pressure. Right?”
Opal smiled in spite of herself. Her friend could always calm her with a touch. Violet had that ability to make her feel like everything would be all right. The problem was once she was gone, so was that feeling. Doubt hung over her head, a shadow looming. She wanted to be swept away by the lure of their mating claim, but she was anchored by Senior Rights. By her home. Opal would never abandon them. Her tiger paced, the sharp flick of her tail mimicking her duress.
