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Somehow, I’d forgotten that Anita was human. She had no idea that I was a wolf, that Patricia was a deer, that the child she would have would also be a shifter. She would never know.
And that was probably for the best. “Right. Humans are fallible.”
Shifters are worse.
Anita reached for the vents in front of her and shut them. “Sorry, I’ve been a lot warmer than usual.”
I cast a hopeful glance at her. “Does that mean the procedure worked?”
“Well, I’m not sure. I guess we could ask Patricia.”
“She wouldn’t like us hanging out outside the clinic.”
She sighed. “Yeah, I know. I read the contract too.”
“I just didn’t like that it was so—so weirdly—”
“Disconnected?”
I nodded thoughtfully as I maneuvered the car a few blocks over toToast Tavern. “Yeah, that’s a good word for it.”
“I’ve never done this before, but I think if I’m going to carry your baby, I should at least be friends with you. Right?”
She was sharp. I liked that about her. “Right.”
As soon as I pulled into an available parking space, I winked. Shadows might have been crowding her face at this hour, but I knew she was blushing. I could tell by the way she tried to contain a wide smile that couldn’t be contained. Once the car was off, I hopped out and rounded the vehicle to open her door. I helped her onto the sidewalk and locked the car.
The mocktail bar was toasty, a testament to its name. Nestled in its vintage décor and neon lights was a table in the far corner that had a nice view of the whole place. Just in case we were to spot anyone who didn’t need to spot us. Like Patricia.
Or my pack.
She sat across from me with her coat in her lap and her tote on the table. I had trouble keeping my eyes off her glowingolive features, her plump red lips, her sunny eyes. Even in this dim bar with the lights shimmering all sorts of colors, I could see the honey in those brown irises. I could see the intricate galaxies dwelling within.
A redheaded waitress wearing a collared shirt and slacks came by to get our order. Anita went for the strawberry mocktini while I chose a mojito mocktail. Warm sugar and vanilla tugged at my attention, dragging my gaze back to the woman who was giving me a piercing stare.
Nothing about her heavy lashes appeared to be platonic. Despite only a day passing since our last encounter, she seemed different. She seemed to be full of life and possibilities. That could have just been the thrill of becoming a father, or maybe I was just reminded of all the times I’d picked up women in similar settings.
I felt a quickening feeling in my core. Just holding her gaze like this was daring, all the more thrilling because of what it could mean later. Which could be nothing—or it could beeverything.
Anita smiled sweetly. “So, why did you want to meet?”
“I want to make sure you have everything you need.”
She looked stunned. “The payment isn’t enough?”
“Oh, the payment is plenty, but…” I licked my lips. “I don’t know. I just think you should have more than what you’ve been provided.”
“I’m surprised.”
I played with one of the coasters on the table. “Why?”
“I guess I don’t know many guys like you.”
Jealousy flared inside me. I put it out before it could spread to my limbs. “Do you know a lot of guys?”
“Actually, only a handful.”
“And who are they?”
