Page 32 of The Alpha's Runaway Bride

“How do you feel about him?” Olivia asked.

Angie glanced at Flora and said, “I’m starting to really care about him. He is a great guy and a lot of fun.” She paused and then said, “There is something about his scent. It haunts me. Even after he’s gone and I’ve taken a shower I can smell it everywhere.”

Olivia and Jade exchanged meaningful glances and then Olivia asked, “Do you think that he could be your fated mate?”

Angie’s jaw dropped and her eyes opened wide. “How could he be? I’m human and he’s the alpha of a wolf shifter pack.”

“The fates are cruel women and have a wicked sense of humor,” Jade said. “I’ve heard of vampires and shifters being fated mates.”

“If he is my fated mate, then I’m destined to spend the rest of my life alone. There is no way that we can be together. His pack would never accept me,” Angie said, despondently.

“To be honest, I don’t know why he’s here. He knows I’m human. He knows I can’t be the luna. He knows there’s no future for us. His pack would never accept me once they found out I am human and they would find out. Even though Noah knows all of this, here he is, going to the sanctuary with me and going shopping with me. Yesterday he went to the volcano with me. We have fun and I love hanging out with him, but I’m terrified of being hurt,” Angie said. “I think he was surprised last night when I told him that coming into the house with me wasn’t a good idea.”

“I’m afraid for you,” Flora said. “You’re already vulnerable since your parents just died. Then, along comes this sexy, strong, charming man who is stealing your time.”

“Not technically stealing, since I’m a willing participant,” Angie said.

Flora smacked at her and said, “You know what I mean, Turkey.”

“What are you going to do?” Jade asked.

“I don’t know,” Angie said miserably. “I guess I will just enjoy the good times while he is here and savor the memories later on.”

“Is that wise?” Olivia asked gently. “The more time you spend with him the more likely it is that you will fall in love with him. And then, you will really be hurt.”

“I know, but I just can’t seem to resist him,” Angie said.

“You did last night,” Flora reminded her.

Jack chose that moment to wake up and make his presence known to the world. Olivia put a blanket over her shoulder and discreetly unfastened her blouse so she could feed the baby. Jack set off a chain reaction and Jade’s baby woke up.

“You, too, huh?” Jade asked as she carefully picked up her baby and went through the same motions that Olivia did.

“Marvin got up every single time I did last night. I told him that he didn’t have to, but he insisted. He said it was only fair. You would never think that the huge, tough dragon shifter would spend several nights a week changing diapers, bottle feeding, and playing with the baby, but he does. It’s so sweet, because most nights, when I get home. Marvin is asleep with the baby in the cradle next to him.”

“Zac is a great father, too. Big bad alpha making faces at the baby to make him giggle,” Olivia said, laughing.

I wonder what kind of father Noah would be. He is such a good man. I bet that he would be a terrific father.

“Don’t go there,” Flora cautioned, watching Angie.

“What are you talking about?” Angie asked, plastering an innocent look on her face.

“Even if I couldn’t read your thoughts, which you conveniently broadcasted to all of us, it was obvious what you were thinking about,” Flora said.

Angie looked at Jade and Olivia, who nodded.

“I seriously need friends who aren’t shifters and can’t read minds,” Angie muttered, pretending to be frustrated.

“Even a mundane person could figure out what you were thinking,” Olivia said. “You are getting in over your head, my friend.”

Changing the subject, Angie asked what they were wearing to the annual pack ball. The three women eagerly talked about the dresses that they had chosen.

“You know, even though you aren’t an official member of the pack, Zac always invites you to the ball,” Jade said. “He has ever since he’s been alpha.”

“I know, and he’s a doll, but I wouldn’t feel right. I don’t belong,” Angie said.

“The hell you say,” Flora replied. “Every single member of the pack would be offended to hear you say that.”

---