Page 57 of Wrestling With Werewolves

She beams at the compliment, but what I said is true. I am thoroughly, completely, and utterly besotted. It took all of two days. But all I know is I could never go back to life before Lola.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER - LOLA

We eat quickly since Richard wants to take breakfast to Leighton’s family soon. I help pack and cover it, and then we grab my clothes and leave. It’s hard to resist the urge to glance into the alley between Bad Axe and the next building over to see if anyone notices me slipping out of Richard’s place. Not that word of what happens here would necessarily get back to my father, but it’s always possible.

Richard strides confidently into the alley, the tray of tamales balanced easily in one palm. When we reach the street and emerge onto the main drag, it’s already full of shifters and centaurs going about their daily business. Pegasi fly in smooth lives above the main street. But apprehension fills me. Is it obvious to everyone here that he and I are connected?

His big body moves into my visual space, one finger coming underneath my chin to guide my focus to him. “This whole ‘take it slow’ thing is for the fucking birds, but I sense your nerves, omega. Remember, I want to be holding your hand and showing you off to every single monster you see. The only reason I’m not doing it is so we can come up with a plan for telling your father about us. But, in the meantime, I will protect our need for secrecy, alright?”

I nod, relief flooding me. He holds my gaze for a moment before moving his finger from beneath my chin. I don’t want to hide him either, but it feels wrong showing the pack what’s going on without having a conversation with my papá.

Slipping my hands into my back pockets to avoid touching Richard, I follow him across the street and to the left. We pass five or six curved side streets before he hooks a right. Following the street’s slow spiral, we walk quietly until we reach a beautiful three-story treehouse halfway down the row.

A giant tree’s roots are visible around the first floor, which boasts a door big and wide enough for a pegasus with their wings extended. Richard strides to the door and knocks loudly.

Heat rolls through me, and I wipe at a few beads of sweat as they appear on my brow. Just then, the treehouse doors split and swing inward to allow us entry.

Richard holds one open for me. As I pass him, he leans down and brings his mouth to my ear. “You smell fucking delicious, omega. What are you doing after breakfast?”

What am I doing after this? “Getting into clean clothes,” I whisper back, poking his hard stomach playfully. “Because these have been on multiple floors in the last twelve hours, and my hair is still a wreck.”

Richard grins wickedly, gesturing for me to continue into the treehouse. Unlike mine, this one has a giant circular ramp leading up to the first and second floors. A huge entryway to the right leads into an open space much like the other treehouses.

An older female wolf comes forward, hands clasped together as she smiles at Richard and me. “Alpha, it’s totally unnecessary to keep feeding us.”

A male I assume must be Leighton’s father joins us from a back room, walking elegantly past a rustic wood bar. He stops by the female and wraps an arm around her waist, squeezing her to his side. Ocean-blue eyes move between us, then he winks at me. “I see Richard’s dragging you into the tamales parade?”

I laugh and cover my mouth with one hand, my usual calm failing me. “The tamales parade?” I glance up at Richard. “I knew it. Tamales are the only thing you know how to cook, aren’t they?”

We all laugh as Richard shrugs, passing the laden tray to the male.

The female smiles at me, dipping her head respectfully. “Princess, we’re goddess-blessed to have you in our home.”

“Please”—I take her weathered hand in mine—“it’s just Lola.”

“Lola,” she repeats with a soft smile.

“Maren, how are you today?” Richard’s question is met with a thoughtful half smile.

“We’re…okay today, Alpha.”

When he opens his big arms, she sinks into them and wraps hers around him, closing her eyes and leaning into the hug. His soft purr rumbles in the quiet space of their home as the male rejoins us. He stands next to me as his alpha purrs for his mate, his expression pained.

We’re quiet for a minute as Maren wipes a stray tear from her cheek. I’m not unfamiliar with grief. Even at the highest levels in shifter politics, I’ve seen my papá comfort packmates in this exact same way.

Another few moments pass before Maren pulls out of Richard’s embrace. Then her mate is by her side, pulling her back to his front as he rests his chin on top of her head.

Their love is so obvious, so real, it steals my breath. I want that. I have that. And I have to hide it.

Maren smiles at me, waving a finger between Richard and me. “You two are cute together. It’s lovely to see since Richard has been a bachelor for so damn long.”

Richard startles as my eyes spring wide. I’m too shocked at what she said to summon a response, but when Richard says nothing, I shake my head vehemently.

“Oh, oh, no, we’re not… I’ve known Richard my whole life.”

Maren’s smile spreads wider. “Dad’s-best-friend-to-lovers is a trope in human romance novels for a reason, you know.”

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