Page 127 of Bride of Choice

“I’ve always wanted a sister-in-law,” she murmured, unaware of the way my eyes bugged slightly at her admission.

Sister-in-law? Oh- Mystery Mate.

It was on the tip of my tongue to plead my case to her and beg if need be for the name of my mysterious mate, but I knew that while I was her one in a million friend find, even if she did know without a shadow of a doubt who my mate was, her loyalties still laid heavily with the males in her life.

“Maybe ixnay on our bosomness outside of us,” I said after a moment as we walked in companionable silence.

“You haven’t told her yet.” Dorothy nodded, agreeing with me.

“If I had enough to go on to tell my cousin, I totally would. Announcing I have a mystery mate I’m not aware of the name of but I’ll get back to her with any deets more than that when I know them… you see how her mates are with her, she’s gonna think I’m nuts or maybe even making shit up! It’s too out there considering the bossy, forward ways of the norm. She’ll assume I’m funnin’ with her. It’ll be its own kinda headache.” A shudder left me. “Or worse, she believes me and gets it into her head to ferret ‘em out.”

“In due time. It’ll all come out. Don’t look too hard on it.” She tossed me a wink. “He’s much closer than you think.” We were at Dorothy’s back door at this point. She left me standing there at the steps as she went inside.

He’s closer than I think.

Could it be Kooky? Could Kooky have meant when he said Celuk had a mate, that he was meaning me? Is that super wishful thinking, because as crazy as others might claim he is, from the bits I’ve gleaned of Celuk he sounds like he is basically my ultimate dream guy… Is it neither of them?

“My brain hurts,” I muttered, nodding my thanks as Griever waited with the door held open for me.

“Be ‘kay,” the male told me, giving my back a very gentle pat as I passed him.

After a nice, long, luxurious bath by Lo denaii standards, I felt squeaky in all the right places, my headache much better after that endorphins-pumpin’-wild romp and long rest. Regrouped, I was ready to tackle whatever came next.

No one said a word about the way I smelled, if I smelled different at all. A part of me had hoped that washing off the dust of shame would reveal Bum-bum’s scent hidden beneath, because I must be some sort of secret masochist, but if anyone noted anything different no one said a fucking word.

Dorothy had plaited my hair into something she called a fishtail. I loved it. The dark purple dress I was wearing was warm and thick. I felt bad for constantly borrowing her things but I was going to change out of this the second I had clean clothes of my own to swap them out for.

What came next was an unexpected bout of awkward shyness as Kooky suddenly popped in for dinner, making a beeline for me, ignoring the snickers of his siblings as he did so with the enthusiasm of a clumsy puppy, stopping just before me, hands outstretched but never finishing grabbing for me, to pause and blurtingly ask if I was alright.

“Jo alright now,” Doogie interjected, snickering as he brought a bowl of steamed pod peas, as I referred to the purple vegetable, to the table.

More dishes followed, a different male of the house each bringing a dish to the table adding something to the conversation before I could get a word in edgewise.

“I’m fine now. Had a rescue crew and everything looking out for me,” I said finally. “Thank you for asking.”

Kooky looked like he wanted to say more but was painfully aware we had an avid audience. It made me miss being at home, just the two of us. We could say and do whatever we wanted in that big McMansion on the hill, no nosy newts in sight.

His hand was warm as we turned to find a seat at the table and he pressed it into the small of my back. Holy shit, I’ve missed him. My sweet, totally crushable Kooky. The urge to flop down into a seat and scooch my chair as close to Kooky’s as possible, to get another hit of that unmistakable, wild scent clinging to him, was hard to ignore.

“Guest,” Doogie announced, walking to the door to throw it open.

Odix walked in, pausing the moment he spied me.

“I didn’t invite you. Had no idea you were coming,” I blurted, then made a little x over my heart to lift my hand up in a solemn promise. He was probably assuming the worst.

Odix blinked and frowned at that. Why did he look disappointed at my reassurance? I didn’t want him thinking I was some kind of crazy stalker or something. I’d done enough to traumatize the guy. He’d probably have turned and run if he’d had the chance.

Doogie grinned. “Doogie invited. Jojo needs her spedshul friend, yes?”

“Shit starter. You’re an idiot,” I muttered as I shook my head at him and took my seat.

Kooky’s eyes narrowed as he eyed his nephew. The heavy grunt he let out told me he wholeheartedly agreed with my statement. Good, because I didn’t want any wild misunderstandings.

“Odix Jo spedshul friend,” Doogie kept on like he had a death wish.

Odix blinked and stared after the male at his odd choice of words. “Odix help… Krampus bad. Jo hert.”

“Odix, Rek, Kirch, Bum-bum, the whole crew, they saved my life, and helped save my leg.” My voice rang with sincerity. I hoped he forgave me for my drunken stupidity one day, and knew just how grateful I was for all that he’d done for me. Maybe we could even be friends? I couldn’t explain the feeling, having Odix in my corner. He’d really been there for me.

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