Page 179 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“Oh? Like online dating or in-person dating? You know there are rules if you’re dating a human, Vi,” Cory replied a little more seriously.

“I’m not online dating, Cory,” I answered, rolling my eyes.

Though thinking it over, it made sense he would assume that. I couldn’t date like normal people did the last time he saw me. Not that what I was doing now was normal dating, either.

“Who is it, then? Someone from Bells’ old pack? Or Cade’s? Is he coming here? Tell me his name, and I’ll give him a look.”

“Umm... it’s not one of Bells’ old pack members. It’s Chris.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Chris. I’m dating Chris,” I repeated.

“Chris? As in Brenda and Gabriel’s son? The man I left with you to keep an eye on you and keep you safe?” Cory's voice was getting growlier as he talked.

“He’s kept me very safe,” I blurted out, and Chris slapped a hand to his forehead beside me.

‘Not helpful,’he mind-linked.

‘I panicked!’I defended.

“So safe, you ended up tumbling down a couple flights of stairs and breaking bones?” Cory growled in response.

Chris winced beside me, regret and guilt flashing through his face.

“That’s not fair, Cory,” I protested.

He knew it as well as I did. We already talked about what happened, he never blamed Chris.

“How long?” Cory asked.

“What?”

“How long has this been going on?” he clarified.

“A while,” I admitted.

“And neither of you thought to tell me any of the times I talked to you?” Hurt was slipping into his voice, giving up a little bit of the anger.

“It was new. I wanted to keep it to myself until I knew it was serious,” I answered, hating that I hurt his feelings.

“Who else knows?”

“I spoke with Mom and Dad a little while ago.”

“Does Bells know?”

“Yes.”

“Did she know the whole time?” he asked, and I groaned.

I never meant to get her in trouble.

“Yes,” I answered, making Cory growl.

“Why does everyone keep things from me, lately?” he asked angrily.

“Do you get all growly with them, like you did with me just now? Because, that might be why,” I suggested helpfully, making Cory growl again.

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