Page 147 of Wolf's Mark

“Where have you been?” Mattie chastised.

“You know I’ve been working.” I’d been working side by side with Marla, including cleaning and rebuilding the destroyed portion of her laboratory while bringing in new equipment and supplies.

“I’ve invited you out four times and you ignored me and Shelly and Camille. You owe us a night on the town.”

“Would you settle for copious bottles of wine and horror movies?” What the heck? After all the horror I’d been through, a movie wasn’t going to do a thing.

“Wow. Shocking. A horror flick. Fine. You’re on, but only if you have the girls’ night at that beautiful place you now live.”

I’d sold my house, now living in Jax’s beautiful estate. “You’re on.”

“Jax could stay, you know. He could be our bartender,” she cooed. “Our hunky monkey.”

“Touch him and die.” I found the turnoff, Jax’s cryptic directions what I’d expected. He was testing me, pushing my wolf. Shewasn’t in the mood to play games. But he was the big wolf in charge.

As he continued to remind me.

She laughed. “You’re just an old fuddy-duddy now that you’re getting married. We need to discuss bridesmaid dresses by the way. Do not dare pick anything pink and frou-frou or you will no longer exist as my best friend.”

“Pink? Me? Never. Think gothic red,” I purred.

“Now we’re talking.”

I opened the window, taking a deep whiff. I was still getting used to my new attributes as Jax called them, but I didn’t need to be a wolf to detect the scent of his aftershave.

His choice on this beautiful early evening? Sandalwood and citrus with a dash of exotic spices.

My favorite.

I was close to the unknown and he was waiting.

My entire body was tingling, my nipples hard like diamonds.

Forget about my thong. It was soaked from my extreme desire.

“What are you doing tonight? Any chance I can pop by?” she asked, although I could sense she was teasing. She knew how romantic we’d become as a couple, often holding her nose when we were around her for the sheer fun of it.

“Oh, just doing some laundry.”Being mated by the big, bad wolf.

I resisted giggling. I could never tell my friends the truth, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have a little fun with them every so often.

“See? Party pooper. You need to get out more from that lab of yours. I’m still surprised you’re no longer the medical examiner.”

If only I could tell her I was working on much bigger projects, including curing cancer with the help of Wolfen DNA. “Well, it was time for a change.”

“Uh-huh. Next week. Drinks at your place. Your friends, remember your best friends won’t take no for an answer.”

“I know. Next week. You can count on it.”

The call completed, I concentrated on finishing the drive. I knew instantly when I’d found the perfect spot in the middle of the forest. Not only did I sense Jax was close, I also felt a sense of peace and awe.

As I climbed out, I realized I was no longer afraid of darkness settling in. I didn’t have nightmares any longer and I felt safe at all times. I had yet to shift. I’d been told it would be a few months before that was possible. Was I terrified at the thought?

You bet your sweet ass.

But I would face the inevitable when it came.

After cutting the engine, I climbed out, surveying the surroundings. There was a river close by, the sound of the water tumbling over the rocks breathtaking.

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