Page 27 of Death and Donuts

“Because you’re horny and want me to get some if you can’t?” I joked.

She gave a small laugh. It wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but it was something.

“Sure, there’s always that,” she said. “But it’s more, too. I’m crazy serious about Anchor, Ev. He’s the one, and we’re so close to giving in to what we both know is right.”

“Uh…wow. Didn’t see that coming. Then why did you tell him you needed some time apart?”

“So I don’t jump him, obviously.”

“Why aren’t you jumping him if he’s Mr. Right?”

She finally faced me, her expression sad.

“Because I can’t leave you alone, Ev. I won’t.”

Understanding hit me hard. Werewolves mated for life. She knew what saying yes to Anchor would mean. They’d marry and start their family–at light speed if their make-out sessions so far were any indication. One of us would move out to give the other one privacy.

Knowing that I was holding her back from what she really wanted was a punch to the gut.

“Vena, please don’t rob me of the chance to be the best maid of honor this world has ever seen just because my love life is moving at a snail's pace. Sisters cheer each other on; they don’t hold each other back.”

She sighed heavily.

“I’ll think about it.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

I was still thinkingabout my conversation with Vena when I woke up the next morning. Having her admit Anchor was the one made me feel a little untethered. Life was about to change. Not only for her but for me as well.

For so long, I had taken comfort in knowing things would stay the same, at least until we graduated. That wasn’t the case any longer.

But this was good. She found her other half, and it wasn’t like I was losing her. It meant I had one more person to help keep tabs on her so she’d stay out of trouble.

“You’re thinking too hard so early in the morning,” a low voice murmured next to me.

I turned in bed and saw two beautiful light brown eyes tinted with amber staring back at me.

“Morning,” Cross said. He tucked his arm under my head and pulled me against him to kiss my forehead. “What’s got you frowning already?”

“Nothing bad,” I said as I snuggled in, needing the comfort. “I’m just bracing myself for some life changes that might come sooner rather than later.”

“I well understand life changes.”

“I suppose after hundreds of years, you’re a pro at it.”

“Not necessarily. I wasn’t prepared for the change in my life after a certain someone fell into a cave and bled on me. I never expected to fall for her or start a business with her either, especially after she dressed me in a brown corduroy leisure suit. And I especially never thought I would work closely with wolves for a common goal.”

I leaned away to look at him. “It was Vena who dressed you in that suit.”

He grinned. “My point is: Being open to possibilities makes changes less daunting.”

“So much wisdom for eight in the morning. What are you doing here?”

He brushed a lock of hair from the side of my face. “Seeing what your plans are for the day.”

“You could have texted me.”

“Then I couldn’t wake up with you and do this.” He leaned in to kiss my lips, but I quickly stuck my hand between us.

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