Page 5 of Can't Be Love

Milly stared for a second before heading off to fetch our order.

Sydney placed her hand on my arm. “Are you okay?”

I smiled. “It’s been a long, crazy day. I’ll be fine after a few drinks.”

She nodded, but looked more concerned than anything. “Well, let’s get you wasted then and I’ll make sure you get back to the Alpha house safe and sound.”

I snorted. A minute ago I secretly wanted to rip this girl’s head off over a mate I didn’t want. Now suddenly she was my new hero.Oblivion, here I come!

It took four drinks for me to work up the courage to ask Sydney about Thomas.

“So, you and Thomas?” I asked, trying not to slur my words. My tongue was beginning to feel thick and fuzzy, and my body was far too warm. I suddenly wished I had Milly’s outfit instead of my own. She may look ridiculous in it, but I could totally rock that mini skirt.

“Thomas and I aren’t true mates, if that’s what you’re wondering, but we are compatible. We’ve already been through the Council testing and approved last fall. But then word came in about his sister and he sort of retreated again.” She sighed. “What happened to her was terrible, but it wasn’t easy on him either. We decided to hold off starting a bond till things settled.”

I had never really considered what it was like for Thomas when Maddie disappeared, but I couldn’t get past how he had disappeared and refused to participate in any of the vigils or searches for her. I didn’t think I could ever forgive him that, yet hearing he was basically mated to this woman did all sorts of confusing things to my insides.

It’s just the bond. It’s just the bond, it’ll pass when I break it, I kept reminding myself.

“I’m sure it’ll happen soon, especially now that Madelyn is back,” she said almost sadly.

“Aren’t you worried he’ll find his true mate?” I asked.

She laughed. “Trust me, as many women as that boy has chased, if his true mate were anywhere within five packs, he’d have known it long before now. Besides, what are the odds, really? Isn’t it better to just be with someone you know makes you happy?”

I wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince me or herself. I shrugged. “My siblings have all found their true mates. My parents preach that it’s worth the wait.”But this time, they were wrong, I thought, but didn’t add.

“I guess, but what if you don’t find him till you’re both really old? Do you just miss out on life, family, and children in the hopes you’ll find him? I don’t really know many true mates our age.”

It was true. Our generation had all but given up on true mates. Westin Pack was an exception. It had always meant the world to me to find mine. I poured another glass of whiskey and drank it down in one gulp, letting the burn tame the anxiety of my wolf. She was furious with my thoughts, and with me for not ripping the throat out of the woman across from us trying to claim our mate. The varying emotions with the added liquid courage was just confusing me.

“I never really thought of it, just honestly thought I’d find him one day,” I said. I couldn’t tell her I had. I suspected it would devastate her.

We never did order dinner, but somewhere along the line, I did manage to finish off that bottle of whiskey.

“I think you better get her home,” Milly told Sydney as my head hit the table. I was starting to feel the pull of the liquor, and getting sleepy.

“Come on, Lily. I think you’re good and wasted now. Time to go sleep it off,” she told me.

“Good luck,” Milly said, and I watched them share a look.

Outside, the cool air brought me back to life. I threw my arms out and started twirling until the whole world was spinning around me.

“Probably not your best idea, Lily,” Sydney said, righting me and putting her arm around me.

I leaned into her heavily. “You are the best!” I said. “Sydney is the greatest!” I yelled. In my head I was speaking clearly and walking a straight line. I was invincible. A few guys walking by chuckled. “Do you know Sydney?” I asked them. “You should. She’s great. I love her,” I told them. “I love you, Sydney.”

“I love you too, Lily,” she told me.

“Do you need any help, Syd?” one of the guys asked.

“No, it’s okay. She’s staying at the Alpha house. We can make it.”

“Alright. Holler if you change your mind,” he said.

We walked on a little further. She helped me up the steps when I tripped. Without knocking, she opened the front door and I helped her inside. I knew she was drunk, and I was perfectly fine, unstoppable.

“Oh my gosh, what happened?” I heard Maddie ask.

---