Page 30 of Love, A Curvy Girl's Guide

Haley squared her shoulders. “My mother called. She needs me to go home and help care for my father.”

The Alpha’s expression gave nothing away. “And you’re asking for my permission?”

She hesitated, then nodded. “I know I still have a lot to learn about the pack way of life. And I don’t want to just disappear. I want to do this the right way.”

Alpha Garrick leaned back, steepling his fingers. “Family is important. But so is finding where you belong. You can go, Haley. But know that being apart from your mate can be difficult. Also, know that it’s imperative you don’t tell anyone about our pack or about shifters. Go take care of your father.”

Relief and something else—something unnamable—rushed through her. “Thank you.”

Ian remained silent until they were outside again. “So, what now?”

Haley exhaled slowly. “Now? I guess I will pack.”

Ian nodded, but his expression was unreadable. “I’ll help.”

She met his gaze, searching for something—some sign that he didn’t want her to go. But all she found was unwavering support.

And that, somehow, made it harder.

EIGHTEEN

Haley barely managed to blink back the tears threatening to spill as she pulled into the driveway. It had been a whole lot harder to leave Ian than she’d anticipated. It seemed that each mile she drove away from him ramped up her stress and anxiety, and ripped at her heart. She’d gone and fallen in love with the boy next door.

How had that happened?

Every muscle in her body was tight with frustration, grief, and longing. Leaving Ian had been unbearable. Leave it to life to kick a girl when she was down. She hadn’t expected an ambush.

Yet, there they were.

Verity and her mother stood on the porch like a damn jury panel… How apropos was that? Their arms crossed, lips pursed, ready to drag her over the coals.

Fantastic.

Haley sighed, gripping the steering wheel for an extra second. Maybe if she sat here long enough, they’d get bored and leave. Maybe they’d just dissolve into the damn wind like some bad hallucination. But no, her mother was already tapping her foot, Verity standing rigid beside her, looking just as pissed.

Haley should have seen this coming.

Squaring her shoulders, Haley climbed out of the car and slammed the door. “Well, if it isn’t the welcoming committee,” she said dryly.

“Don’t start,” her mother snapped. “We need to talk.”

“Do we, Mom?” Haley shot back, locking her car with way more force than necessary. “Because I really don’t feel like getting yelled at by the two people who are supposed to love me unconditionally.”

Verity flinched, but her mother didn’t even hesitate. “Love doesn’t mean blindly accepting lies, Haley.”

When her mother had first called Haley, she had been upset and ashamed. But the closer she had driven toward home, the angrier she had become. Haley was sick and tired of being everyone’s doormat. “Oh, so we’re skipping the passive-aggressive part and going straight for the jugular. Great.” She crossed her arms. “Fine. Just get it out of your system so I can go see Dad.”

Her mother’s nostrils flared. “You disappeared for days. You told me you had a pharmaceutical convention, Haley.Then Verity hears from the pharmacy that you took time off for jury duty.’ Pardon me for asking, but since when do they have jury duty at medical conventions?”

Haley resisted the urge to groan. She just needed to stand her ground and not let her mom get the upper hand.

“That’s not—” she started, but her mother cut her off with a sharp glare.

“You expect us to just sit here and accept whatever bullshit story you give us next? Where have you been?”

Haley clenched her jaw. She could feel Verity’s gaze boring into her, waiting for her to explain everything. But she couldn’t.

“It’s not my secret to tell,” Haley said finally, her voice quieter now, but firm.

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