Page 76 of His Sunshine Baby

“Say what’s the matter, what’s the matter with me? What’s the matter with me? Oh, I wish that I could I let you love, wish that I could let you love me now…”

I pour out the last words and stop, satisfied. When I open my eyes again, Bianca and her friends, their eyes shining, suddenly start clapping, excited.

“Moon Goddess, Elena, that was so good!”

“You have such a good voice!”

“Can you sing again?”

I shake my head.

“Thank you but it’s your turn now. I have my beer waiting for me.”

Because of their insistence and disappointed expressions, I have to promise I will sing again later before I can breach the wall of excited teenagers to reach the bar again. Once I finally get there, I notice someone had taken the spot next to mine.

“Hi, kiddo. It’s been a while since I heard that singing voice,” says Reagan.

I look at my mentor, suspicious. What is she doing here? Her leather jacket is still dripping. Did she come all the way here despite the rain? The way she took the seat next to mine too. Usually, Reagan avoids me, so what now?

I grab my beer and take a sip, waiting to see what the old woman has to say. She sighs.

“What’s your idea?”

“For what?”

“Your ex, Elena. You know it’s going to be a problem,” she says, tapping her finger on the counter.

“Of course, I know.”

But I haven’t figured anything out yet. All I’ve done today is be angry about it and wonder what to do next. The idea of Diego coming back is just driving me nuts. It brings back way too many dark memories that I can’t handle. Reagan growls.

“That dog. I should have killed him while he was still out.”

“What for, Reagan? And Diego is not weak either. You probably would have been killed instead.”

“Doesn’t matter. As long as I keep that mutt away.”

I frown. What is that supposed to mean? I’m not overestimating him. Five years ago, Diego was undoubtedly one of the strongest alphas in our pack, aside from myself. Now Iwonder if he’s gotten any stronger... well, probably. Many years spent as a rogue should do that, right? I drink some of my beer again.

“Let him come,” suddenly says Reagan.

I almost spit out my beer before turning to her. Is this old hag going nuts?

“You’ve got to be kidding me, Reagan.”

“No.”

She puts her beer down and looks me right in the eye, resolute.

“Look at me, Elena. I did not train you to be a she-wolf that runs away. You were born and raised as an alpha, and you’re going to act like one.”

How did she know that was my first idea? And why is she going on about my alpha condition all of a sudden? It is true she raised me, trained me to be a strong woman, but I don’t think this is going to help at all!

“But Xavier–”

“I don’t care what your uncle says, kid. Stop using him or Clark as excuses. You know what you are, and you should not submit to them, your ex, or anyone.”

“I am not using them as excuses!”

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