Page 50 of Homecoming

“How can you say that? Darius, listen to me. Iknowshe’s yours and I’ll prove it. Maybe if we do a DNA test, it will prove to you.”

“But a DNA test won’t work on me. My blood is too messed up for testing. Kat, you have to understand I can’t get invested in a pup that might not be mine—I saw how much that screwed Digby over and even if I wanted to, I shouldn’t feel like this. I shouldn’t feel anything because I amnota wolf—not any more. I can’t be a good father to her, so it’s best if you, and her, if you stop this nonsense and let Digby raise her.”

“But that’s not true. Darius, I told you, you’re more wolf than monster and it’s clearly obvious you feel something. Stop denying yourself this chance of happiness.” Kat takes a breath and sighs. “I should go. I need to clean up. But please, say you’ll at least consider my place on the team?”

“Okay, I tell you what, if you make the fitness grade in one month and get Marco to sign off on the psych evaluation, I’ll consider having you back on the team. But Kat, you have to meet the grade—no skipping the line. Am I clear? I need everyone on this team at one-hundred percent. I can’t and won’t carry anyone—not even you.”

“One month? But Darius, that’s not long. Please, I’m going to need a little more time than that.”

“That’s all the time I got. Edwards wants this team back and fully operational by next month—take it or leave it.”

“Okay, I’ll take it, and I’ll do it. I’ll make your grade, you’ll see.” She smiles and sealing a kiss on hislips,she allows her gaze to linger. “So... I uh… I need to use your credit card?” she grins. “I need to buy something to wear at the party and I still have to get Riley a gift.”

“And you want my credit card for that?”

“Not for the gift, but the lady at the lingerie store gives me a discount when I pay with your card—she says you’re averygood customer. I think..." Kat smiles,"it’s more that she likes to phone you to verify the transaction.”

“Really?” He smiles as he grabs Kat by the waist and pulls her closer. Taking the black card from his wallet, he brushes a kiss against her ear and whispers, “Buy something red.”

“Red? Okay, I’ll see what I can do. Oh, and by the way, did you know there’s a new restaurant opening soon?Exclusive—that’s what it’s called. It’s rumored a billionaire has taken over as owner at one of the city hotels and opened an ‘exclusive’ restaurant. I thought maybe we could go for dinner there sometime soon? Just me and you, we could have an evening alone.”

“Now that sounds like a plan I can get invested in.” Darius smiles. “I miss being with you.”

“I know baby, and I do miss you too,” she strokes her hand through his hair. “I know how long it’s been for you to wait and how really,reallyfrustrated you must be by now. Six months without it is a long time—must be a record for you. I mean, that’s got to be…hard.” She rubs her hand against his groin, feeling his dick as her green eyes lock on his.

“Oh, baby girl, you don’t knowhowhard that is for me.” He lowers his head and sniffs against her neck. “Now, go take a shower—all I can smell is that damn cat.”

Kat laughs. “You really don’t like them, do you? And I there was me thinking the cat was kind of cute. Luka and QT are certainly smitten byit,so may just have to get used to having another kind of ‘cat’ around the house.”

“Trust me, one Kat in my life is more than enough. Now, go shower and Kat... do me a favor,”he smiles, “think of me while you’re there.”

“Oh, I will. I’ll see you very soon.”

Saturday

Riley & Amy's Engagement Party

“Oh Riley, this is absolutely amazing. It looks like we’re going to have another glorious day of sunshine and…. Amy, will you stop fidgeting so much?”

“Momma,will you please stopfussing?And I’m fidgeting because this dress is way too tight.” The pretty brunette brushes her mother’s hand away from the buttons on the collar of the floral cotton dress.

“Thanks, Mrs. Forrester, and you’re right, the forecast is looking glorious for the rest of the day,” Riley smiles. “Mr. Forrester, could I get you another drink, sir?”

“Sure. I’ll have another beer and Riley… it’s about time you called me Frank. You can stop calling me Mr. Forrester now if you’re going to be part of the family.” Hesmilesas he takes the fresh bottle of cold beer from Riley’s hand. “That guy working the barbecue looks like he knows what he’s doing—he’s a helluva big guy though.”

“Uh… yeah, that’s Bud. He’s also on Kat’s team. He’s one of her friends—I mean, my friends.”

“Well, nice kinda friends to have—in high places and all.”

“Frank, will you stop it?” His wife smiles as she now turns her attention to the collar of his shirt, fixes his tie and smooths the crease from the front. “Riley, that house of yours is going to be amazing once it’s fixed up. I really can’t believe they justgaveit to you.”

“Oh momma, I meant to say, I saw some beautiful linen fabric for blinds at a store in the big city. I thought you might be able to help me with them?”

“I sure will, honey.” Amy’s mother checks the time on her watch. “Did you say the pack leader is definitely going to come? And Kat… they’re both going to come? Meanwhile, I might just go over there and check on my craft circle friends.”

“Yes, Kat is coming. I guess she’s probably having trouble getting the pups ready, and that’s why they’re running a little late. But I promise she’ll be here.” Riley sighs loudly and smiles. “My mom and pop will be here soon too. My mom always runs late, it’s in her DNA.”

“Riley baby, just relax,” Amy smiles as she brushes a kiss on his cheek. “It’s still early. It was momma pushing for us to start this thing early—this is her big day.” She laughs as she reaches forward and smooths a hand on his chest. Then, holding her hand in front of her, she admires the gold set diamond solitaire sparkling around her finger. “I can’t believe what an amazing job Noah did. How lucky I am?”

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