Page 21 of Christopher

Chris wasn’t alone. It was hard to remember sometimes, but he hoped it would get easier.

“This is Agatha,” his grandfather said. “She’s a dear friend of mine.”

Chris arched an eyebrow. “Just a friend?”

His grandfather’s smile turned soft and gooey, which made Chris look away because he didn’t want to seethat.

“For now,” his grandfather confirmed.

Agatha sighed, and Chris had to resist the urge to run away screaming when he saw the mopey smile she was giving William.

“Well, I’m happy for you,” he told his grandpa.

“Are you sure? You don’t sound or look happy.”

“I was just thinking about how Kyle has his mate, and Jennifer has her friends, and I realized that I have someone, too.”

William nodded. “Your mate.”

“Sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“I’m sorry I had to learn about your mate from your brother, but it’s okay. I understand that these past few weeks have been overwhelming for you, and you were trying to deal with all of it as best as you could. I was getting worried, though. I wasn’t sure you’d ever come out of your bedroom.”

“Well, here I am.” And Chris kind of wished he could go back to his bedroom. His one foray out in the pride house had led to him being given a talking-to by Jacob and walking in on his grandfather kissing his girlfriend. What was next? Kyle and Dennis having sex?

Chris shuddered in horror. He wouldn’t survive that.

* * * *

“I just talked to your mate,” Jacob announced.

Drake squinted at his phone. Having this video call with his friends on such a small screen wasn’t the best idea, but he needed their help.

He and Chris were going on a date. Chris had initiated it, and while Drake had been nervous after the way things had started between them, he hadn’t been able to say no. He hadn’t wanted to say no. He wanted to go on a date with Chris and talk to him for hours. He wanted them to look at the stars and make out at the back of a movie theater. He wanted them to be together and talk as if they were the only ones in the restaurant.

He wanted to spend time with his mate.

It looked like he was getting his wish, but he wanted to make a good impression, which was where this call came into play. “Aren’t we supposed to tell him how to dress?” Taylor asked.

“We can tell him while I also explain what happened with Chris,” Jacob answered. “And take off that shirt. Red isnotyour color.”

Drake looked down at himself. “It’s one of my favorites.”

“It might be your favorite, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t make you look washed out.”

Great.Now Drake wouldn’t want to wear his favorite shirt anymore. Apparently, it washed him out.

“Don’t listen to him,” Dennis said. “You look good, and if you want to wear that shirt, you should go for it.”

“Why am I in on this conversation again?” Eddie asked.

Drake didn’t know Eddie as well as Dennis did. He didn’t think Jacob and Taylor did, either. Eddie was closer to Dennis, which might be because he was human and didn’t live with the pride.

Taylor, Jacob, and Dennis had grown up together. Drake had moved to Green Hill only a few years ago, but they’d become fast friends after playing around in their shifted form for a bit. Eddie’s case was more complicated. He was close to Dennis, but Drake wasn’t sure he had anything in common with the guy. Still, he didn’t mind having him on this call.

Even though he didn’t know why he was there, either.

“We just have to find the perfect outfit,” Taylor said. “How about that blue shirt you wore this summer? You know, when you came over for the barbecue?”

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