Page 62 of Mates: Posy

"Yeah, and they’ll be coming on soon," Wyatt pointed out. "Before they do, how about we guys clean up while you girls check out Posy's closet for some clothes for Lilah?"

"Sure. Let’s go!" Peri popped out of her seat and Lilah followed her lead.

Dropping a kiss on Jayden's forehead, I took a step back and studied his face. His hands settled on my hips and his eyes held an emotion I couldn’t name.

"Thank you, sweetness," he murmured. "I love you."

Smiling widely, I dropped my forehead against his.

"I love you, too, Jayden."

15: Sleepover

Posy

"Oh, my Goddess. That is the biggest bed I've ever seen in my life."

Peri stopped dead inside our bedroom doorway.

"I know," I mumbled, my face burning. "I'm intimidated just to be in the same room with it, and that's when my mates aren't even here."

"So, Posy," she slunk up next to me, "I see they haven't marked you yet. Does that mean you haven't mated yet, either?"

"No. I just got here last night and was exhausted." I twiddled my fingers nervously. "They haven't pushed me into anything and I hope they don't, either. I don't think I am ready for that."

"They won't push you into anything," she guaranteed. "They will wait a lifetime for you if they have to. I know my brothers."

"So theyareall brothers?" Lilah's eyes were wide.

"Not by blood. None of them are related except for Ash and Jay, who are cousins," Peri said, then went on to explain their blended family. "Ash's parents were killed, so Jay's parents adopted him. Then, after Jay's parents died in the sickness, Mase's parents took both boys in. When my mom and Wyatt's dad passed, my dad and Wyatt’s mom became chosen mates to hold the families and packs together."

"And they fell in love and have two pups together so far," I added, happy that I could contributesomeinformation about my mates.

"That's right," Peri confirmed with a smile. "So now I have Cole and Archer, who are my blood brothers, and Wyatt, Wayne, Wade, and Wesley for my step-brothers, and William and Winnie are my half-brothers."

"That's a lot of brothers!" Lilah grinned. "I've only ever had Luke."

"Sometimes I wish I only ever had Cole," Peri grumbled, but we could both see the teasing light in her eyes. "Anyway, Posy, once you do finally mark and mate with them, you're going to have to give Lilah and me the details. When we find our mates, we don't want to be in the dark about the whole process."

I groaned and hid my red face behind my hands.

"I'm not sure I'll ever find a mate." Lilah’s voice trembled and she sniffed. "Even if I do, he— He won't want me."

"Don't say that!" I hurried over and hugged her. "I thought the same thing. I was convinced they would take one look at me and reject me, yet they didn't. They walked in on my father beating me, helped clean my wounds, and witnessed me having a panic attack, and they still want me. If that can happen for me, it can happen for you, and I know it will."

"Even if he could look beyond my past, I’m not pretty like you two." She dropped her head and tangled her fingers together. "I’m a freak. I mean, look at my eyes and all these freckles and this carrot hair. What man would be attracted tothat?"

"You’re not a freak!" Peri joined our little hug fest. "You’re beautiful! Your eyes are fascinating, your hair is so healthy and straight, and I like your freckles. It looks like fairies sprinkled you with fire."

"I like your hair color," I added. "It’s so warm and pretty."

Lilah’s pale skin reddened as she looked at us, and I saw hope at war with pessimism in her eyes. I sighed. I understood better than anyone how hard it is to believe in yourself.

"The Moon Goddess has someone extra special for you. Just wait and see," I told her. "And, Peri, after your birthday next week, you’ll find your mate, and he’ll be amazing, too."

"Oh, my," Lilah said with a sweet smile. "Wouldn't it be odd if Luke ended up being your mate?"

"I’m fine with that!" Peri wiggled her eyebrows. "He's super hot!"

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