Page 6 of Howling Mad
Mom’s lips tighten, and Dad looms behind her.“Since you didn’t get back to your last date, we’re giving your number to an alpha’s cousin.He’s strong, polite, and perfect for a respectable wolf like you.”
I pinch my nose.“No, Mom.I’m done with blind dates.”
She scowls.“You can’t just float around the city forever.A mate is your future.”
“I’m not floating,” I snap.“I have a job I love, helping shifters find love without pack nonsense.I’m not meeting your alpha’s cousin or anyone else.I’m twenty-eight.”
Dad cuts in.“Don’t be dramatic.We’re protecting you.”
“By suffocating me?”I laugh bitterly.“That’s control, not care.I’m done.”
Mom’s eyes tear up theatrically.“You’re breaking our hearts.”
“I just want you to trust me,” I say, my voice shaking.“I’m happy here.If I find a mate, it’ll be my choice, not yours.”
Dad mutters, “Don’t come crying when the city spits you out.”
Anger burns my eyes.“I won’t.Good night.”I hang up, trembling.Guilt nags, but I shove it down.Their threats don’t get to dictate my life.
Back at the table, Penelope tilts her head.“You okay?”
“I want to punch something.They’re stuck on traditions, but I feel bad for snapping.”
She pops tofu in her mouth.“You can’t burn yourself out for them.Their baggage isn’t your fault.”
I nod, my throat tight.“Thanks.I loved telling them off.It felt like a movie moment.”
She grins.“Total badass.It’ll stick.”
We finish eating, laughing over her MMA stories.She once hopped over a ring fence by accident, shocking everyone.
Later, in my room, I open Michael’s folder.His failed dates are a litany of mismatches.He hates forced matches, just like me.A color photo deeper in the file shows his dark-blond hair and guarded gray-blue eyes.My heart flutters, but I slam the folder shut.He’s a client, and I’m not going to get a crush on him.I’ll brainstorm matches tomorrow and stay focused.
Thenextday,Iapproach Red, who’s decorating a Polaroid of a matched couple with sparkly hearts.“I’ve been looking at potential matches for Michael,” I say, holding up his file.“What about Sasha Miller, the lynx shifter?”
Red’s eyebrows shoot up.“Sasha?The environmental activist?With our corporate wolf?”She taps her chin thoughtfully.“That’s an unexpected suggestion.”
“I know they seem like opposites, but maybe that’s what he needs?Someone to push him out of his comfort zone?”
“Hmm.”Red studies me for a moment.“Sasha is intense.Very passionate about shifters embracing their ‘true nature.’She might find Michael’s corporate lifestyle too...domesticated.”
I fidget with the file.“So, it’s a bad idea?”
“Not necessarily.”Red shrugs.“Sometimes, opposites do attract, and we’ve tried the ‘similar interests’ route with him before.Talk to Michael first to confirm his preferences.”
She hands me a card with his number and the agency’s paw-print logo.“Introduce yourself.He’s used to me, but you’ll do fine.Watch out, though, because his dad’s a traditionalist nightmare.”
“I get it,” I say softly, pocketing the card.My stomach flips, but it’s just a call.At my desk, I dial, my heart pounding.The line rings twice before a calm voice answers.
“Michael Thornton speaking.”He has a nice, smooth voice with enough baritone to make me shiver pleasantly.
“Hi, Michael.I’m Finley Morgan from Romance Expected.I’m taking over your account.”
After a brief pause, he says, “Red mentioned a new hire.Nice to meet you, Finley.”
My name in his voice causes another warm shiver.“Likewise.I’ve reviewed your file and have some match ideas, but I’d like to confirm details.Free for a meeting next week?”
“Wednesday at five works,” he says.“My schedule’s tight.”
