Page 42 of Emerald Moon
“Of shirts?”
“And hats, pins, socks.Three of the same bowtie.”
“Do you even wear bowties?”
“I’ve got a great one picked out for the wedding.”
“Can’t wait.”
“For the wedding or the bowtie?”
“The bowtie,” Jo said.“I’m happy my sister is getting married, but my stomach is in knots about the rest.”They watched as Cass’ smile slipped.“But it’s better knowing you’re going to be there!And I don’t want to scare you off.My family is just a lot, but I’m hoping now that I’m not going alone and I’m bringing a big, tall woman none of them have met yet, that their Southern sensibilities will keep them from asking any weird questions and we can just enjoy ourselves.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“I seriously haven’t scared you off yet?”
“You haven’t mentioned anything that would yet, not that I’m easy to scare off.”
Jo debated telling Cass more, letting her in on more of the mess so she’d be prepared, but it was too hard to force out the words.Instead, Jo laughed.“I bet if you and a bear met in the woods, the bear would be afraid of you.”
“It’s happened — in wolf form — and maybe you’re right.”
“Wait, really?”
Cass grinned and shrugged.
Jo leaned over the counter further, clasping their hands around the other edge and looking Cass straight in the eyes.“You have to tell me all about it.”
thirteen
“Jo!”
They had a half second of warning after stepping into the Crooked Creek pack house before Krista crashed into them, squeezing them tight.
“It’s been forever!”
“We talk everyday.”
“Yeah, but I don’t get to see this face in person everyday.”She poked Jo’s cheeks before rocking back on her heels.She pointed to the bag in Jo’s hand.“What’d you bring us?”
“Some macarons.Less blobby-looking than usual.”
“Ooh they’re purple!Love it,” Krista said, peering into the bag.“What’s that other little wrapped thing?”
“Something for Cass.You know, since she doesn’t like sweet things too much, I thought I’d make something extra for her.Not that it took a ton of time.It’s whatever.Just trying not to leave her out.”
“How very thoughtful of you.”She had a sparkle in her eye as she said it that Jo didn’t love.“Come on.Let’s put these with the rest of the desserts for tonight’s feast.”Krista grabbed Jo’s free hand and led them into the rest of the pack house.
While the Pitch Mountain Pack had thirteen packmates, the Crooked Creek Pack was nearly three times as large and the size of their pack house reflected that.Several members of the pack lived on their own in the pack’s territory, like Emmaline did, but the majority of the wolves lived in the main house, which was always buzzing with energy no matter what time it was.
The Crooked Creek Pack’s Alpha, Clyde, insisted on throwing a big feast every month to welcome their friends, the Pitch Mountain Pack.Alpha Parisa put on a show of reminding him that he didn’t need to do that, and Alpha Clyde would respond that traditions before the full moon must be honored.
That night was no different.Jo had to hunt to find space to put their macarons amongst all the food and desserts prepared by the pack for the evening.
Krista whisked them away to the great room where members of both packs had gathered to catch up and chat.Jo waved to Wil, who was talking with the other pack’s Gamma and Delta.They scanned the room for Cass but, when they didn’t find her, settled next to Krista on a small open spot on a couch so they could discuss what they’ve been reading and watching lately while getting increasingly louder and more excited.
“I mean, enemies to lovers to enemies again?Rip my heart out, why don’t you?”Jo said, pretending to actually rip their own heart out and faint against the side of the couch.“And all that forced proximity?Lock me in a blizzard-surrounded cabin with my greatest enemy and let’s see what happens!”
