Page 109 of Dream Girl
Terrance knew Caroline, too. He’d been there for me in the aftermath, just like he’d been there for me so many times in my life.
I didn’t know that Wes and Grace hadgone out in public.Evan and I got back late, and considering the house reeked of popcorn, I figured they’d stayed in.
“That’s Grace.” I rubbed my forehead. “Hey, do you remember whether Wes had a girlfriend back in high school?” I frowned. That bothered me.
“Um, maybe?” His face scrunched in thought. “He brought dates to dances and stuff. I think. Oh, wait, there was that girl he used to draw pictures of. He said she was his long-distance girlfriend or something. I sort of thought she was made up. Why?”
“Just wondering.” Huh.
He rubbed his chin. “Does Evan know about Blondie?”
“They made Wes a fucking birthday cake after buying out the home store,” I huffed.
“One omega isn’t enough for Wes?” he laughed. Terrance was an alpha, his wife was a beta. We’d been friends since the third grade.
“She’s a gamma or some shit like that. Between you and me, she’s a fucking headache.” This entire week I’d been plagued with Mrs. Beekman calling, or the detectives, or the Department of Dependent Services, or the integration team from the Center. I didn’t have time for this. Grace had been in my housefor a week, and the cases seemed nowhere near being closed.
“I’ve got a good private investigator if you need one. She’s good, discreet. Give you and your pack peace of mind, if Wes is serious about her,” he offered.
“Send me her info?” I wanted to know who Grace actually was and where she came from so that I could send her home. Maybe I could do a gen-scan with some of the blonde hair that waseverywhere.Yes, I’d find her relatives for her since she couldn’t remember them.
Funny how she didn’t remember that, but she remembered all sorts of other things about Wes and math and baking.
“Of course. Tell Wes I saidHappy Birthday.Sorry to miss it, but we’re going to dinner with my wife’s family.” He got into his car and drove off.
Pity he couldn’t come. It would be nice to have someone to hide with and avoid Grace.
I sent some emails, including requests to get some numbers run for the property. Contrary to what Terrance said, it might make a suitable venue–or at least a different one–if I could get it on the gala circuit. If I had to attend one more event at the HighTower or the Gladiola, I’d stab someone with a cocktail fork. My phone buzzed.
Katie
The party’s started, where are you?
Of course, my sister was at the barbecue. Also, Wes hadn’t just invited the sister pack, he’d invited some of our friends. There werepeopleat myhouse.Okay, it was his thirtieth birthday, but ugh. Maybe we should have just gone out to dinner.
Me
Trying to buy a property. Be there soon.
Not really.
I anger-texted Wes.
Me
You took Grace out in public last night? You were seen.
Wes
Didn’t know I needed permission. Grace is my mate, not my mistress.
He added an emoji of the bird.
When I pulled up to the house on my motorcycle, cars were everywhere. My mother had called me six times. Terrance also texted me the number for the investigator.
“Yes, Mother?” I snipped as I went through the garage.
“Your packmate is having a birthday party and you’reworking?” she scolded.
