Page 202 of Dream Girl
I pulled a bottle of bourbon from the bar. “Shots? One or two to take the edge off?”
The queen mum wouldn’t be amused if we arrived drunk. But I didn’t like doing these completely sober, either.
“Please.” Brennan nodded, still clutching Evan like he was a buoy.
I poured everyone a drink.
“To this being quick and painless.” Brennan raised his and knocked it back.
“Hey, can we talk about something?” Evan asked, drinking his up.
“Of course.” Brennan frowned, as he held out his glass for me to pour him another.
I frowned too, because I got a hint of anxiety through the bond.
“My heat is coming in two weeks. We’re still going to the cabin, right?” Evan inquired.
“Yep. Got my time off locked in.” I nodded, pouring myself another, too. We were going for the whole week, though his heat would only be a couple of days. Riley had a spring break trip with her sisters.
“I’ve got my time off, too,” Jett said, putting his empty glass with Evan’s.
Brennan’s frown deepened. “Of course. Did something fall through with Ri going with your sisters?”
“Noooo.” Evan shook his head.
“What about Grace? We’re not leaving her at the house, are we?” Jett’s head tilted.
“That’s what I wanted to talk about,” Evan said, the anxiety still riding strong.
“She doesn’t have to come if you don’t want her to. We’ll send her to the sister pack. They like her,” Brennan quickly said, arm still tightly around Evan.
“But she can come if I want her to?” Evan perked.
“Should I take her somewhere for part or all of the week?” Spencer offered, looking up from his phone. “There’s so many things I’d like to show her. I can arrange to have food sent.”
“That’s a good idea.” Brennan nodded.
“But I want her to be there.” Evan’s lower lip jutted out in a slight pout, his scent going sour.
“I know you do. I want her there, too. But is she ready for that?” I asked. I’d been thinking about that a lot.
“Maybe? We’ve been talking about it–but it’s also as much all of your decision as hers,” Evan said.
Jett’s head cocked as a strand of black hair escaped his ponytail and fell in his eyes. “How do heat pheromones–and rut pheromones–affect gammas? While they make me feel high, they don’t knock me over the head and compel me to fuck for days without food and water.”
“I worry about that, too,” I admitted. “I don’t actually know.”
“Your bond is still weak,” Brennan pointed out. “She probably won’t get the onslaught of feelings like Jett does.”
I grimaced at the mention of the bond. Everyone, including Luc, Mrs. Beekman, and our couples’ therapist, were still making me feel shitty about it not being strong. At least it looked like the police investigation was wrapping up. The Center would still keep an eye on us for a while. Even Evan seemed to have a stronger bond with her than me.
Evan whined, and I squeezed his hand. Brennan held him tighter.
“It’s not ano, it’s a concern for her comfort,” Brennan soothed, giving him a kiss. “I’m guessing you want her there, in the nest with us, not just hanging out with Spencer.”
Evan sighed, nuzzling him. “I’d be okay with that if it’s all we can agree on. But I’d like her with us at least part of the time.”
“She’s that important to you, isn’t she?” Brennan looked thoughtful.
