Page 46 of Dream Girl
As part of our pack agreement, Evan had his own cabin in the mountains. Grace would love it there.
“You will not hide her away–or do anything that makes you look guilty,” she snapped.
“I don’t pay off exes,” Brennan pushed, unwilling to submit.
His mom gave him a hard look. “Please don’t pay her off.”
“She wants something,” Brennan retorted, face flushing with anger. “I protect my pack.”
“Of course she wants something. Everyone wants something. But that doesn’t mean what she wants is dangerous to you. She has a concussion and barely remembers her name. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t have an elaborate plan to steal your money, trash your reputation, and tear apart your pack. Poor timing? Yes. Is there a possibility that whoever’s after her is a threat to you? Absolutely. But at this point we have no reason to believe she’s dangerous,” Siobhan lectured.
“What if she is?” Brennan continued. “What if after we’ve cared for her and let her worm her way into our home and pack we find out her intentions are disingenuous?”
“Grace isn’t like that,” I interjected, annoyed he’d even think that.
“Then we will deal with itappropriatelyat theright timeand not act like impulsive toddlers. Bren, I know Caroline affected you, but I thought you were in therapy for that.” Her look went hard again.
“Well, if we would’ve known that Wes had amate,then perhaps we could have planned for this. I found a way to legally dissolve the bond. We’ll have a new lawyer draw up the paperwork. Grace seems agreeable. She’ll sign, Wes will sign, they’ll dissolve the bond and we’ll go back to our lives.” Brennan looked pleased with himself.
“What if I don’t want to?” I’d just gotten her back–and there was still so much we didn’t know. Not to mention she was in the hospital, in a strange place, alone.
And dissolving our bond was permanent.
“She doesn’t understand what that all entails. Also, with how fragile she is, I don’t think she’ll survive that,” Evan said softly.
That made my belly drop. “What do you mean?”
“You’ll do no such thing, Bren. Was I not clear that rash actions will make this worse?” Siobhan snapped.
“She’s right,” Evan agreed. “What your mom is suggesting is the right way to go from a legal standpoint–and that of decent people. Grace needs our help, and originally we agreed to help her. I stand by continuing to do that. Also, I like Grace, a lot. Maybe she’ll end up fitting in with us.”
“Evan, I’m so happy that you like her, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Your pack’s goal is to help Grace get better and to get past all three investigations without causing a scandal or anyone going to jail.” She gave Evan a smile–she had a soft spot for him.
“Of course, Siobhan.” Spencer gave her a dashing look. “We’ll care for her so well that there will be no doubt that she’s adored. If she’d like to stay and be employed in my Special Projects Division, I’d like that very much. I’m sure there’s so much she could contribute.”
“That’s so kind of you, Spencer. She’s a scientist?” SiobhanadoredSpencer.
“Theoretical mathematician. Personally, I think she’s out of Wes’ league.” Spencer grinned at me.
I flipped him off. “Damn right she is. What if she doesn’t want to stay with us? She had a life before this.”
“If that’s what Grace wants, we’ll help her with that.Aftershe’s better, the investigations are closed, and I can sleep knowing none of you will go to jail,” Siobhan said.
“This is assuming she can go home.” Spencer looked at me.
Had Evan told him?
Jett nodded. “I’ve been thinking about why now? She’s been an adult for years.”
“Her mom died,” Evan blurted.
“She did? That could do it,” I breathed. I still wondered how a parent could do to their child what Grace’s mom did to her. “Also, I think she graduated recently.”
“I have things to do, boys.” Siobhan’s voice went stern.
“We’re supposed to act like she’s one of us? What do we even tell people?” Brennan frowned.
She gave him a hard look. “What’s there to tell? Wes’ mate has come to stay with you. It’s only scandalous if you let it be. Act like it’s normal, and people will accept it as such.”
