Page 219 of Dream Mates
“Hi, Tru.” Any other words escaped me and for a moment I had no air. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see Tru, it was that I didn’t expect it.
What was she doing here?
My belly tightened. Was the professor here? Was this some kind of emotional blackmail? I couldn’t look.
“Breathe, darling,” Spencer whispered in my ear. He smiled at Tru. “Hi, Tru. It’s nice to see you. Who are you here with?”
“Me. Hi.” Mercy strode over, wearing one of those sporty bikinis with a sports bra top and boy shorts, showing off her leg muscles and toned arms. Skate smash took major leg power. Like yesterday, her brown hair was in two neat dutch braids, secured with colorful scrunchies. A straw beach bag was slung over her broad shoulder.
I looked up and down the beach, and while it was dotted with people I saw no one I recognized from that pack. No professor. No Creed.
“Do your responsible adults know that you’re here?” I asked, easing out of Spencer’s lap so I was standing. Mercy was quite a bit taller than me.
Mercy shrugged. “That’s why they track our phones. Besides, Tru wanted to see you and I didn’t want to be home, so we thought we’d take the train to the beach. It’s a beautiful day for it.”
That it was. It was sunny and warm with a slight breeze.
“How did you know where I was?” I frowned. “Creed?”
“Creed’s phone.” She shrugged.
“You use a mirror?” Riley jogged over to us. She wore a cute black swimsuit that would be perfect for Wednesday Addams. Her braids were wrapped around her head in a poofy braid bun.
Mercy shook her head. “He hasn’t changed his password in years.”
“That works,” Riley nodded, as her gaze shifted from Mercy to me and back again. “Wow, just wow.”
“This is nothing. You should meet my brother Creed. It’s so weird seeing the two of them standing next to each other.” Mercy laughed.
Tru’s face broke out into a wide, sweet grin. “Grace, I have another sister? One with such pretty hair?”
Riley’s hand went to her heart. “Hey, Babycakes. I’m Riley. I wish Grace was my sister. Mine aren’t that cool. Grace is mated to my brother.”
“This is Tru and Mercy. Mercy is a crusher–Riley’s a swing,” I introduced.
“Should we build that sandcastle?” Riley offered.
“Sister.” Hale came out of nowhere, wearing the tiniest swimsuit. He picked me up and spun me around, laughing. His unbound hair went flying as we turned.
Wes immediately came over to us, Brennan and Jett flanking him, Evan standing by Spencer.
“You’re so fucking light.” Hale laughed. “I bet you’re fun to throw. Catch.”
Hetossedme at Wes, a shriek escaping my lips as I flew across the sand.
Wes dove and caught me. “Got you.”
“My turn.” Tru laughed.
“Shit,” Wes muttered as for a moment he just held me. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I watched Hale toss Tru at Mercy. What the hell?
Hale grinned at Wes. “You playtoss the Graceall the time, right? Way more fun than flying disc.”
Brennan strode over to him. “I’m Brennan, you are?”
“I’m Hale. Grace’s favorite brother. I brought Mercy and Tru.” Hale grinned. “So, Big Sis, this is your pack? Nice hotel.”
