Page 178 of Dream Mates
I sighed, trying to figure out how to say this.
“Professor, I think it’s great that you are trying to make things right. I’m just not her. I’m sorry. It’s just not possible. I don’t know why they think that you’re my dad and I’m sorry to give you false hope–and I’m sorry you got dragged here because of me.” Tears rolled down my face, because I didn’t want to hurt him. I just wasn’t from this world.
“It’s okay, Grace. But why can’t you be her?” he pleaded.
“My mom’s name wasn’t Thora, and she couldn’t play the piano for shit. She didn’t even go to college.” I sniffed. “I’m also a year too old. Um, I’m going to use the restroom.”
Getting off the exam bed, I made my way over to the little bathroom. Leaning against the door, I cried into my arms, wishing my mates were here with me.
Chapter Forty-Five
Spencer
In the shade of the parking lot of the Office of Designation Management testing center, I answered emails, kept in touch with the pack, and did everything I could to keep my mind off what could be happening inside. My phone buzzed.
Judge A
Done. The record should populate in moments.
Me
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Perfect.
After I finished up, the guards let me back into the lobby. The same man sat there at the desk.
He gave me a look. “If it’s not in the system, I can’t tell you anything.”
“Check again for me? Please. Her name is Grace Ellington. Mine is Spencer.”
“Sure.” He typed on the terminal. “Yeah, there’s a Spencer here. Spencer…” He gave me a look, eyebrows arching, then his eyes went back to the screen. “Today? Congrats man. Well, I mean, I hope?” He pushed a box to me. “I need verification.”
I pressed my finger to it.
He looked at his screen. “Got it. You can wait in the lobby, or outside. Here, let me get you her phone.”
Taking out a bin, he found a clear envelope with her name on it and handed it to me.
“Thank you.” Pocketing the phone, I looked for a seat and saw Pippa Thorne, sitting stiff and white-knuckled in the corner.
Why was Nate’s alpha here?
Finding a seat, I continued to stay in contact with the pack.
A middle-aged omega in a hot pink Center polo, carrying an enormous duffle, entered and spoke softly with the man at the front. She then sat down near the door, looking at her tablet.
Me
Center sent someone from the Blanket Brigade. Is that protocol?
Wes
I don’t care as long as someone is there with her.
Evan
Yes, if someone’s available, otherwise they’ll just send an advocate. I’m glad someone made it.
