Page 162 of Pack Scratch Fever
My brow furrows.
She smells like sweet tea on a summer day.
She smells like…
“You’re Avery’s sister?” I ask, and she grins.
“Thebestsister,” she confirms, nodding. Then, she looks around the building. “Oh, did my brother take those?” She points to the portraits on the walls. “He’s so talented. This placeis so cool, I can’t believe you have a cat rescue! Avery said it was nice, but this is soawesome!” She heads over to Alvin and easily scoops him up, getting cat fur all over her leather jacket. “He’s so handsome,” she coos to the cat. “I can’t wait to help out here.”
Maeve is a giant ball of positive energy.
“You’re serious about this?” I ask. “We can always use volunteers. The more help we can get, the better.”
“That’s what Avery said.” She gives me a smile, joy radiating from her. “I adore cats. Avery and I grew up with them, so I’m happy to lend a helping hand. Ilovecats!”
At her outburst, Blair and I exchange looks.
Maeve is…something else.
Where Avery is kind and shy, Maeve is sweet and bold. She has the same rich-colored eyes and full lips as Avery, along with that familiar scent.
But much as I want to keep talking to her, my Heat symptoms are growing worse by the second. I’m burning up, and my mind is foggy.
“So, I feel awful about this, Maeve, but I was actually about to leave,” I tell her apologetically. “But it was great meeting you, and I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.”
“It was great meeting you, too!” she chirps. “I finally get to meet the Omega my brother’s in love with!”
I freeze.
Love.
Maeve must mistake my expression for excitement, because she continues. “Oh yeah. He’stotallyin love with you. He’s the happiest he’s ever been because of you.” She hugs me again quickly. “You’re the best thing to happen to him!”
It’s just a word. It shouldn’t terrify me.
I’m more than capable of love. I love the rescue, I love Blair…
And I love my Alphas.
Love doesn’t have to be a weapon. It’s not something that has to be held over my head or used as a threat.
How my parents treated me isn’t love.
The Alphas I’ve spent my Heats with in the past didn’t love me.
But Avery, Poe, and Maddox?
They love me.
And I love them.
“Oh,” Maeve says, stepping back. “You look like you just realized you’re in love with him.”
“Yes, I think that’s exactly what just happened,” Blair says, smirking from her desk.
“I have to go,” I stammer, grabbing my purse from behind the counter. “It was nice to meet you, Maeve. Bye!”
I leave Blair and Maeve to deal with the cats for the rest of the day.
