Page 65 of Pack Scratch Fever
There’s a beat of silence.
It doesn’t hurt to talk about her or my father anymore. The issue is the awkwardness that comes from the other person when they realize I’m talking about my parents in the past tense.
But Piper is worth it. She deserves to know.
“Oh. I’m sorry.” Her eyes soften, and her mouth falls open.
“It was a long time ago,” I say. “And you’re right. Shewasawesome. You two would have gotten along well, I’m sure.”
“What about your dad? Is he into pets?”
“He was as well.”
She looks horrified.
“I’m an idiot,” she stammers. “I’m so sorry, Maddox. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“I have nothing to hide from you,” I say. “It all happened so long ago, sweetheart. I’ve lived more than half my life now without them. There’s nothing to be sorry for.”
It’s not my favorite topic of conversation, of course. I was seventeen when I lost them to a drunk driver. But the hardest part is the pity that follows after the explanation.
I don’t want Piper to stop asking me questions about my life. I don’t want to stop sharing with her.
“Anyway, Stone and Pewter got me through it. Those dogs saved my life. Having them to care for is what kept me going through everything. I understand what people mean when they say animals are special, Piper. We’re lucky to have them.”
There’s a beat of silence, and Piper’s warm eyes shine.
“I had no idea,” she breathes. “And here I am, thinking my problems are bad. My parents are still around, but they don’tlike me, so I have a chip on my shoulder, I guess.” She laughs bitterly.
“What do you mean?” My eyes narrow.
How could someone not like her?
How could herparentsnot like her?
Piper sighs heavily. There’s a weight she’s carrying, one that I’m finally starting to get a glimpse of.
She could give me that burden, and I’d easily hold it for her.
I need to be patient—Iknowthat.
But I also know my scent match is in front of me, ashamed of herself when she doesn’t need to be.
“I didn’t become what was expected of me,” she whispers shakily, her eyes shining with sincerity. “You say what I do is great, but in reality, I’m a college dropout that never left her hometown. I’m a constant disappointment to my family.”
The words couldn’t be further from the truth.
“What were you supposed to be?” I ask carefully. I fight the urge to pull her back into my arms, knowing she’d likely push me away.
“Whatever my sisters are,” she murmurs, wringing her hands. “One is in publishing and the other is a doctor. In my parents’ eyes, I’m supposed to be anything butthis.” She points to herself.
“I likethis,” I say, motioning to her. “You’re following your passion. You’re doing what makes you happy, and it’s also helping the community. Baby, you’re anangelfor that.”
She rolls her eyes, and her cheeks flame. “Tell that to my dad, then.”
“Call him right now. Let’s do it.” I slowly wrap an arm around her waist, giving her time to move away from me. “I’ll tell him how much of a mistake he’s making.”
“Good luck with that, Maddox. It’s like talking to a wall.”
