Page 119 of Beneath the Blue Moon
“Of course you knew we were all here but… surprise!”
Grabbing her elbow, I lead her away from the crowd.
“What the hell is going on, Mother?”
“Why, honey, it’s your engagement party.”
“My what?”
“Things have been going so well between you two, but itseems like you needed a little push so….”
“I don’t need a push.What I need is for you to stopmeddling in my love life.”
“But, sweetheart—”
“Why would you even attempt something like this on the nightof the full moon?”
“So we could all see how your wolves react to one another.I’m sure it will be magical.”
God help me; I love my mother, but sometimes I don’t likeher very much.Why is she so bent on me marrying Shae?
“Why her?”I ask.
“Shae is from a good,purebredfamily.She’s smartand beautiful, and you have a lot in common.She will be good for you and thepack.”
“And it doesn’t matter to you that I don’t love her?”
“You’ll learn to.As a leader, you sometimes have to makesacrifices.”
“I’ll indulge you tonight, but that’s it.I hope when yousee thatwe’renot interested in her you’ll let this go.”
I leave her, grab a beer from the fridge, and head out tothe pool.I hope the sun sets soon.This night can’t be over soon enough.
“Ethan?”
With a deep sigh, I shake my head as Shae approaches.
“Yes, Shae?”
I stare out at the pool, not even looking in her direction.
“I just want you to know this wasn’t my idea.”
“I figured.”
“I know you don’t love me, but I think we could make thiswork.I’m willing to try.”
I finally turn to her, wondering how she could want to be ina loveless union.
“Why?Don’t you want to be with someone who loves you?”
“I want to be with you.”
She walks inside, leaving me to contemplate her statement.Isn’t this a bitch?The woman I want doesn’t want me, and the one I can’t standactually wants to be with me.
Fuck my life.
***Casey***
