Page 130 of Awakened
Why don’t you just come over? Grandma Rose brought some of her chocolate chip cookies . . . Trust would be easier if I knew who you were.
Sorry, Wonder Woman. I must remain in the shadows, only helping when your back’s turned. I can’t complain about the view though. ;)
Terrible deflection. Pathetic pickup line. Try harder.
No face-to-face. You have a fantastic ass.
I laughed and shoved the burner under the quilt as Grandma Rose came into the living room with a plate of cookies and her medical bag.
“Let’s take a look at your ankle while you ruin your dinner.”
“Deal.” I snatched a cookie while Grandma Rose placed my injured ankle on her lap.
Slowly rotating my foot, she frowned whenever I hissed. “Definitely sprained. I’m going to wrap it. Stay off it for a few hours, and you’ll be right as rain.”
Nodding, I focused all my attention on the delicious cookie in my hand.
“You need to be more careful, Celeste. You’re not invincible.” Her eyes never left my ankle as she wrapped it in a bandage. “Are you holding up okay? Are they asking too much of you?”
I was mesmerized by how her hands worked. Quick and careful. “I’m doing okay. I’m fine while I’m in the thick of it, but after . . .”
She looped the bandage around my heel. “I completely understand. It took me two years as a Howler before I stopped having post-mission meltdowns. Those were the worst.”
I nodded, dropping my gaze to the pilling on the quilt. “It’s a lot, but I’ve also never been more sure of myself and what I’m doing. In the moment, I can overcome any obstacle. I’ve been saving women, collecting information, and helping move toward dismantling the Old Church Packs. It’s only after that I have difficulties, but even there, the Howlers have kind of stepped up.”
Her eyes finally left my injury. “Oh, yeah?” She arched her eyebrow.
“Yeah. After Toledo, they started checking in with me outside of business, checking how I was feeling and managing. I thought it was bullshit, but this guy is for real. I guess after they save your ass, it’s easier to trust them.”
Grandma Rose gave me a sad smile. “That’s probably true. I’m glad you’re starting to trust them. It makes the whole situation easier. It also sounds like they understand what an asset you are to them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they wanted to bring you into the Howlers completely. You’re exactly what they look for—strong, smart, and kindhearted.”
“But I’m a scaredy cat. I puke after every mission. I may be able to perform under pressure, but fifteen minutes later, the fear hits me, and I’m a mess.”
She gave a little laugh. “One word of wisdom from an ex-Howler—the fear doesn’t go away, and you wouldn’t want it to. Without that fear, we would get reckless. You aren’t shutting off your natural response to the dangerous situations you’re in, and that’s a good thing—even if you need way more toothpaste.”
“I should really buy stock.”
“Planning for the future. I like it.” Grandma Rose kissed the top of my head. “I’ll grab Chastity and Hope for you.”
Knowing I had a couple of minutes, I took out the burner.
Too blunt? How about this: My face cannot be seen, but please do not hide your rear. That would be mean.
Better?
Wow. Officially aroused.
In that case, I’ll be right there.
Oh yeah?
Nah. Rules are rules.
You must look like the ugly human prince that the beast turns into in Beauty and the Beast. Is that it?
How did you know?!
I had a feeling. What a shame. I never got to properly thank you in person for Toledo. Guess I dodged a bullet.
