Page 89 of Awakened
“When are you going to give him a break? I’m not even that mad anymore.”
“It’s not just me. Whitney has him staying at the pack house.”
“Still?” I shook my head. “That’s so unnecessary, but I get it if she doesn’t want to live with the asshole.” I couldn’t hold back my smile at the thought of the big bad alpha being in the doghouse.
Whitney had become judge, jury, and executioner for Aiden when Emily told her what he did. She canceled their honeymoon and told him they would go when he proved he was a man of merit. Whitney wrote me a lovely letter full of apologies for how they got together, how my leaving was handled, and Aiden’s part in the Seth debacle. She offered me her friendship whenever I was ready to take it.
“It’s the only good thing to have come from all this. Whitney has proved herself to be a leader and is righting the ship. The sense of community is growing. It’s really nice.” Emily rolled her lips in and made a smacking noise. “If only we could convince her about The Gathering. That’s the one spot of unity for Aiden and Whitney.”
“We always knew there was a good chance your brother would support The Gathering. At least we have you and Brandon in the fold.” I straightened the last centerpiece and sighed. “Let’s not talk business today. Let’s talk about Sarah and that hot man that’s about to turn into a wolf.”
Emily’s frown softened into a small smile. “Do you think he’s ready for the change?”
“I do. Zach’s been putting him through the wringer, and meditation has become huge in our house.” I leaned against a table. “This shift could not happen soon enough. Let me tell you, a human body on the verge of changing is annoying to live with.Sarah said she wanted to wait until after the wedding, but nooo, she got too excited and bit him on the last full moon.”
Emily laughed at me. “It can’t be that bad.”
“Oh, it is. He’s been howling in his sleep. We had to store all the candles in the basement because the smells gave him headaches, and he’s been eating us out of house and home. I can’t wait for his first change.”
Emily snorted and set the lighter down where we could find it later. “Will his parents be here tonight?”
“Yep. They’re excited to have their son become a wolf. He’ll be the first in his family.” I gestured toward the tables. “And the Brooks pack will be here. The alpha agreed to let Michael join them to get some distance from the sire bond.”
“That’s so great.”
I nodded, and we both fell into a comfortable silence, just listening to the buzzing of the bugs.
Marie had worked her magic, and the pavilion was unbelievably gorgeous. I was busy looking around, imagining all our friends dancing under the twinkling lights, when Emily touched my shoulder.
“Les, we should probably go get ready.”
I nodded but hung back as she headed toward the house. Standing alone in the middle of the tables, I prepared myself for the long night ahead.
The smell of Chanel No.5 drew my attention to the bar a couple of feet away. “Grandma Rose!”
She hugged me so tight that I was sure she would crack a rib. “Oh, Celeste. How’s my sweet girl? You haven’t called me since you left Colorado.”
“Gee, I wonder why,” I sassed, the sting of Seth’s rejection still simmering under the surface.
She pulled back, her dark eyes appraising me. “I thought he was smarter than that. I’m so sorry.”
I waved her off. “It is what it is.”
She ran her hands down my arms, and warmth replaced the lingering hurt caused by my most recent heartbreak. “You look wonderful, dear. Summer was good to you.”
My cheeks heated under her praise. “Thank you, but I feel worn out. We’ve been busy around here.”
“I’ve heard. I hope you’re being careful.” Her hand tightened around my own, and I squeezed back.
“Always.”
“What do we have here? Is that Mama Rose?” Over Grandma Rose’s shoulder, I saw Marie walking toward us with a big smile.
Grandma Rose whipped around. “Well, Marie Landry, as I live and breathe.” Both women curtsied and broke into manic laughter. They hugged and whispered to one another, throwing me a quick glance.
As I turned to give them some privacy, they pulled me back, sandwiching me between them.
“And where do you think you’re going, Beta Spencer?” The twinkle in Marie’s eye made me very leery of my alpha.
