Page 90 of Awakened
“I was going to give you guys a minute to catch up.”
“Oh honey, there’s no need. Marie and I talk weekly.”
That took me by surprise. I always assumed the two older wolves knew each other, but they were that close?
“Okay then,” I said slowly.
Marie patted my arm. “Actually, we both wanted to talk to you. Why don’t we head into my office?”
Nodding, I obediently followed behind the two whispering women. When we passed by Zach, he smiled and grabbed my hand.
“Where are you going, Sunshine?”
Before I could answer, Grandma Rose took his hand from mine. “You must be Celeste’s young man, Zach. I’m Rose Collins, but you can call me Grandma.” She kissed his cheek.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am. Les has told me so much about you.”
“You can believe everything she says.” They both chuckled while Marie tapped her foot, all but glaring at Grandma Rose.
With a heavy sigh, she released Zach’s hand and grabbed mine. “This is rude, but we must dash. We’ll see you later, dear. Come along, Celeste.”
Zach looked at me for answers, but I just shrugged as they dragged me toward the house. I had no idea what they wanted.
Marie closed and locked the door, which was odd.
This is Sarah’s engagement party. What could be so top secret?
“Okay, you guys are freaking me out. What’s going on?”
Both women leaned against the desk.
“Marie told me about your little plan to go alone to The Gathering.”
Shit.
How could one look from Grandma Rose turn me back into the eighteen-year-old delinquent she caught sneaking out of the house? I was a grown woman, a beta. I would cower to no woman.
“I-I think it’s for the best.”
I was worthless.
“Mm-hmm. Marie also pointed out that you are a capable second beta and a fine warrior.”
Wow. Not only did these two glorious women talk to each other, but they talked about me.
“I—uh—yeah.”
Marie laughed. “Way to prove me right, girl.” She sat at the desk, and Grandma Rose sat beside me.
“While I disagree with you putting yourself in so much danger, I know you can’t be talked out of it. You’re as stubborn as your father, which I’ve always admired but am not too fond of right now.”
“Rose, you should probably get to the point. She’s about to shit a brick.”
“Marie. Language.”
Marie’s head hung a little, and she actually looked ashamed.
What the hell’s going on?
