Page 61 of The Protector’s Heart

“What about you?” Nila asked Eveny when Brynn turned her attention to another gift and began to pull the tissue paper out of a gift bag.

“We’re going to get married in March. It doesn’t matter to me when we get married, but Luke’s grandma threatened to disown him if we weren’t married by the time the baby is born. Since I’m due in June, that doesn’t leave us much time.” She lowered her voice. “I was also threatened.”

“I heard that,” Brynn said, grousing.

“Mal and I are talking about April because the weather will be nicer. It doesn’t matter to me, either, but he wants me and Jack to have his last name as soon as possible.”

“Males are territorial, aren’t they? Human and wolf.”

“Yeah, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

After all the gifts were open and the top of the table was covered with pretty paper and bows, the party guests milled around and talked. Nila, Mia, and Eveny offered to help clean up, but Paula, who owned the restaurant with her husband Quentin, turned them down.

“Thank you so much for the cappuccino machine, I can’t wait to make one,” Brynn said, hugging Nila and kissing her cheek.

“A decaf one, right?” Mia asked.

Brynn grimaced. “As soon as this kid is born I’m having a cup of coffee the size of my head. This caffeine embargo is killing me.” Then her face brightened. “You’re going to be at Doc’s on Monday when I come by for my checkup, right?”

“You bet,” Nila said, smiling.

They said goodbye and headed toward the front door. Eveny’s mate, Luke, was standing just inside the door, and Nila noticed how his face lit up when he saw Eveny.

“Does anyone need a ride?” Eveny asked as Luke helped her with her jacket.

“Mia and I rode together, but thanks for the offer,” Nila said as she put on her coat.

“See you at the full moon,” Eveny said, kissing Nila and Mia on the cheek and waving.

“How did the month go by so fast?” Mia groused. “It seems like just yesterday was December’s full moon and now the full moon for January is in two days. I’m stunned at how time flies lately.”

“Because you’ve been busy at work?” Nila asked as she gripped the handrail and navigated the salted steps to the parking lot.

“Not necessarily, I just feel like life is passing me by. Twenty-nine, single, no kids. I feel like everyone I know is getting mated.”

Nila opened the passenger door and sat down, pulling it firmly closed and rubbing her hands together to warm them while Mia turned on the car and fiddled with the heater.

“There are a lot of single females in the pack, though. You’re not alone by any stretch.”

“I mean people I care about. Until you came along, Mal never even thought about mating and having a family. I always figured I’d be the first one to get married.”

“Well, you don’t want to rush down the altar with the wrong guy. Trust me on that.”

“I know. I’m just feeling happy for my friends but bummed for myself. Ignore me.”

“Never.” Nila knew what Malachi had told her about Mia’s crush, Lucian, and how dangerous his life was. She’d never met the man, but Mia seemed despondent, and maybe that’s what happened when wolves went without their mates. “When Mal and I get married, will you be my maid of honor?”

Mia gasped and smiled. “Of course, thank you for asking me.”

“Well, you’re Mal’s sister and you’re my friend. I wouldn’t want anyone else to stand up with me.” And, she added silently, with Lucian as Malachi’s best man, Mia and Lucian would be together and maybe something would happen between them.

“What’s up with that?” Mia asked, slowing the car and peering through the windshield. Nila looked ahead and saw a car off to the side of the road, hazard lights blinking. Mia pulled to a stop in front of the car and said, “I’m going to see what’s up.”

Nila watched as Mia got out and walked quickly back to the car. A few minutes later, Mia got back in. “I’m going to call Ren and ask him to send a tow.”

“What’s the story?” Nila asked after Mia called Ren.

“Her name is Honey and her car broke down. She’s a wolf, but her pack is a few states away.”

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