Page 39 of Resisting Nature

I know. You could never pull off the top hat.

Fucker.

My drive takes me past the grocery store. I don’t know what causes me to look over, but I nearly cause an accident at what I see. At the other exit, I watch Alexa’s car pull out, and then I see Thea stride out of the store in her wobbly walk of shame glory.

It isn’t a walk of shame that started at my front door.

Do I deal with her now or not?

As much as I think you should, it might not be worth the air it would take, and even then, her skull is too fucking thick at the moment since you put the idea of the two of you in her head.

He isn’t wrong. Thea has had a one-track mind for a long-ass time and won’t be going anywhere until all of us who aren’t her cousins are clearly mated.

Do you really believe she would go away that easily? Just like that?

“Hell if I know,” I quip.

I feel more of a need to turn around and chase Alexa, but I don’t think that would work in my favor after the verbal lashing she just gave me. Instead, I jump on the interstate and head back to my house to figure out the massive pile of shit I’ve made. I’d freak Alexa out with how I look anyway. My claws have refused to retract since I lost my shit last night at the bar. What could I possibly do now to prove to her I’m not going to harm her and she’s my everything?

You can start by making sure you don’t have any connection with any other women outside of the pack.

“Easier said than done,” I grumble.

True, you were a manwhore for far too long.

“Thanks.” But he isn’t wrong … again. I had no regard to my future mate when I slept with countless women in the past. Hell, I didn’t even really believe I would ever find my mate until Alexa came out of nowhere. “You know I’m willing to do it.”

And quit chasing her!

“The fuck? You’re the one telling me to go after her,” I bark. Thank God I’m alone in my vehicle and on the interstate. People would think I’ve lost my mind.

To keep her, fuckface! You’re scaring the shit out of her!

“So what do you suggest I do, then? Wait and see if she comes to me?” I snap.

I don’t see any other way aside from sending her shit that might not mean anything.

“Right.” Yep, definitely looking crazy. “I’ll just get on finding out what her favorite flowers are.”

Best place to start. Find your romantic side.

That has me snorting out a humorless laugh.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Alexa

My tiny house is adorable.

It took me a couple of days, but I somehow lucked out with finding this little gem nestled in a neighborhood filled with families and giving me a sense of privacy and safety.

I was also fortunate enough to have the two-bedroom home come already fully furnished. Carter took the afternoon yesterday to help me move in before he had to head out and catch his flight back to whatever war zone he’s needed in.

It hasn’t taken me long to find a home for my things. The spare room will house both a desk and a workout bench. My living room is small and cozy, with a worn couch and an oversized chair I think will be perfect to read in on rainy evenings.

Like tonight.

Over the past two days, I have been busy with both work and my move that I haven’t given myself a chance to think of anything other than what I need to get done for work and how I’m going to arrange my home. I did have a mild freak-out when my boss came to tell me I would be put up on the company website. And after reasoning with myself that Grant would never look through every law office in the country to find me, I was okay with it.

---