Page 57 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

“That is what you’re worried about in this situation? They are going to love you. Winter, you’re sweet, kind, caring and adorable.”

“They aren’t going to show me, are they; their animals, I mean?”

He eyes me suspiciously, and I get the feeling he can tell I’m more than just nervous. “You’re scared,” he surmises. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me to him. “You’re shaking, sweetheart. Everything is going to be great. No, they won’t show you their animals. Later, in private, if you wish to see any of them so you can get to know each one at your own pace, they will oblige, I’m sure.” I exhale. “That was a huge breath of relief. Something else on your mind?”

“In other words, tell me what’s wrong, so you don’t have to dig into my brain and find out?”

He chuckles. “Something like that.”

“Actually, how do I say this… I saw Liliana’s white tiger, and while it’s beautiful, I’ll admit a little scary even when she only lightly lets out a snarky growl. When you shifted into your wolf form the first time, I wasn’t as honest about how scared I was as I should’ve been. I’m sorry. I didn’t want you thinking any less of me or that I couldn’t handle this. The truth is, I don’t know if I can handle this, but I’m trying.”

He pushes me back and looks at me with a raised eyebrow. “Are you telling me to go find someone more like me, because sweetheart, you and I are bonded for life.”

“No…yes… I don’t know. Declan, I deliver babies for a living. I’ve been in some scary situations over the years. This is a whole new world for me, and I feel like you’re trying to push me into being okay with this all overnight.”

He shakes his head. “Never, beautiful. We’ll take this at your pace.”

“My pace would be to meet everyone one at a time. Not like this,” I say.

“I honestly thought it would be easier. How about we don’t discuss the animals and just meet the people? Are you willing to at least meet them?” he asks. His eyes stare into mine, pleading me to say yes.

I nod. “Yes, I am.”

He smiles. “You look gorgeous. I hope there is something underneath it all for me to see later?”

“Perhaps,” I reply. He kisses me before bending and lifting me onto the vanity. I slide my hands onto his chest as his tongue darts into my mouth, claiming me as his. I pull back. “We should head downstairs; the guests will be here soon.”

He groans. “Now, I don’t want to go to the party.”

I pull back. “Party, what party?”

“I organised a barbecue to meet the clan. You meet everyone at once and get to know them. Obviously, without the shifting or animal talk.”

“No, this isn’t how I wanted to do this.”

He arches an eyebrow. “I thought you wanted to meet my clan? Now, you’re saying you don’t.”

“No, I wanted to meet them one by one. Not as a collective group.”

He huffs. “Too late now, beautiful. You’ve got no choice.” With that, he leaves the bathroom and me alone with my thoughts. Damn it. I wish I’d been paying more attention as he was organising this.

* * *

The party is in full swing. I’ve met just about everyone in the clan, save for a few who are working tonight and those on patrol. There are too many names to remember, let alone their animals. I didn’t know if I could do this tonight, but I told him I would, and just like him, I don’t break promises. I’m still riddled with nerves, but it hasn’t been that bad thus far.

Declan gathers everyone in the lounge without warning, and I take a seat on the couch facing the crowd. “Everyone, as you all know, tonight was for you all to meet my future Luna, Winter, and for her to meet you as well. After the incident last week with our resident little blue penguin, I figured it was time.”

I glance around the room as butterflies begin to dance a little more erratically in my stomach. I’m unsure who will and won’t tell me what animal they are. Honestly, I don’t expect any of them to tell me.

“Declan, could I start as the ladies of the clan whose babies Winter has delivered have a present for her?” Ravin asks, standing up.

Declan motions for her to come into the middle, and she has a huge basket with her. Declan comes to sit by me, slides his hand into mine, and links our fingers. Bringing them to his mouth, he kisses the back of my hand.

“Winter, this gift is from all of us whose babies you have delivered over the last little while. We have had some awesome service provided by you. Knowing that you’ve just finished a shift at the birthing centre, you never batted an eyelash to help us out at the last minute. It’s just some items that we thought you might like.”

“I never got a gift like that,” Martha says loud enough for the entire group to hear, “and I’ve delivered babies for this clan for years.”

“Martha, you’ve been delivering babies since my son was clan leader, and I’m sure the ladies didn’t mean to upset you; they just want to show some gratitude. Maybe if you change your attitude, they’d treat you better too,” Margaret pipes in.

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