Total pages in book: 203
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
“Then why worry about how you get your dream as long as you get it?” she asks. “You’ve done nothing underhanded or unethical to get his attention. This is all supposed to be.”
I frown. “He did nothing but push me away until I smelled a certain way and I’ve had trouble with how drastic of a turn things have taken, not to mention… you know… having no choice.”
She shrugs. “Scent is important to wolf shifters. It’s important to all beings, but particularly wolf shifters. Look at how much scent just affected your father. He loves your mother unconditionally, yet couldn’t bear to touch her because she smelled like another woman. It wasn’t only that she smelled like Soleil, it was also because everything inside him abhorred the idea of touching a female that didn’t smell like his mate. You smell like everything your shifter wants. The bond will only grow stronger from here. Once you bond with him, his scent will mean everything to you as well.”
As if it already doesn’t.
I straighten up at that unwanted thought.
“Again, barring doing something unethical to get it, what does it matter how you get it as long as you do?”
I have no words, so I just look at her.
She tuts disapprovingly. “He fell from that pedestal you put him on, child. But you put him there. He never climbed up there himself. Think about all the reasons you wanted him, why you thought life with him would be perfect.”
“I didn’t think he was perfect.”
“But you thought life with him could be your perfect, idealistic life. Now it’s time for reality. Yes, you get the dream, but it won’t be perfect. It didn’t start out that way and in the decades ahead there will be wonderful times and also times where it’ll feel so far from perfect you’ll struggle in ways that you can’t fathom. But it’s been your dream all this time.” She holds one index finger up. “And now, finally, it’s his dream too.” She holds the other index finger up and then brings them together and links them. “And it’s not only meant to be, it’s so important that you two are together that earthly law can’t stop it from happening. All the things you loved about him are in your grasp. Think about that. I need to go soak in our spa tub. I might look like I shaved decades off, but that flight left me feeling every bit my true age. Goodnight Bailey. Vivica, drive us to the apartment, please.”
Aunt Mimi taps my cheek affectionately and moves along.
“Th-thank you again for everything. All of you,” I manage. “And thank you for making me part of the family. I love that.”
Vivi hugs me. Then Dani does, saying, “Neck tattoo? Ooh.” She fans herself before she waves and shuts the gate behind herself.
***
It’s a long night with my thoughts and Aunt Mimi’s words, not to mention with sounds that I really, really could do without.
Even with my TV volume pretty loud, my parents’ bedroom isn’t as soundproof as I thought it was. I’m happy for them, truly, so relieved they’re as together as they’re supposed to be. But I really could do without hearing their reunion.
38
BAILEY
Arriving at the library to a group of eager-looking females standing in the lobby was not what I expected, but I’m also not shocked.
Ivy, Stacy, Audrey, Leona, and Roxy are looking at me expectantly.
“Um, good morning,” I greet. “What are you all doing here so bright and early?”
“We’re here to start a new book club with you,” Ivy announces. “It’s called the We Must Chat book club. And for our first meeting, we must chat about your very first date.” She flashes a big smile.
“What does that have to do with books?” I ask.
“I have no idea,” Ivy admits with a sheepish grin.
“Your sister’s not here,” I note. “Is she on her way?”
“Well, it was her brainchild, actually, and she was supposed to pick me up, but she’s busy barfing, so I’ll be filling her in. She wants you to know, though, that she reserves the right to phone you if she requires clarification. Or… if any of the rest of us miss any important questions she reserves the right to request a repeat in-person meeting.” Ivy flashes an even bigger smile and adds, “Erica would be here, but she’s doing a family breakfast in town with her great aunt. So, we’ll brief her later, too. And Jase’s sisters, the nice ones, they want a report but they’ve asked for a PG-rated version.”
“There’s no other version of last night,” I inform.
All their expressions drop.
“I’m not looking to join a book club,” Roxy announces. “I’m just here to find out how last night went. So, we’ll call me a non-reading member who participates occasionally, depending on the discussion topic.”