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)
“Not really,” Dad says at the exact same time as Mom says, “It makes perfect sense.”
And something unspoken is exchanged between them.
“What the heck is going on with you two?” I ask.
“I still smell like her,” Mom says with sadness.
Dad’s eyes narrow on Mom like she spoke out of turn.
“She can tell something’s wrong,” Mom defends, looking aggravated. “No point skirting it.”
Dad sighs and grabs the back of his neck, looking frustrated, looking tired.
“You still smell like her?” I repeat.
“Like his ex, yes. Soleil. He can’t stomach being too close to me.”
Dad says, “That wretched witch did it on purpose, believe me. If she wasn’t already dead, I’d wring her fuckin’ neck. Forget that for now.”
“Did you ask the coven for help?” I ask.
“Greyson is looking into it,” Mom says softly.
“Forget it for now,” Dad repeats aggressively. “What’s the story with you and Jase?”
“Dani was working on releasing him when I left. I needed space. I needed… to get my mind around some stuff.”
“He was still locked up?” Dad asks. “And you… left?”
“He’s gonna come straight for you,” Mom warns. “Best get your mind around things quickly, sweetie.” Mom looks at Dad. “She looks a little green.”
Dad says, “I’m feelin’ a little green myself.” Now he looks away.
I guess it’s not easy for a retired council alpha to think about his little girl being claimed. It’s probably not easy for any father, for that matter.
My blood runs cold at this thought.
“What the hell, Bailey?” Dad goes on, “Your mate is locked up and you leave? Do you know what that’s doing to him?”
Oh, so he’s not green from thinking about me being claimed, he’s thinking from Jase’s perspective.
Flippin’ alphas. I’m feeling a little crushed right now, so I stare at Dad and I’m sure I’m doing it showing I feel betrayed.
The kettle pops, so Mom springs into action and pours hot water into the teapot.
Dad’s face softens, “He’ll be worried out of his mind for you.”
I look away.
“Jase is a good guy, sweetheart,” Dad says, “You could do a whole lot worse.”
I feel the grimace stretch across my face.
He keeps talking. “You’ve had a crush on him for as long as I can remember. This just stage fright or you have a real beef with him?”
“He hasn’t been very nice to me lately. He’s been trying to make it clear he’s not interested.”
“To spare your feelings since he knew it was his time,” Mom puts in, pulling the sugar bowl down from the cupboard. “It’s what everyone’s been saying. Everyone said it after Erica’s birthday celebration.”
“And now it’s me he’s suddenly interested in? It’s me and I can’t stop thinking about the fact that it could be anyone. It’s not me because I’m special to him, or because he’s attracted to me as a woman, or even as a person. It’s me because his nose tells him it is.”
How lovely… the pack is speculating on this. Gossiping, more like. And now it’ll be aww, yay, Bailey got what she wanted. As if I’m this pathetic–
“Sweetheart, that’s how it goes. The bond that will grow between you will be so special,” Mom says.
Dad is nodding.
“But–” I hear noise and catch a new scent, so I stop talking.
Jase’s mom is knocking on the mostly glass kitchen door.
Mom waves her in, and when Valerie steps in, she looks surprised as she takes us in. Her eyes bounce between me and my mom.
Mom never answers the door looking any less than put together.
“Come on in, Val. I just made tea. You want some?”
“Thanks, but I only stopped in for a minute, I’ll take a raincheck, thanks, Carrie.”
Valerie turns to me and pulls me into a tight, warm hug. “Oh Bailey, I’m so, so happy it’s you! Jason isn’t back yet though?”
She’s looking me over and it dawns she’s looking for something. The mate mark. My hair is down today; I showered at the Young place last night when I got in and left it down. I often wear my hair up but knowing I was coming here, I thought about hiding my neck. If I’d brought a turtleneck to Italy with me, I’d have worn that home!
“So, so happy,” she repeats. “Why isn’t he home yet?”
“He… um…” I’m at a loss for words.
Valerie Creed stares expectantly.
Mom waits, too. When I don’t find words, Mom says, “They had a tiff. She left and… he was fine when you left. Right, sweetie?”
Dad presses a kiss to the side of my head and says, “I’ll be in the garage for a bit. Later, Val.”
Valerie says, “Later, Graydon. Um… I knew Jason was okay physically. Erica Savage called me and said she didn’t have much information, but I do know from Rob that some of Erica’s sisters arrived and heard they brought Bailey with them but not Jason, so I came over to see what I can find out as well as what I can do to help. I wanted to make sure you’re okay, too, Bailey. I can’t get over that you two were abducted!”