They’re setting out containers of food that they brought in insulated bags and emptying a cooler.
“Oh, I’m good,” I say, waving my hand dismissively. “Lots of craziness in the past few days, that’s all. I had no idea your…kind… even existed.”
“It’s not easy getting claimed by a wolf shifter. They get pretty adamant and sort of all Me Tarzan, you Jane. You my woman now.” She says this in a deep voice and both Cat and I laugh. “When a shifter alpha claims you it can be pretty intense.”
“I’d say,” I agree.
“I knew what was happening when it happened to me and it was still so intense,” Cat agrees. “Alpha men are very strong-willed and stubborn, but you’ve got a voice and you don’t have to lose it. You just have to learn how to deal with them. They’re territorial over you and protective. But if you find a good one, they’ll give you everything.” She says this with nothing but love in her eyes and I feel a pang of sorrow for her because of the loss she’s endured.
She must read my expression because her smile slips. “After all this time, I’ve found a way to just think back and remember the good times. Not that there weren’t hard ones, bad ones. It’s not easy being with an alpha, never mind one with so much testosterone in him that he’s destined to be the protector of a whole village.”
“Holy,” I groan.
“I’m just so happy that I’ve got Tyson back in my life again, it’s a dream come true. Until six years ago I thought he was gone. You can’t imagine the feeling of…” she trails off and stares for a second into space.
I swallow down a lump of emotion. Bailey grabs her hand and squeezes and Cat shakes it off and continues. “Cornelius came to me three separate times since he killed my husband and each time, he lied about Tyson. Told me he was gone and wouldn’t tell me how. Spouted off all sorts of accusations about others in the pack. Now I know how he masked his smell and snuck up on me before he forced himself on me all those times. I had no idea my boy was alive all this time, thought I’d never find out what happened to him until six years ago when Tyson approached our village and I caught the scent. From there, I could only guess what he’d been through. Cornelius was barking mad. I went into a deep depression after that day six years ago, worrying about him. Wondering what he’d endured, but something inside told me he’d be back again.”
“I’m so very sorry,” I say, tears pricking my eyes.
“I don’t want to look back,” she shakes her head. “I’m excited about looking forward. About getting to know him. And you. And about grandchildren.” She smiles brightly with wet in her eyes.
“Oh, hold up,” I raise my hand. “I’ve known him a couple days. The only reason I can even be here is because my workplace caught fire and it means I have a bit of extra time off. I have no idea what the future holds.”
They both look at one another and I see concern on their faces.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, but like… all of this came about out of nowhere. I was here only by chance, and –”
“I find there are very few things that are just by chance,” Cat says quietly.
I keep talking. “I’m driving along and outta nowhere, bam – I’ve hit him with my car and went down that hill and he was a wolf lookin’ in my window and then he was a naked guy and he broke through a car to steal me and bring me here talking about how he’s gonna mount me and make me his. It was all pretty scary. Biting me and doing that… supernatural knotting thing. Sorry. TMI.”
She shrugs while she gives her head a shake like it’s really not TMI. Bailey is leaned forward now, looking like she wants more TMI.
“Anyway,” I continue, “I’ve learned there’s a lot to him in a couple days but that doesn’t mean I’m … you know… staying and stuff. I’m super-happy that you guys are here because if I have to go back to my regular life he’ll have you. He’s obviously ready to not be alone anymore. He’s had it really rough. I’m not gonna say anything because that’s his story to tell, but I’m tellin’ ya, really rough, you guys. Sorry, Cat. I’m sure that’s not easy to hear.”
Cat gets a faraway look in her eyes.
I feel remorse for even saying what I just said.
Bailey gives me a kind smile and gently rests her hand on my arm.
“He’s your mate, Ivy. It’s meant to be, or it wouldn’t be. You might think you’re just here hanging out and enjoying the great sex, and devoted attention, but this is it for you, girlfriend. He’s your husband in his eyes and he’s not gonna be okay with you just saying, ‘It’s been a slice.’ For some reason, fate decided you were his and you and Tyson met that night by design. It might take some time for you to come to terms, but you will.” She pats my hand.