I go tense.
“You’re not just enjoying a romp with him while you make sure he’s good with us so that you can go off with a clear conscience,” she adds.
“You got mind-reading powers or something?”
“Well, not exactly, but it’s been suggested. For me, you’re kind of easy to read.”
“Bailey has strong intuition,” Cat puts in. “So do I. It’s clear you’re already developing feelings for him, so we just want you to know that you’re not alone. If things get confusing or if you need to figure out how to cope with being a mate to an alpha that’s as alpha as Tyson, you’ve got us. And the rest of the pack. None of this generation’s council alphas have mates, but there are plenty of us around with experience who can help you navigate your new world.”
I shake my head in denial but realize it’s pointless to argue with them. I haven’t made a decision about anything. My head swims with confusion when I try.
“You’re about to become a very important part of our pack being his mate.”
“You know I’m not a shifter so…”
“Doesn’t matter. I can’t shift. I’m an important part of the community. My mom isn’t even half shifter and she’s definitely an important part of the community. We’re all here for one another. Just know that if things ever get confusing or you don’t know how to handle that very alpha man you’ve got.”
I say nothing. I sip my delicious coffee.
“Gimme your phone. I’ll program my number and Cat’s number.”
“Oh; I’ll give you my digits and you can text me and I’ll save you. My phone’s not on right now.”
I ramble off my phone number and she puts it into her phone.
I’ll turn my phone on and face reality after they leave.
“We’re having a party Friday night,” Bailey says. “We’re hoping you and Tyson’ll come. It’d be a great way to meet everyone. Maybe you can work on him if he’s reluctant.”
“It’d be good for him to meet everyone,” I say.
“And for you, too,” Cat adds.
“She’s a little shell-shocked,” Bailey says.
“She is,” Cat agrees.
“I am,” I concur.
They laugh.
“We don’t know him well yet so don’t know exactly what you’re dealing with, but –” Cat starts.
I blurt, “He’s accidentally hurt me twice when he’s angry, not knowing his own strength. He’s really sorry about it afterwards.”
I get looks of empathy from both of them.
I continue, “He’s still sifting through all his memories,” I add, “and he said not shifting for so long made it all foggy. He could drive a car but didn’t know how to peel a banana. But he’s not dumb. It’s just like… he’s recovering from basic skills amnesia or something. And I think he’s also figuring out who he really is. He’s probably struggling with the truth that was kept from him and there’s other stuff he’s realizing about his upbringing and about his uncle. And I think whatever you guys have been doing is a good thing. If he gets to know you, it’ll be good – whether he chooses to live with you and be part of the community you have or simply to know you’re there and that he doesn’t have to be lonely.”
“He needs to be with us. It’s where he belongs,” Cat says. “And you don’t need to help us convince him of that because I can see in his eyes that he knows deep inside who he is. He’ll come to the right decisions. He doesn’t have a clue yet how wise he is, how much he’ll accomplish in his life. He’ll be a great leader because of what he’s endured, not in spite of it. Anyway, I’m gonna go call them in for lunch. Be right back. We’ll talk more later.” She touches my cheek affectionately. “Whatever you’re doing with him, honey, just keep doing it and he’ll find his way.” She smiles and leaves.
“I have so many questions about the sex stuff,” I whisper to Bailey the second the door closes behind Cat.
“I know all the mechanics,” she replies.
My head jerks in surprise. Is she saying what I think she’s saying? “Pardon?”
“I’m single. Unmated. And… drumroll… untouched.”
“Untouched? Bailey! You’re a---”
“A virgin. Yeah. I’m omega so there’s a good chance I’ll be mated to an alpha. It’s the most common match for omegas. I don’t shift but I do know my fate.”
“Oh.” I’m a little lost for words.
“Some of the girls in our pack have sex before they mate, but I’ve decided to wait. Besides, overprotective big brother.” She laughs. “That makes it tricky.”
“I bet. How old are you?”
“Twenty-five. Greyson’s one of the alphas of the pack, so… yeah. Tricky.”
“You have your eye on someone,” I say, knowingly.
I recognize lovesick when I see it.
“Yeah, but he doesn’t see me. I doubt he ever will. Hopefully, I get to be with someone local. And … right for me. Not all love matches are easy ones. And I don’t wanna leave the area. Anyway, I understand all the mechanics so if you have a question, ask away.”