Asshe spoke about him, the admiration forGraysonwas clear.Itwas the same lookI’dsee in the eyes of other people when they talked about the person they loved, such as my coworkers:PandorawithAustin,NovawithDiego, andLucaswithZoeto name a few.Sure,Iwas happy for them and a bit envious.Afterall, my love life hadn’t turned out the same way, and nowIhad an ex-husband who gave me more grief than anything positive.
“How’sPaigedoing?” she asked.
Joyspread through me asItalked about my daughter.Aftera quick update,Iadded, “She’sgrowing up so fast.SoonI’llbe wrestling with a teenager who’s giving me an attitude problem.I’dlike to slow down time to put that off,”Iquipped.
“You’llbe all right,”Aurorasaid with an assured nod. “She’sa good kid.”
Ihoped so and would only know with time.Thinkingabout my date withValentonight,Iasked, “Isit strange living with a wolf shifter?”
Auroratilted her head as she appeared to consider the question. “Itwas at first.Imean, he can shift into a massive wolf at any moment.”Shechuckled. “Buthe’s such a kind soul.Considerateand caring.”Shemotioned out the windows. “He’sthe reason most of these businesses exist.He’shelped many people get started.Hesays it’s not only good for business, but for the community and the pack.”
“That’sgood to hear.Itsounds like you’re happy.”
“Iam.”Sheassessed me with a sly smile and arched brows. “Anyonenew in your life?”
Ileaned back in my chair and held my cup with both hands. “Ha, no.Idon’t have time to date.”Iglanced around the back room asIconsidered revealing more about my current interest in wolf shifters.Thebookshelves were lined with tarot cards, tea leaves, and other tools for readings.ThenIbrought my gaze back toAurora. “Butfunny story.Ihad a tumble on the mountain earlier.I’mfine, but the ski patrol guy who helped me out was hot.Andnice.”
“Didyou get his name?”
“Yes,Valen.”Icocked my head. “Doyou know him?”Iasked, trying to keep my voice sounding nonchalant.
“Valen?”Auroranodded. “Yes,Iknow him.Notwell, though.He’salso an enforcer for the pack.Seemslike a decent guy.”
Ihesitated for a moment before admitting, “That’sgood.Becausehe asked me to go to dinner tonight.”
Auroraraised an eyebrow. “Andyou said…”
“Yes.”
“Ohnice.”Shesmiled but then it faltered.
“What’swrong?”
Sheshook her head. “Nothing.”
“Aurora,”Ipersisted. “Thatwasn’t anothingcomment.Thatwas anoh-I-just-thought-of-somethingcomment—one that sounds like it might not be so nice after all since your smile disappeared.”
Shebit her lower lip. “Ah, well.It’s… he’s kind of a loner, but it sounds like he enjoys the company of women who come here for a trip.Manywomen.Idon’t want you getting hurt.”
Myheart sank at her words.Iwasn’t interested in a womanizer, but this was simply a weekend to have some me time.Iraised my chin. “Goodto know, but we’re simply going out for dinner.Ifit leads to a little fun, who cares?”Iquirked a lopsided smile. “We’reboth adults.”
Auroranodded. “Gotit.”Theshop door opened, and she stood. “I’vegot to get that.”
“Goahead.I’mheading out, anyway.Thanksfor the tea.”
“Itwas good to see you,Cassandra.”Shesmiled. “Havefun tonight.”
“Iplan to.”Igrinned and then left the shop.Despitemy words,Ihad to shake off the discomfort fromAurora’sdescription ofValen.Evenif it was true,Iwasn’t interested in a relationship.Afterthis weekend,I’dnever see him again.
VALEN
Whenit was time to meet up withCassandra,Iwalked down the mountain road and cut across the street to the other side of the resort where many of the visitors stayed.Thevillage had various options from hotel rooms to condos, restaurants, and stores, all of which were a walkable distance.Mypack leaders did well in developing this area as we were able to live comfortable lives both as humans and wolves.Itwas a good life here, oneIhad no desire of leaving.
Iarrived a few minutes early and headed inside to wait in the lobby.Theinterior was impressive with a soaring ceiling, chandeliers, and polished marble.Floralarrangements lined tabletops.Amassive stone fireplace crackling with a roaring fire filled the space with warmth.Plushseating was arranged around the fireplace, inviting guests to relax.
Mygaze drifted to the elevator door before they even opened.WhenCassandrawalked out, my wolf stirred inside and wagged his tail.
Don’t,Iwarned before he started up again about the mate business.
