“Because, Asia, I’m not that kind of person. Sure, it would cut you out, but that’s not how I do business. Do you think they would trust a wolf? It’s easier to do business with Shifters who are your own animal; there’s a level of trust already established. Aside from that, my guess is you’ll have many sources, and that’s too much for me to manage. I can’t afford to give up more time when I’ve already got my hands full. That’s the same reason I do business with Shikoba instead of traveling the country, negotiating deals. Then I’d have to travel, review the quality, organize shipments—that’s not a smart move for me.”
“Ahhh. I see now. You send me that contract tonight, and I’ll look it over and let you know. Sound good?”
A weight lifted off my shoulders. “There’s a lot of Shifter love when people wear those earrings. I’m so glad you confirmed that the avian community wouldn’t take offense. It’s not the same as the illegal practice of selling pelts or claws, but you never know how people will react. We had several hawks come into the shop, and they were so proud to see people wearing them, especially when we showed them the certificate. I’ll give you a copy of one so you can get an idea of how I package everything. Since we have different species contributing feathers, I include basic facts about the type of bird they came from and their traits. It also certifies that the feathers were acquired legally from Shifters, that way nobody thinks there’s something malicious going on.”
Asia giggled. “We always sweep them up or let the wind take care of them. I never thought anyone would want our old feathers.”
I swiveled around in my chair and admired her yard. Despite the Texas heat, she managed to keep all her plants green, and the ones on the patio were overflowing from their planters and pots. Most were annuals, like the purple vincas and green coleus, but the vast majority were perennials. It made me miss having a homestead. Even though I loved living in the city, land was in the heart of every Shifter.
Asia gave me a sly grin. “So what’s a nice girl like you doing without a pack?”
“Discovering myself.”
She laughed blithely. “Once you find yourself, let me know. Sometimes you just have to settle. That’s what I did here. There’s safety in numbers. It’s not safe for a girl to be out there on her own,” she said, wagging her finger. “Too many people want to take advantage, and you don’t have a leader to stick up for you. They have legal authority to go after anyone who messes with you. Don’t get used to solitary life. You need to find yourself a nice wolf and settle down in a pack. If the business goes under, who will take care of you?”
I gulped down my tea. “You sound like my father.”
She lifted her chin. “Smart man.”
“Well, this is a rite of passage for wolves who want to find themselves. The modern era has changed the way we live, and most of us want to get out there and prove ourselves before settling down with a pack. It’s not forever. Hopefully.” I chuckled and watched a butterfly dance on a breeze. “The store is doing well now, and I don’t want to jinx it by making any big life decisions.”
The hinges creaked when the back door opened, and a grey-haired woman poked her head out. “Asia, I saw that damn wolf again.”
Asia crossed her legs and folded her arms. “And what do you wantmeto do about it? I’m not the gatekeeper around here.”
“No, but you’re the one growing all the damn vegetables that’re attracting the rabbits and mice, and they’re attracting the cats and wolves.”
“Guess you’ll have to flap your wings a little faster, Marie.”
The door slammed.
“She’s so bossy,” Asia complained.
“Do you have any hesitations about doing business with a wolf?” I asked. “Be honest.”
“It’s a perfectly symbiotic relationship. I learned that word today in a crossword puzzle,” she added.
I stood up and finished my tea. “Maybe I should go before your roommates chase me off with a broom.”
“I’ll get your veggies and meet you out front.” Asia rushed inside the house, leaving our glasses behind.
Using the stone pathway, I headed around the side of the house, the scent of fresh-cut grass heavy in the air. I waved my hand to break up a cloud of gnats, a soft breeze calling to my wolf. She was restless, and the desire to shift became stronger with each passing minute. I had a feeling coming out to see Asia had something to do with it. The intoxicating scent of green trees and earth called to my animal.
“Not today,” I said to her under my breath. “Remember what happened last time? Naked on the side of the road. I bet you think that’s funny, don’t you?” I plucked a yellow petal off a sunflower and twirled it between my fingers as I neared my car. My thoughts drifted back to when I’d first met Tak by the sunflower patch. Never had I imagined he would be tethered to my memories forever.
Why was I being so coy about visiting him? My mind toiled over consequences more than my heart did. He’d shown me real passion and that sex between unmated couples didn’t have to be a shameful act. The least I could do was take him out to lunch. Tak made me want to be open about my sex life, and I couldn’t stop thinking about sharing the news with Melody. And why not? I’d learned my lesson about secrets and lies the first time around. Every book has a new chapter, and it was time for me to start mine.
Then again, Tak and Lakota might never mend the rift between them.
Not that it mattered. I leaned against the car and laughed quietly, wondering why I was planning my future with someone I’d only just met, a man who’d revealed his innermost secrets to me but hadn’t mentioned anything about staking his claim. I had too many things on my plate to be worrying about some silly man.
“Your veggies!” Asia cried, jogging out the door with a small paper bag. She reached me, out of breath. “Send me that contract, and we’ll talk it over tonight. Don’t let my vegetables go to waste.”
“Oh, I won’t,” I promised, hefting the bag. “I’ll be enjoying these for dinner.”
“Alone?” She cocked her head to the side. “Not to be nosy, but I’m just curious. That’s a lot of veggies for one person. Homegrown food is a natural aphrodisiac, you know. That’s why I gave you extra.”
I snorted. “Bye, Asia.”
