Hope watched her mate stride into the room, and Tak was a mountain of a man.
He flashed a handsome smile. “How are my two favorite girls?”
Hope’s eyes widened at his bruised hand, the knuckles split and swollen. “Tak!”
“I showed that jackass how uncivilized I can get when a man strikes one of my pregnant packmates.” He flexed his fingers. “Melody said the roses are for Joy. Good to know Salem finally came to his senses.”
I arched my eyebrows. “Pardon me?”
“You two may not have been a real couple, but you’re a catch, and he’s an honorable man.”
“I don’t love Salem. Not like that.”
Tak flexed his right hand. “Love built on friendship and trust is a solid foundation.” Then it suddenly hit him. “Wait a minute. If they aren’t from Salem, who sent you roses?” His eyebrows slanted at a dangerous angle.
Hope stood and gripped his thick biceps. “Tak, sit down. Joy has something important to tell you.”
“I’m fine standing.”
“If you can’t be bothered to get down at the same eye level as your packmate, maybe you should just ask the pregnant lady to stand instead.” Hope coolly strutted off.
“I hear you, Duckie.” Tak sat down beside me. “That woman is my saving grace.”
Hope smiled at the doorway. “Spread the rumor.”
Tak twisted in my direction and lazily leaned against the sofa. “So what’s the latest shocking news? I’m assuming my packmates are competing to see who can send me to an early grave with all these surprises. You have my full and undivided attention.” He winked. “If there’s someone else I need to beat up, tell me now while I’m still in the mood.”
When I started tellingmy story, Tak realized it was more than just a heart-to-heart and led me to the back porch where we had more privacy. While the pack was preoccupied with the catered meal, we sat in the sunshine and I recounted everything I had revealed to Hope. My past, the truth about the baby, my worries about acceptance.
From his Adirondack chair, he put his feet up on a footstool and sat silently for a spell after I wrapped up my story.
Finally he said, “Having two animals is rare but not unheard of. My people believe a Shifter born with two spirit animals is ablessing from the spirit world. We had one in our tribe, but he died long before my time.”
A mockingbird landed on the railing and sang a tune before flitting away.
Tak removed his shirt and tossed it onto the deck. His brown skin glowed in the sunlight, the dark tones making the deep claw marks on his right shoulder stand out. “It’s a shame your mother couldn’t see through her own fears. We go through life seeking our parents’ approval, and some don’t deserve the unconditional love we give them. Her rejection made you resilient, did it not? More independent?”
I nodded.
“Her curse is our blessing. The spirits will teach us if we listen.” He stared off at Luna, who was grazing in the field. “I can’t wait to meet your wolves after you have the little one. What do you know about them?”
I played with a curl of my hair. “I named them. Usually I can feel their distinct personalities inside me—often at the same time. But when one of them wants out, she comes through stronger.”
He smiled. “What names did you give them?”
“I know it seems silly. Most people don’t name their animal, but it makes it easier for me. Gypsy’s the strong one. She’s the fighter.”
Tak nodded. “The one I need to watch out for. And the other?”
“Bess. She’s submissive. Gypsy’s the one that’ll chase foxes, whereas Bess is more likely to be snoozing in the wildflowers.”
“That’s interesting.” Tak stared pensively at the well. “Different.”
“How?”
“The man I told you about had twin wolves. They were the same. Both strong wolves. But you have a dominantandasubmissive wolf.” He pinched his chin. “I wonder what my father would say about this. Opposites imply balance. Which one do you draw from the most?”
“I don’t know. I’ve had to be like Gypsy most of my life. Making decisions, taking charge of my career, making bold risks, moving to faraway cities. But sometimes I want to be like Bess and find a quiet place in the world where I can lie in the sun and not have to fight for my life.” I tried to suppress the tears but couldn’t, so I averted my gaze. “I wish I knew how those people hurt my wolves.”
