“As for Maddox, he is…” Daniel continues before his voice trails off.
“Is what?” I push curiously.
“Nothing, forget I said anything. He is certainly not your problem,” Daniel says before squeezing my shoulder. “Will you at least think about what I told you?”
“You mean about my work and this place here?” I say, leaving out the fact that he mentioned Brandon. Daniel doesn’t like him, and I don’t get why. He keeps saying that I set the bar way too low, but Brandon is nice to me; he even says we are mates. I haven’t told anyone about that part yet, as I want to be sure first.
Daniel looks at me for a while. “Yes,” he says, without pushing the Brandon issue.
“I will,” I concede. He doesn’t need to tell me that I can’t continue like this forever. I just don’t have any other plans for now.
“So, what’s your plan for today?” he asks.
“I am going to take Tulip for a walk,” I say. “It’s too warm to ride him, but he needs to get out, and you know how lazy he becomes when I don’t take him. Then I want to spend some time with Faye and Marina. Oh, and later tonight I will be at a party.”
At my last words, his head perks up. “That’s great! Here on pack grounds?”
“As if they would invite me,” I chuckle. “No, a college party. Brandon invited me.”
“Well, he finally gets a point for at least taking you out on a date,” he says.
Unfortunately, Daniel can’t stay any longer for coffee, as his shift starts soon. He gives Faye and me a hug, then gently approaches Marina, wishing her goodbye, but making sure not to touch her. Then he is out of the door.
Faye and I spend the remainder of the day together, and she decides to join me on my walk with Tulip. She is still so young, so we take it slowly. Eventually, I even put her on Tulip’s back, well aware that he has a gentle nature and would never throw her off.
Faye laughs and giggles like she always does. She is such a sunshine. Marina used to smile and laugh the same way. The more I watch Faye grow up, the stronger my resolve gets. I will make sure no one takes that smile from Faye like they did with Marina.
Later that afternoon, Evelyn drops by to help me get dressed for the party. She will stay for a bit to keep Marina company and then take Faye back to her place. I usually wear my dad’s flannel shirts or one of my tees, but obviously, I can’t go out like that. Evelyn has brought some clothes her daughter used to wear.
“It’s only hand-me-downs,” she says. “I am sorry I couldn’t buy you something new, Gwen.”
“No, these are fantastic!” I protest. “Please don’t apologize. You are doing so much for me already.”
She beams. “I am glad to help you. Those black pants look good on you.”
“They are a bit short for me, but they work as seven-eighths pants.”
“You should wear them with heels,” Evelyn suggests, handing me a pair of black high heels. I wonder if I will manage to be able to walk in them, but I am going to try. Then we search for a fitting top until Evelyn finds a silver-toned, glittery halter-neck top with a revealing back. It looks a tad outdated, but I like it that way, looks more me.
“What if I get cold?” I ask her.
“Here,” she says, handing me a cropped blazer.
I am not sure if this will in any way warm me, but for once, I want to look hot. It’s the first time I will have been out with Brandon, and maybe I am being shallow, but I want to look sexy for him. “Do you think Brandon will like this outfit?” I ask Evelyn.
“Oh, child,” she smiles. “He’d better because you always look beautiful.”
“I am not sure,” I admit. “I don’t think I am Brandon’s usual type. His exes were all smaller and just overall… more stylish.”
Evelyn frowns. “I don’t know Brandon well, so I can’t answer for him, but I know that you are a catch.”
“I don’t have a wolf spirit,” I mutter.
“Anyone who treats other people like you do, and who is ready to make such sacrifices for their chosen family,isa catch, no matter if they have a wolf spirit or not,” she says. “Nothing is wrong with you, Gwendolyn. I am sure there is a reason why you don’t have a wolf, and I am sure the goddess has a plan for you.”
She is the second one who has said this in the span of two days.
“I… Evelyn, I need to tell you something, but please don’t say anything to Jacob or Daniel. It’s more of a girl’s talk.”
