"That’s a good kid."
She smiled, pride and guilt warring in her eyes. "He’s my whole world."
I wanted to ask about his dad but didn’t dare. She'd tell me when she was ready.
We lingered at the overlook until the shadows started to stretch. On the way back down, she slipped once on the rocks, and I caught her by the waist. She steadied but didn’t let go of my hand after.
At the parking lot, we paused by her car. She unlocked it, but didn’t get in.
"I had fun," she said. "Thank you."
I leaned in, heart thudding, but kept it light. "Anytime."
She looked at me, searching for something, then I said, "There’s a thing tonight. At the Beck house. Chance is out of hibernation, finally."
She nodded. "Can I think about it and let you know in a few hours when I figure out what Bryce is doing tonight? But it would just be me. Not Bryce. He doesn’t meet the men I date unless it’s serious."
I nodded, respecting the line she drew in the sand. "I get it. He’s lucky to have you."
She laughed, then reached up and kissed my cheek. "See you tonight, maybe."
I watched her drive away, taillights winking out as she turned. Tonight. Maybe.
Chapter 8
Krystal
I paceda rut in my living room, kicking aside a Lego every third step. It was a little past five, and the September sun hadn’t decided whether to stick around or duck behind the mountains for the night. I was torn about going to the Beck Clan gathering and didn’t understand why Zaden would invite me to meet his family. Because that was what the clan was. Family. It would be just as nerve-wracking for me to invite him to meet the pack. They were my family.
Meeting the clan was the only thing that amped my anxiety. Guilt churned at the thought of pawning Bryce off again. My son had already asked me about Zaden’s scent on me, not that Bryce knew the real reason I smelled like the sexy dragon.
Ugh. I was so out of touch with dating. Not to mention, I still didn’t sense the mating pull. I should just not go. Tell Zaden this thing between us couldn’t go anywhere.
On the heels of that thought, Bryce crashed through the front door with a howl. "Mom! Can I sleep over at Ethan’s? Please? Please, please, please?"
He spun circles in front of me with his cheeks flushed. There was a rip in one knee of his jeans, which meant he’d had a good day.
I tried to play it cool, even as my heart did weird little flips. "Don’t you have a spelling test tomorrow?"
He bounced on his heels, vibrating. "Tomorrow isSunday, Mom, geez. All my friends are sleeping at Ethan’s. Please, Mom?"
This was the Universe telling me that I needed to accept Zaden’s invitation. I sighed, making a show of reluctance. "Fine. Go pack a bag and don’t forget to pack a toothbrush."
"Thanks!" He bounded toward his room, then stopped and doubled back. "Actually, can you help me find a shirt? Ethan’s got the new Mario Kart game, and I want to wear my Mario shirt. I don't want to look dumb."
"Bryce, you’ve been friends with Ethan since before you could walk. He’s seen you pick your nose and eat glue."
He shrugged. "Still."
I followed him down the hall, grateful for the distraction. We argued over the shirts. He wanted the Mario with the ketchup stain, but I lobbied for the clean one with the wolf on it. We compromised by choosing the clean wolf shirt and a Spiderman hoodie.
By the time he’d zipped up his bag and loaded his Switch, I’d almost forgotten about Beck Manor and the gathering. But as soon as Bryce was out the door and the house fell quiet, anxiety crept back in.
If nothing else, it would be nice to catch up with Aurelia, Sky, and Erin. Blowing out a rush of air, I texted Zaden.
Is it really okay if I come? Not trying to crash your family thing.
The reply came immediately, as if he’d been waiting by the phone.
