“I’ll come, too,” Sadie says.
I want to snap at her that I’m not going to run away, but I just bite my tongue instead.
“So, what’s the occasion?” Sadie asks Lacey as we reach the front of the museum and stand under the big shady trees.
“Oh, some bigshot dropping in,” Lacey says. “She has a share in the business, or the building, or something. Fern just wanted the office clear for the meeting.”
“Sounds like we got the better part of the deal,” I say. “Did you want to go to the park, then?”
Sadie slides me a glance. I know she’s reading me loud and clear, and she doesn’t need witch powers to do it.
I don’t want to go to my new “home.” I need to get out of here… anywhere!
“Just waiting for Robyn and the others,” Lacey says. “Oh, there she is! Hey, Robyn, is Jane coming?”
“Maybe,” Robyn says, joining us. “Let’s just wait a few more minutes. Are you sure you want to go to the park or should we head to the boys’ favorite watering hole?”
“Tempting,” Lacey says, bouncing her eyebrows up and down. “I just want a nice walk in the sunshine first, though. Maybe some ice cream. I was stuck out the back in the dusty reference section, cleaning, so I just need some fresh air.”
“Interested in finding the boys after?” Robyn asks teasingly.
“Affirmative,” Lacey giggles. “Do you know if it’s just Owen and Shane meeting today or are they bringing Billy, too?”
The sound of Owen’s name rings through me like a bell, sending ripples of shock crashing into my chest.
This is the same gossip I’ve engaged in practically every day of my life—but now it feels like a minefield.
“I think they’re bringing Billy,” Robyn says. “He really doesn’t have the presence of the others, but I still think he’s hot.”
At that moment, I realize the human women are able to sense the innate magnetism of the wolves compared to ordinary guys.
Did I ever notice? I knew Owen was hot… that there’s always been something about him, in particular, that draws me in…
Before that thought can bloom, I start edging away, hoping I can disappear around the corner and find somethingto do that will keep me away from Owen for a few hours. I’m definitely not thinking straight, but I can’t take another moment of this conversation, or one more second of stewing in my feelings of doubt and conflict.
“Oh. My. Lord,” Lacey says. “Look at what’s coming this way.”
“Fuck,” Robyn mutters. “Does he get hotter every time we see him?”
Even though I want to deny it, I know who has to be walking towards us. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, resigning myself to the situation while anxiety fires up in my guts.
I can resolve to endure this with good grace, but I guess my body doesn’t have to agree.
“Hi, Owen!” Lacey says, practically bouncing up and down. “It’s nice of you to drop by. Are you going to the bar tonight with—”
“No,” he says in a barely polite tone. “I have things to do tonight.”
A look shoots between the girls, with Lacey and Robyn looking confused and Sadie carefully remaining neutral.
“Okay,” Lacey says carefully. “So why are you here?”
Owen fixes his eyes on me, and I step back away from the full force of his magnetic gaze. I can read Robyn and Lacey’s reaction, and I know they’d do anything to have him look at them like that.
And I just want to slap his stupid face.
“I’m here to take Trina home,” he says, holding out his hand. “If you’re ready?”
He says the question with a slight glare, as if reminding me that I don’t have a choice.
