It’s a lovely, warm evening by the bay; families and couples are picnicking or swimming, and a group of teens is playing volleyball on the beach. I don’t detect the scent of a strange werewolf or any other potential danger as I sniff the air; on the other hand, a smart predator would ensure he’s downwind.
I chalk it up to a case of nerves as I head to my car. I’m definitely more jittery than usual, anxious about doing well in my firefighter training, upset about my argument with Sophie, and worried about this weekend.
But I can’t shake loose the feeling in my gut that someone is watching me.
“Holy conflagration!”hollers Jake.
We’re standing in the now-empty training room at the fire station; the rest of the class hasalready departed. I’m learning how to read my alpha’s mood. When Jake is in a really foul temper, a vein pops out on his forehead.
Yep… there it is.
Jake is probably madder at me for not telling him sooner than Sophie will be when she finds out I snitched. This is a classic example of a no-win scenario; either way, I’m in the dog house.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this creep right away? Now I have to worry about him stalking Sophie—on top of the Riddle Hill Summer Fest, Sophie’s grand opening, my aunt’s health, the full moon, and your mate blight. Is there anything else you want to pile on? Hmm? I’m all ears.”
“No, sir.” I shuffle my feet nervously and gaze at the floor.
Jake rubs the back of his neck wearily and grunts. “I don’t mean to be taking this out on you. Sophie should have confided in me immediately; she’s just so stubborn.” He heaves a sigh. “I’ll tell Rob and Marv; they can keep an eye out too.”
“Thanks, Jake.” I turn to leave, my shoulders hunched forward, but he calls me back.
“What’s wrong with you? You look like you lost your best friend.”
“Sophie and I… argued today.” I shake my head. “She doesn’t understand why I can’t help her this weekend, and I won’t tell her the real reason. I don’t want Sophie to feel forced into a relationship; I wantherto chooseme.”
“I’m sorry… that’s got to hurt,” says Jake quietly. “It’s all the more reason why you need to be back here tomorrow night by eleven. Doc Demetrius wants you in lockdown before midnight.”
“Yes, sir.” I head for the door.
“If you’re going out to your car, I’ll walk out with you.”
“You go on without me. I still have something I need to do here,” I say, hoping he won’t ask any questions.
But Jake cocks his head to the side. “What are you up to?”
Everyone in the pack already knows I’m fastidious, and I brace myself for some more good-natured teasing. “If you really want to know… ”
“Yes, Barker, I really want to know.” Jake quirks an eyebrow at me, waiting.
“Fine,” I huff. “I’m going downstairs to clean out the disgusting padded cell where I’ll be living for thirty-six hours. When was the last time that room was fumigated?”
To his credit, Jake rolls his lips together to keep from laughing in my face. Once he gets himself under control, he claps a hand on my shoulder and says, “That’s a very good idea, Barker. Thanks for handling it.” But as he heads outside, I hear him chuckling under his breath.
What I’m not telling Jake or anyone else is that I have a plan of my own for tomorrow night. Sophie and Cassia were chatting about the wedding shower this morning, and I just might have overheard when and where the vampire couple will be having their party.
Alright, I’m not proud of myself; I intentionally snooped while I was cleaning the café’s countertop, which took me way longer than usual. The weddingshower is being held tomorrow evening at the Sage Mage Supper Club, which I gather is quite posh in an Old World, Transylvanian sort of a way.
While Sophie is inside the supper club attending the party, I’ll be waiting outside in the parking lot, in case there’s any trouble from a werewolf named Rafe.
It’s time he and I had a little chat about my mate… who hates my guts and broke my heart… but that’s beside the point.
Chapter 24
Always the Bridesmaid
SOPHIE
Friday, July 13
