“That’s great!” I said. “But why don’t you sound excited and why is he glaring at us?” I asked her, unnerved by Walsh’s gaze.
She looked at me, chewing on her bottom lip. “He’s a wanted felon, jumping around with Luka and hiding with the humans in Spokane. I’m your second-in-command. I can’t follow him around the country—”
I put a hand up to her face. “Wait, he asked you to go live with him and you said no because of duty? Are youcrazy?” I shook a finger in my bestie’s face. “That’s as bad as what he used to do when he wouldn’t give your relationship a try because of his responsibilities to Sawyer.”
“Yeah, well, payback’s a bitch!” she growled, her eyes going yellow.
I shook my head. “You’re not like that though, Sage, and you love him. I can smell it.”
She burst out laughing and rolled her eyes. “You can’t smell love.”
I shrugged playfully. “Sure I can. It smells like sunshine, roses and…” I looked around and spied the chocolate fountain our guests were dipping strawberries into. “…and chocolate.”
She shook her head, but she was grinning from ear to ear. “I don’t smell like that.”
“But youdolove him. Right?” I knew she did. Out in the Dark Woods we’d had the most honest conversations two people could have. Sage loved him. He was the one for her.
She glanced at Walsh, who hadn’t moved; he’d gone full-on stalker mode, just staring at her. “Of course I do. It’s Walsh.” She sounded mad, like she wanted to stop it but couldn’t.
I nodded, taking in a deep breath. “Rab!” I yelled over the crowd where he was dancing with Daisy. He snapped to attention and walked over, holding his baby girl on his hip. Reaching out, I placed one hand on either of Sage’s shoulders. “Sage Hudson, you are relieved of duty as my second-in-command.”
Her mouth popped open and I could feel the hurt flash across our bond as she stared at me in shock. I swiveled my head to the left, just as Rab walked up. “Rab, you’re my new second.”
He looked surprised, glancing from Sage to me before breaking out into a grin. “Position accepted. Thank you, Alpha.” He bowed and walked away.
“You can’t do that!” Sage snapped, shrugging out of my grasp.
“You forget I am a true alpha, connected with you through a pack bond. Ifeelyou pining over him.”
She covered her chest, glaring at me. “It will go away when he goes away.”
I chuckled. “That’s not how it works, and what if he shows up next time with a new girl?”
Her eyes flashed yellow as her teeth clenched. “I’d kill her.”
I tipped my head back and laughed. “Sage. Sister. Best friend. Go. Sayyes.”
Her arms fell to her sides and she seemed to consider it. Pulling her bottom lip into her mouth, she chewed on it for a moment, tossing the idea around in her head. Then she looked up at Walsh.
He was still watching her.
“He’s a wanted felon,” she griped.
I nodded. “And Sawyer and I will be working to clear him of that charge. I’m sure we can dig up crimes on the Vampire King.”
She looked wistful. “I mean I have always wanted to live in the human world for a bit.”
I nodded. “Do it. Go to Liberty Lake, there is a boba tea shop there called BocoPop. Get the oolong milk tea with cheese foam. You won’t regret it.”
She scrunched up her face. “Cheese foam? That sounds horrifying.”
I laughed. “It’s amazing. Come on, Sage. Follow your heart.”
She heaved a big sigh and then turned to face Walsh who was still watching her like a love sick puppy dog.
She put one finger out and pulled it toward her, beckoning him.
He set down his full shot glass, eyes lighting up a fiery orange, like the evening sun. Taking long strides, he crossed the lawn and made his way to her. He wore a dark gray tuxedo and had never looked more handsome. Sage’s deep green, skintight dress clung to her athletic form, and her hair was in a cascade of curls hanging loosely over one shoulder. If I had my camera with me, I’d have taken a picture of this moment. Walsh walked right up to her and grabbed her, dipping her backward as he cradled the back of her neck. Then he kissed her, a movie style kiss. A-holy-hell-is-this-really-happening-in-real-life-kiss. I smiled, happy for their tender moment, and Raven walked up beside me.
