Ah. There it is.
“I’m not going to,” I say earnestly. “I know you won’t necessarily believe me; but I’ll show it over time. Your sister is the love of my life.” I shrug. “I’m not leaving her side.”
“Good.” Avery clenches his jaw. “Sorry about the talk, I’m just,” he motions with his hand, “protective.”
“You’d be a shitty brother if you weren’t.”
“Hey!”
A third voice joins the conversation, and Maeve pokes her head from around the corner, her amber eyes narrowed. “You guys aren’t slick. Avery, stop embarrassing me. You owe me a salmon bowl for my troubles.”
Once her brother rolls his eyes, she laughs. “And stop hogging my boyfriend.” She comes up to me and takes my hand, leading me away. “I’m not going to miss my lunch with him just because you’re freaking out.”
“I’m not freaking out!” Avery calls, and she snickers while we walk away.
“It seems like it runs in the family,” I murmur, and she pokes me in the side.
“I don’t freak out. I just anticipate all possible outcomes, all at once. It’s called being prepared.”
“Mm-hmm.” I wrap my arm around her waist. “Call it whatever you want, sweetheart.”
“I will.” She stands on her tiptoes to kiss me, and all is right in the world.
I can scent Maeve’s happiness and contentment right now, but that doesn’t mean that those fears won’t eventually rear their ugly head again.
When they do, I hope she’ll allow me to be there for her.
I hope she’ll let me stop her from drowning in her emotions.
14
MAEVE
It’stime for my first music lesson with Fang, but my mind is everywhere else.
I keep thinking about being alone with both IvanandLogan in a car for the day, watching over a cat family.
The plan is to drive the four hours, grab the mom and her kittens, then drive back that same day. We’ll transfer bring them to Blair’s house, and she’ll foster them until we find a permanent home for them.
It will be a long day, but we’ll end it by getting dinner together.
My Heat isn’t due yet.
Sure, having my scent match with me might make things…spicy, but I won’t turn into a needy, feral Omega.
When it happens though, it’s going to be phenomenal.
I amstokedabout my Heat.
Ivan already has a ton of supplies for me, and I’ve been on the internet looking through inspiration boards.
Best of all? The worries have died down significantly.
My panic is still present, but as of late, it’s been manageable.
All the cats are healthy, the rescue is doing well, and the videos I make for us keep going viral.
I can’t remember ever being this happy, and I hope I can continue to chase the feeling.
