CHAPTER 10
PERRY
I fluffmy hair one last time. It’s Wednesday and I get to see my guys again. I agreed to meet Buckle in the library parking lot so we can come as a united front to greet our Beta. Hopefully, we don’t scare Abel too much. I took our time away to research both hawks and chipmunks and created a pamphlet for my mates about squirrel shifters.
I’m not saying I’m needy or anything, we’re just resourceful and I can get anxious if I don’t feel safe. That’s why I like my little box on the Rising property. They let me put it up a couple years ago after a bad breakup. Bradley was never going to work out because I knew he wasn’t my Fated. I just wanted to have some fun before I let Fate take over.
I ironed my shirt and dress slacks last night. Gotta make a good impression. I dress quickly and hope I don’t crease anything too much by the time I get to the library, but it’s a gamble since I have to drive there if I want to arrive with clothes on. That’s the one downside of being a shifter. Clothes don’t shift with you. At least not us squirrels, and I doubt hawks and chipmunks either.
My stomach growls. Buckle said we’d all eat something together for lunch. He said he has a plan and I’m going to trust him.
My alarm goes off and I swipe at my hair again. I really need a damn haircut, but I’ve always liked it on the longer side. I take a few cleansing breaths before I race out the door. I took the day off because I’m not sure how everything’s gonna go and I wanted to be mentally prepared and have down time before class tonight. Because what if this goes badly? What if Abel decides hedoesn’twant us? I’m not sure my heart can take it right now.
My car purrs to life and I back her out of the garage. The road’s quiet today and I blast my music to get out of my own head.
Everything is going to be fine. There’s nothing to worry about.
My eyes go wide. What the hell is going on at the library? The parking lot ispackedand I have to drive around three times before I spot Buckle, who waves me over to an empty spot. He’s still sexy as sin, but I feel silly for ironing my clothes when he’s in his uniform from the garage.
I park and take another deep breath. Everything is still fine. “Do you know what’s going on?” I ask.
“Not a clue.” There’s a grease smudge on Buckle’s cheek. I grab a tissue from my car before getting out.
“You got a little something.” I lift my tissue and wipe at the grease. It doesn’t come off as easily as I’d hoped.
“Thanks.” Buckle takes my hand and rubs his jaw against it. He’s respectful of my desire to hold off anything more intimate until we’ve convinced our mate to be with us.
“Soon,” I say.
He nods before ducking back into his truck to pull out an honest-to-goodness picnic basket. “I booked us one of theconference rooms. I have a feeling Abel won’t want to leave, but I wanted to have lunch with my mates.”
“Sounds perfect. Let’s go woo our guy.” I take his free hand in mine.
Buckle’s breath hitches. He must be as affected as I am by our connection. I just know it’s going to be even better when we get Abel on board.
“There are so many people here,” Buckle says.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, just wondering how Abel is going to be once we get in. His supervisor said he’d make sure Abel could take lunch when we get here, but…”
“It looks like we might have to wait.” I squeeze his hand, hoping I bring him comfort. “You look handsome, by the way.”
Buckle snorts. “I’m a dumbass. I was going to dress up, but I forgot my bag at home because I was so excited about lunch.” He lifts the picnic basket. “But I remembered the food, so all’s not lost. And I’ll wash up before we eat.”
“I still think you look handsome.”
“Well, you look downright delectable,” Buckle says. “I’d like to peel that crisp shirt off and kiss down your pretty chest.”
I swallow as my dick perks to life. “Fuck. Yes.”
“You’ve got a dirty mouth on you, sweet Omega.”
“You should hear me when I come.”
He smirks and we look both ways before we cross the street. The library is huge and historical. It’s one of my favorite places in Mink Hollow. There’s an air of festivities around, with lots of pink and red.
When we’re at the door, there’s a sign that reads: SIGN UP FOR VALENTINE’S DAY FESTIVAL AND DANCE. Just below that, there’s another sign that reads: DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR 11am-12am MEET MISS BUTTERCUP.
