Page 74 of Brazen

“Yes. Let’s not focus on that, though. We didn’t come here to pressure you into letting Sam bite you. We came to support you,” Aubrey said.

“Right. It sounds like you’ve been through the wringer with wolves,” Joy said, popping an olive in her mouth. “Do you want to talk about it?”

I downed my glass of wine. Yeah, I did.

I told them the story of what happened with Ted. How his alpha had made him break up with me to find his fated mate. How I hadn’t told him I was pregnant with JT because their pack already wanted my memories wiped, and I was supposed to be out of his life.

“Wow. So when you heard Rob was asking about JT, it triggered you,” Becky said, shaking her head.

Sometimes having someone narrate your feelings out loud was all you needed to find your center. “Yeah. I guess it did.”

“I don’t know if this helps, but here’s my opinion about packs and alphas,” Audrey said. “Because shifters are superhuman, they can’t really be controlled by human laws or law enforcement. That makes pack alphas important for keeping their kind in line–they have to play the role of big boss.”

“That makes sense,” Joy murmured.

“I think you’ll find Rob is not at all a tyrant, but I also understand if you want to keep your distance for a while until you’re sure. We’re here for you, regardless, and I know Sam will be, too.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“You don’t really believe that Sam was put on seduction duty, though, right? You know that was Chuck being an as—jerk?” Joy prompted.

I sucked in a breath to really consider my answer, then I nodded. “No. I mean, I was upset in the moment and wasn’t sure what to think. But now with a little perspective? I guess I believe Sam really cares about me.”

“I know Sam would do anything for you,” Becky offered. “Not just because it’s guaranteed by his biology but also because he’s a great guy. He takes good care of the people he loves–his mom and sisters and nieces and nephews.”

Joy reached over and covered my hand. “I guess the real question is, do you care about Sam? I mean, were you falling for him?”

Tears blurred my eyes. I thought about his pirate grin. His perpetually shirtless state. How sweet he was with JT, Remy, and his niece. The way he stepped in to serve pizza all night at the school for me. The way he paid attention to me and had my back. The way he made me scream from so much pleasure.

Giving up Sam was a non-option.

I must’ve been out of my mind.

“Yeah. Yeah, I was. I mean, I have.”

Joy smiled at me. “Good. Then everything will work itself out.”

30

CLIO

* * *

Everything will work itself out. I thought about that half the night. Tossing and turning. When I woke–or when JT woke me ready for cereal–I was no closer to an answer. Three hours later as I worked on replacing a timing belt, I had decided that it didn’t matter that I wanted Sam. He didn’t want me. It had been days, and he hadn’t shown up.

Before, when I’d given him a hard time and made him work for it, for everything, he hadn’t given up.

Now, he had.

He–

“Clio, there’s someone here to see you.” Ernie called.

Sam! Sam was here!

I popped out from under the hood so fast I whacked my head.

“Ow!” I cried, putting my hand to where it hurt. I didn’t care because Sam was–