“I’ll make it fast.”
He leaves and I take off for the shower. Stripping down, I climb under the warm spray, mourning the loss of Kirk’s smell.
Exfoliating until my skin shines, I wash my hair and deep condition it to tame any frizz. Stepping out, I towel off, comb through my hair, a warrior preparing for battle. The name of the game is aloofness. We need to present a strong, united, front.
Remaining unbothered while the world burns around you and pack members try to stab you in the back is a power move.
I want to stand out, not blend in today. I go to the section of the closet that houses Bo’s picks. I’m not too stubborn to admit the bastard knows how to play politic chess.
I slip on the deep green velvet dress with a belted wrap top with a deep V-neck.
I step into black boots, and pull my hair up into a knot, pinning it with my hair stick. I take care with my makeup, playing up my eyes and glossing my lips.
Quiet wealth is the statement. I travel down the stairs with a new grace. I can feel the changes from our mating and my new role taking shape.
My sight and hearing are improving rapidly, and something undefinable is growing inside my body.
“Don’t you look stunning wearing the pretty dress I bought you, Princess.” Bo’s arrogant tone reveals pride. Our relationship is shifting, into what I’m not sure.
I’m not sure if I’m flattered by his response, or irked. I swear the man could ruin a wet dream. I study him casually draped over a chair. He winks.
“Are you showing everyone how good I take care of you?” Crossing a leg over his thigh, he flips his hair out of his face. He’s edible, and he knows it.
“You look beautiful, Brat,” Cadoc adds.
His sincere tone makes me smile. He looks every inch the enforcer in his black cashmere sweater and black slacks that show off powerful thighs. I want to ride to completion.
“You’ve all cleaned up nicely.” I admire Kirk in gray slacks and a white button down that brings out his beautiful brown skin tone. He looks every inch the Doc I’ve labeled him.
Fell is devastating in a white sweater and designer jeans. I want to cup the full ass highlighted by the denim. Clearing my throat, I step off the final step.
“Where are we headed?”
“Out to eat at Regal Roast, and for a walk to see the window displays.” Cadoc offers his arm.
“Where we’ll treat our darling Princess to whatever she wants,” Bo adds.
“Providing she behaves.” The growl in Cadoc’s voice makes my belly flip like a pancake.
“I’ll be good.”
“I’m not sure you know how,” Cadoc counters.
Kirk snickers. “I need to meet up with my contact at two, we should get going.”
We walk to a new black SUV with darkened windows.
I wave at the vehicle. “What’s this monstrosity?”
“A new safety measure,” Cadoc’s clipped voice warns me not to protest.
“It looks nice.”
“Drives better, and has reinforced windows,” Bo opens the door and Kirk climbs up turning to offer me his hand. I feel safer with extra protection after the with the wolves who tried to claim me.
“I think I’ll start touching base with my set too.” Bo starts making calls. Cadoc gets behind the wheel.
I zone in and out of the multiple conversations going on around me on the way into town.
Each man has their speculation on how things will progress. I know better than to try to predict the future. Most of life is reacting to the things that are thrown our way.
We pull into the parking lot of the fine dining restaurant and Cadoc cuts the engine. Exiting we walk into the mountainside spot with a stunning view.
Small white lights and fresh pine garlands wind around the rafters and columns with big red bows. I find myself wishing this was a real date as we round the tables covered with white linens.
Tables with white linen, fine China plates, and delicate wine glasses are arranged in the main area around the fireplace.
“Bo, it’s good to see you and your new clan out.” The older woman in a crisp white shirt and black skirt has nothing but smiles for us. But I remember the way she sneered at me in public over the years. Amazing how receptive people are to you once your status changes.
“Thank you, Antoinette. We have a reservation.”
“Yes, the private room in the back has been prepared for you. I can take you back if you’re ready?”
“We are.” Bo wraps his large hand around my side guiding me to our table.
The room is sleek with its wooden walls, large antique gold mirrors hung to make the space feel bigger. A spectacular view shows snowy peaks and color-changing forests.
Bo pulls out my chair at the end of the table. “Sit.”
