Sometimes I feel like the third wheel with them, but I endure, hoping one day I’ll have someone of my own to bring around them. Someone who will be mine as much as I’m theirs.
We wind around our property until we break through the invisible barrier that has us exiting the state park and onto one of the backroads. Our paved driveway to our garage is very well hidden. And we have our exit hidden as well. We have cameras mounted so when we do exit, it’s never when another vehicle is coming down the road. We have to keep ourselves concealed.
The drive into town is short. Baker takes us to the local drugstore, which has a decent card selection. I climb off the Harley first. I’m not nearly as built as him, however, I can easily hold my own in a fight. I’ve learned from the strongest and best shifters after all. Sparring with them is always fun.
When a car parks next to us, Baker stands, dropping his helmet to the motorcycle before climbing off. I watch the woman behind the wheel. Her mouth hangs open and she tips her sunglasses down to get a good look at him. I chuckle, causing Baker to look at me then her. He flashes her his smile. The one that makes others swoon over him.
Her sigh is audible. But then Baker slaps his hand on my butt and leaves it there as he nudges me toward the store. The male only has eyes for his mate, but he loves screwing with the humans who drool over him.
Once we’re inside, I shake off his hand and walk toward the candy aisle.
“That stuff will rot your teeth,” he tells me before moving to the card section.
“Don’t care,” I respond. I have a sweet tooth. Anything chocolate and I’m all over it. I’ll just burn it off later in the pool.
After grabbing two candy bars, I find Baker with a card in each hand. “Can’t make up your mind?” I ask.
“They’re equally perfect.”
“Buy them both. Lync isn’t going to turn down two cards.”
He smiles. “You’re right. Want to read them?”
“Nah.” I wave him off. “I don’t need to see the romantic stuff.”
“I’m well aware of that Verascue female holding your interest.”
My eyes widen. I’ve been trying for three days to get Genevieve out of my head. The only person I told was Lync, who of course told Baker. Maybe not intentionally but they can read each other’s minds. Hear every thought the other has. “She’s not a Verascue in name,” I mutter.
He barks out a laugh and slings his arm over my shoulders. “Maybe not, but she’s their cousin. You really want to tangle with them?”
“I’m not tangling with anyone. She barely looked at me. We weren’t in the room with each other very long, and I haven’t seen her since.”
“You’re still thinking about her.”
I shrug. Baker knows me well enough.
He leans his forehead against my temple. “It’s not a bad thing to open yourself up again,” he says quietly.
“Every time I do…” I can't finish the sentence. It causes too much pain. I’ve put myself out there more times than I can count. It never ends well. And here I am thinking about a vampire from an extremely powerful family. She couldn’t be more out of my league.
Baker shakes me slightly and whispers, “Hey. Your friend, Davian, mated with a princess. Anything is possible in our world.”
“Your world. I’m not one of you, remember?”
He pulls back. His gaze hard. “You’re as much one of us as anyone else in our family. Just because you're... different, doesn't mean you’re not family.” I’m glad he didn't slip up and say something he shouldn’t. It takes work to watch what we say when we’re in the presence of humans who know nothing about paranormals.
Yes, I’m one of the family like Baker said. I’m one of the pack. They don’t care if I’m human. But I do. I feel inferior to them. It’s not like it’s something I want to feel. I don’t. When everyone around me has super long lives and can do amazing things, it hits me hard sometimes. I watch them in love and life. I want what they have.
The pack isn’t just a way of life. They’re everything to me. I love them. And to think of my life ending and leaving them, it’s not something I want to do. There’s this feeling in my gut that says I’m meant for bigger and better things. Not a human life. Yet, that’s what I have. I need to accept it. There’s no other choice.
One day, I could find my mate. Or settle for love with a human. Settle isn’t the right word. I’d be very fortunate to have the love of someone, human or paranormal. Love isn’t a given. There’s no part of life that says you're guaranteed to find it. I hoped I would have it by now. I’m young, but I crave that affection. That attention from one special person. It’s hard not to when it’s all around me.
My life is only beginning. However, it can end quickly. I love and cherish every paranormal in my life. The selfish part of me can’t help but reach for what they have. I don’t see it disappearing. I’ve tried for years to push it to the back. To be happy with what I have. I want more. I want it all.
4
Genevieve
Freaking Solomon, making me come along with him to the States. Ever since he found out I live the life of a hermit he hasn’t left me alone. Him or Ford. They’re always showing up when I’m busy. And by busy, I mean sitting around streaming shows and movies on television. I have an infinite life. If I want to waste it away on a couch, so be it.
“Let go of me,” I pull my arm out of his grasp and walk away from him.
“I can’t teleport you with me if I’m not holding on to you.”
“That’s not a bad idea. In fact, don’t touch me again. I have a show to watch.”
“Fate’s sake, Gen. You need to get out of this house.”
I look around at the five-bedroom, six-bathroom, two-story home I have in the Italian countryside. “I’m sorry. Is my home not up to your standards? Don’t you live in a shack on a beach?”
Sol stops and straightens his spine before turning to me. “How dare you insult my beach home. It’s a beautiful place I’m raising my daughter in with Lilah. Just because it’s not in Italy, on who knows how many acres, doesn’t mean it’s a shack.” I really love getting under his skin. I’ve been to his house. It’s very nice.
“You can go now.” I wave my hand dismissively like I stopped listening.
“You’re more irritating than Ford,” he huffs.
It’s my turn to be offended. “How dare you compare me to your brother. I’m nothing like him.”
Sol crosses his arms. “If the fangs fit.”
“Get out of my house!” I point toward the door, even if he did teleport here. “Better yet, get out of this country!”
He tilts his chin up in defiance. “No.”
Stomping over to him, I put my hands around his neck. He doesn’t flinch. “Get out of here before I choke the life out of you.”
Grey eyes meet mine. “I said no.”
“Is it your goal to have every single one of your friends and family members threaten your life at one point or another? Because I feel like you’re close to meeting that quota.”