Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 19506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Trey agreed, and my skin tingled when our fingers laced together. I led him in slow, measured steps down the path as I further explained, “It started out with just Rowdy, Ridge, and me. Rowdy was disowned by his family, and Ridge and I took him in. He’s always been like our little brother. Last year, Rowdy and Ridge both found their mates, and now we’re one big happy family.”
I told him about my pack; from Zane’s bear attack to Grayson’s battle with his sickness. I felt guilty when I left out the part of their supernatural healing. I needed to be completely honest with Trey, especially given his past relationship. I didn’t want to hide a thing from him, but it wasn’t the way I wanted to begin the conversation.
“I hate what they went through, but I’m so happy that everything worked out,” Trey said when I finished the story. He didn’t know them well, but he had a beautiful, caring heart. “And it’s amazing how you and Ridge cared for Rowdy when he was young. He’s very lucky to have you.”
“We’re all lucky to have each other,” I corrected with a gentle squeeze to his hand. “Even though he does drive me crazy sometimes.” Trey chuckled and I asked, “So what about you? Do you have family closeby?”
“My parents live in town, but we’re not incredibly close. We don’t have any issues or anything; we just mainly see each other for holidays and call every once in a while.”
I hoped to meet them one day, but I worried that may sound too forward, so I switched the conversation back to learning about my mate. “I know you mentioned not enjoying your job at the restaurant. So, if you could choose any career, what would it be?” I wanted to know about his hopes and dreams, and if there was anything I could do to help them become reality.
Trey thought for a moment before answering, “I loved working at the library, but I’d want to be more involved with the books themselves. I think I’d like to be a book reviewer. I’d get to read all the time, and then help other people find great stories.”
“That sounds amazing.”
He smiled brightly and asked, “What about you? Would you choose anything different?”
“I don’t think I would. I love being able to work with my friends, and in nature.”
“When you said you made alcohol, I pictured you working in a factory or something.”
“Actually, we collect the secret ingredient from plants that grow right here in the forest. We take turns harvesting it, and it’s quite relaxing. We make a good living doing it; we have everything we need.” And I’d always make sure that Trey never wanted for a thing.
“Ooh, maybe I’ll learn that secret recipe someday,” Trey teased, bouncing his eyebrows.
“Absolutely. It’s Rowdy’s turn to harvest today, but the next time I go out to the fields, I’d love to take you with me and show you the plants and process.”
“Are you serious? I’d love to go with you, but…you’d trust me with that?”
“I would.” I stopped walking and turned to face him, taking both of his hands in mine. “I don’t want to have any secrets from you, Trey. I want to share everything with you, so there’s a few things I need to tell you.”
Panic flashed in his eyes before he reined it in, as I assumed he’d trained himself to do. He took a deep breath and answered, “Okay,” in a flat tone.
“Well, I hope that the first thing is obvious; I want to have a romantic relationship with you. Only if it’s what you want too,” I added quickly, not wanting him to think I was demanding something from him. It would kill me if he rejected me, but I would never force him to do anything.
A slow smile began to curve his mouth before his lips fell flat again, along with my heart. “Maybe you don’t understand what a mess I am. I’m a grab bag of trauma and trust issues. I’m not worth the trouble.”
I let go of one hand to stroke my fingers through his soft blond hair. “Trey, you are worth everything to me, and if you give me the chance, I will do everything I can to prove that to you. I hate what you’ve gone through, and I hate Brad for putting you through it, but I will never do the same. If you’ll have me, I will spend my time showing you how precious you are, and how you should be treated; with respect and care.”
His smile returned, and this time he didn’t stop it from reaching its full, shining splendor. “You’re making it awfully hard to say no.”
I beamed from ear to ear as well, but I knew there was one more thing I had to disclose; one big, cougar-shaped thing.