Ella’s eyes went to mine and Mason’s joined hands. “You didn’t know we were going to be here.”
When I tried to let go of his hand, he held on tight.
“Obviously, I didn’t, or we wouldn’t be here.” Mason huffed and glanced back at me.
“You were trying to take her somewhere, just you and her?” The dark-haired girl jerked back. “I thought you didn’t date.”
“It changed today, Meredith.” Mason glared at the girl and moved to stand slightly in front of me. “She’s officially my girlfriend, so your claws stay hidden. Got it?”
Whoa. This just accelerated, but I couldn’t bring my damn mouth to open and correct him. I didn’t want her to think she had a chance with him. This was a fucking awful idea.
“Humph.” She cut her amber eyes to me. “Don’t get too excited. He’ll be crawling into my bed before it’s all over.”
“No, I won’t be.” He lifted his chin and growled. “And don’t talk to her that way again.”
“Maybe instead of just opening your legs whenever a guy gives you attention, you could develop a good personality.” Ella crossed her arms and stared the girl down. “I mean you should at least try to have one redeeming quality.”
I loved that girl so fucking much, but I refused to be talked down to. “Usually the type who threaten are overcompensating for something.” I turned and fixed my gaze on hers. “Do you have daddy issues or something?”
Meredith jerked back as if she was slapped. “You…”
“It’s best if you shut the hell up.” Mason scowled at her. “The next words you say will make me come unglued, and we’re around…” He glanced at me and cleared his throat, “a lot of people.”
“Be a good girl, and let my brother have his date.” Ella winked at me and turned on her heel. “Besides, I like them together.”
Meredith glared at me as she slammed right into my shoulder in an attempt to knock me aside.
I stood tall and shoved back into her too. I wasn’t going to let someone treat me like that. If I did, things were only going to get worse.
She stumbled and fell to the ground with a loud thud. “You bitch.”
Mason lurched forward, but I tugged him back.
“The number-one rule of taking on someone is making sure you can win.” I squatted so I was close to eye level with her. “Don’t fuck with me.”
“Girl, I love you so much.” Ella laughed so hard she clutched her side. “That’s been a long time coming.”
“Come on.” Mason stepped around Meredith, making the situation that much more comical. “There’s an open table over here.”
Not wanting to be a complete ass, I gave her a wider berth, but when I glanced at her one more time, something like respect reflected in her eyes.
Yeah, I wasn’t going to analyze that one. I followed after him as he made his way to a table that was across the restaurant in the corner.
When he reached the table, he pulled out the chair for me. “I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s fine.” I sat, and he stepped over to his chair. “I mean we’re just friends after all.”
“No, it’s not, and we both know better, no matter how desperate you are to not admit it.” He ran his hands through his short hair. “I’m going to be honest. I’ve never dated someone.”
“You don’t say?” He acted like that was brand new information.
“Touché.” He leaned back in his seat as the waitress appeared. “Hi, do you guys know what you want?”
My stomach growled loudly once more. “Can I get a large pizza with all the meats?” Oh crap, I was used to being alone. “I mean if that’s okay with you.”
“Make it two.” He tapped the table with his finger. “And I’ll take a Coke.”
“Water for me, please.” I gazed out the window, not quite sure what to say next.
“So, you’ve got two moms?” He leaned back in his seat and got comfortable.
“Yeah, something like that.” Eventually, I would have to tell him my story, but it wasn’t going to be tonight. So I gave him the shortened version. “My parents died young, and Kassie and Mona took care of me.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” He winced and scratched the back of his neck with his hand. “I didn’t realize.”
“Don’t.” Flashes from that day filtered through my head. I couldn’t break down here. “I… don’t want to talk about it.”
“Yeah, okay.” He nodded his head and licked his bottom lip. “Well, they sure seem nice. I mean this is a stupid question, but do you know them well?”
Ah, he was fishing. “Of course. I’ve lived with them every day for the past twelve years. Why would you ask that?” He was trying to figure out how much I knew about wolves.
“No reason.” He cleared his throat and pursed his lips to the side. “You’re enjoying making me squirm.”
“What?” I mashed my lips together, trying to hide my laugh. “No.” But it slipped through anyway.
“You sneak.” He laughed and reached over the table, taking my hand in his. The electricity sprung to life, and my wolf howled louder in my head.
I yanked my hand back, but the place he had touched still tingled. I was playing a dangerous game, and I could only hope that I knew what I was doing.
We rolled up to the gym about a quarter till fight time.
“Are you sure we aren’t late?” I’d been stressing the entire time. “I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
“Aw, that’s cute.” He parked the car and turned to face me. “I’ll be fine. Come on; let’s head inside so I can make sure you and Ella are settled before my fight.”
I jumped out of the car before he had a chance to open my door. Boundaries. I needed to have boundaries. “They should already be in there. They left before we did.”
“Alec likes to get here early. That’s all.” We strolled through the parking lot toward the building.“I’m surprised that
