Page 51 of A Broody Mate for the Human

“It just feels that no one is waiting for me,” I admit sadly.

“But I am waiting,” Deacon exclaims. “Old, boring, single me is forever alone and happy to have a roommate. And the twins are waiting… sure they are on a mission now, but once they are back, they’ll want to see their friend again.” The twins are my only true friends. We grew up together, as they were Alpha Jace’s sons, and we are all of similar age. I’ve mingled with the shadiest guys here in the pack. None of those friendships stuck. But the twins are different. They are good… “And the alpha is waiting for you.”

“Uncle Jace hates me now.”

Deacon laughs. “Yes, right, that’s why he made sure that you are well attended to, live with me, get therapy, and find a purpose in your life.” He sighs. “Jace has high hopes for you.”

“What? Why?” I blink.

“He thinks you have it in you to work on yourself and leave the past behind.” He pauses. “Remember? We can only help someone who wants to be helped.”

“I want to be helped,” I mutter.

“Fantastic,” Deacon exclaims. “And the first step is to accept a smoothie now.”

I sigh, wondering if I can truly keep it down this time. “I’ll try,” I say.

“That’s all I’m asking for,” Deacon says, and I get the feeling he was talking about more than just drinking a smoothie.

Chapter eighteen

Sugar

*DAVE*

“Thesearehispapers.Our boy is vaccinated and was thoroughly checked.” The lady smiles at me happily. “We are so happy he gets a good forever home. Most people only adopt small dogs, but bigger dogs…”

I kneel in front of the huge pup, a mix between a Bernese mountain, Newfoundlander, and probably a few other breeds, and gently brush over its fur. “I will make sure you’re loved, my boy.”

“He has no name yet,” the young lady tells me. “His old owner dropped him off because he grew too big.”

“What kind of reason is that?” I ask in disbelief.

“He got him as a pup.” She shrugs helplessly. “People are like that, unfortunately. They think a dog is just a perfect Christmas gift and a cute little toy until the puppy grows into an actual dog with needs and problems.”

“That’s awful.” I cradle his massive head between my hands, and he immediately opens his mouth, panting in joy and drooling on the floor. “Be glad you’re cute.” I grin. “I’ll make my apartment drool-proof.”

“And you have time to walk him regularly?”

“Yes, I’m free for the next couple of months, and then I will have a contract at university. A lot of my research I will do at home.”

She beams. “That’s perfect, Mr. Ford. Thank you so much for adopting a pup and not buying one.”

I smile at her. “Thank you for your important work,” I tell her, noting how she blushes happily. I turn towards my new furry companion. “And you, little one, will never be alone again.”

The lady giggles a bit before handing me the documents she promised. I talked to her beforehand, so I came prepared—I also stocked my apartment with supplies and gadgets necessary for dogs. My car now has a crate that my pup can travel safely in.

“You still need a name.” I tousle through his fur, noting happily how he jumps in joy. Love at first sight, it seems. “Sugar.”

The young woman laughs. “You’re funny, Mr. Ford.”

I smile. “I can’t help it, it seems.”

With my new dog following me obediently on his leash, the necessary papers, and a folder with information and advice from the shelter, I make my way back to my car. Sugar seems to be wary of the car, but fortunately he is a mix of gluttonous breeds, so he allows himself to be bribed with treats and happily jumps into his crate. Our first stop is the vet where I have an appointment. Sugar might have gotten the basic vaccinations, but I want to see if he needs any further medical attention… there is only so much you can do in a shelter.

Elif and Ozan recommended the vet to me, so I’m not surprised to hear that he is indeed Ozan’s cousin. He is a nice man, though, and takes his time to check Sugar and gives me further tips and instructions on how to handle such a huge breed.

“Both Bernese mountains and Newfoundlanders are gentle giants.” He chuckles. “They are kind dogs, very loyal, and happy with just being close to their owner. Be sure to walk him regularly and take him out into nature, but you don’t necessarily need to go out of your way with any agility training. If Sugar gets used to it, he can go hiking with you.”