Page 148 of My Broken Mate

“I know. But she is not in town.” I grab a bowl of fresh bread and place it on the table. “But she promised she would be here next time.”

Fi and I start setting the table, gossiping a little when Ayden joins us. “So, where is your hot man?” he asks me.

I laugh. “He is on his way.”

“I envy you so much, Kat,” Fi sighs. “I wish I could meet my mate soon.”

“You will,” I assure her. “I am sure you will.”

“What about me?” Ayden asks. “I could do with some Kat-positivity, as well.”

“I am convinced you will find your mate, too,” I say. “After all, I found mine. If I can do it, it’ll be easy-peasy for you.”

“You make it sound like you aren’t a catch,” Fi points out.

“Well, to me, I wasn’t,” I admit.

“Hm.” Ayden tilts his head. “I think I get what you are saying. No matter what kind of wolves we are, we deserve to be loved.”

“That’s the spirit.”

“Is Remus staying with you this week?” Fi asks. “Totally in love with your new loft, by the way!”

It still feels weird not to live with Joel and Eve anymore, but I am enjoying my own little place. It’s still in the packhouse, and I am only a couple of steps away from my brothers, but it was a huge step for me.

“Yes, it’s a great place, but I enjoy staying in Remus’ cottage more,” I admit. “However, he is staying here for the week. We have plans and want to do some short trips. You are absolutely invited to come along.”

“And be the fifth wheel?” Ayden chuckles.

“You wouldn’t be,” I inform him. “We want to go swimming, and we certainly won’t be having sex in a public place.”

“Oh, I would love that!” Fi exclaims.

“Having sex in a public place?” Ayden deadpans.

“No, you idiot,” she exclaims. “Swimming! They have opened a new area at the lake and have a lot of fun activities there.”

“Yes,” I beam. “That’s why we want to go. Are you coming?”

“Absolutely, if it’s okay with you!”

“And you?” I ask Ayden.

He scrunches his nose. “Outdoor activity, huh? Well, I guess I can tag along one day. Gabe will be making a short trip, too.”

“Really? Where to?”

“He said he wanted to go hiking with Alpha Sean for two or three days.”

I don’t say anything, well aware of where they want to go hiking. I also know that Remus has told Sean, at least, about his past or part of it. He isn’t sure yet how to open up to Gabe fully, but I know he will be ready soon. He hasn’t shared a lot, and fortunately, Sean hasn’t pushed him to tell him more than he could. Meanwhile, I haven’t talked to my brothers either. I don’t think I am fully there yet. Part of my mind is still coming to terms with what happened to me in my past, but my mind is not fully ready to face it. Joel asked me once, indicating he wasaware that something was off, but he respected my wish to wait for me to be ready to tell him everything on my terms.

“I can’t believe classes will start again in two weeks,” Fi sighs. “I got so used to summer break.”

“Yes, but I am looking forward to the new term,” I say. “Though we won’t share many lectures anymore.”

“You really switched to biology, huh?”

“I did.” I feel giddy whenever I think about that decision. I started with business because I wanted to prove my worth to the pack and my brothers, although I hated it. The only good thing about it was that Remus tutored me. But now, it feels like I am doing something I am interested in. Eve and Joel supported the decision wholeheartedly.