Page 28 of Puck My Life

“With a guy?”

I snort a laugh. “Yeah right. After the last time when my date actually fell more in love with you than me, I don’t think so.”

Deacon laughs and strokes a hand down my hair. It’s an absent-minded, familiar touch that goes right to my heart. I can barely breathe through the yearning.

“He would have done anything I wanted,” Deacon teases and pulls me into a hug. “You have the worst taste in men.”

“You scare them all away.”

“See, I am good for something after all.”

My Deacon, this version, the slightly insecure, kind, protective alpha hugs me harder, lifting me up so he can kiss my cheek. This is the alpha who only I understand.

“You’re good for everything, Deacon, and don’t ever let anybody tell you otherwise.”

Deacon goes still before his arms tighten just a little bit more.

“Love you, Vae.”

My throat seizes. “Love you, too, Deacon.”

He lets go, steps back, spins, and leaves the room. I watch him go, wondering how it all came to this.

If I’d been a beta, would I have stayed? Yes. I wouldn’t be forcing myself out of this. I would have waited while they grew bored or bonded Indy, and I would have let them forget about me and then cast me aside.

Like my parents did.

Today is my last day. I need to take Mandy’s advice and create some distance.

Vae

PAST

Maria glances at me.

“What are you doing?”

I smile at her, nice and wide. I don’t want to scare her, but I need to get her to really see me, too. “Can you teach me to cook?”

“No.”

My smile falls. I didn’t expect a flat no. “Please. I want to be able to help out.”

Maria glances at me and raises an eyebrow. I can almost hear her words: for what reason? What’s your game now, Hook?

“You are an excellent cook, and I want to know how to do these things.”

“Why?”

“Well, someone's got to look after the boys when we turn eighteen.”

She pauses, her hand shaking. I can see her thinking it over, and when her shoulders slump, I know I’ve won.

When did her hair get so grey?

“Okay. I’ll teach you how to look after your boys. Come over here.”

PRESENT