Page 20 of Wolves’ Midlife Reunion (Shifter Nation: Enchanted Over Forty #3)
She was really excited. She liked the uniform and the ball.
You had to bring her over so I could help you guys figure out how to do her hair for games.
She started watching professional women’s games on TV and talking about how strong those women were.
Sage was going to work hard and be just like them.
Debbie flexed her haunches and hopped across the creek, only getting one of her back paws wet.
She shook it out and then hurried up the other side of the bank.
I remember. How could he forget? Soccer had been Sage’s entire life for a few months. She still played, but the obsession had eventually slowed down.
They walked side by side now, the morning sun casting their shadows onto the undergrowth. Then a few weeks into her first season, she made her first goal. Unfortunately, it was in the wrong net.
He’d lived her heartache for her, both when he’d realized what’d happened and when Sage had gotten the news from her coach. She was absolutely devastated.
And what did you tell her? You didn’t make her quit. You explained that this was just a good lesson to learn so she knew what to do next time. Unless I missed something, I don’t believe she’s ever kicked the ball into the wrong goal again.
Dex let out an inward sigh. I get it, Deb. I know what you’re saying. But this is magic we’re talking about. Doing the wrong thing could have real consequences.
So could completely leaving it behind, she pointed out sharply. And what about you and Tina?
He turned his head, pretending to watch a squirrel. That doesn’t matter.
Yes, it does! This could be your last chance to be with your true mate.
You had a great relationship with Marie.
She was a sweet person, and I don’t regret getting to know her.
But something was always lacking, something sad around the edges of that relationship because you knew you weren’t fated. You’ve always wanted that.
Dex had the feeling she’d be poking him in the chest with her finger if they were in their human forms. Sage’s wellbeing is more important than any of my selfish needs.
Damn it! Debbie leaned over and nipped his ear. You’ve never been selfish, Dex, and there’s absolutely nothing selfish about wanting something for yourself. I’ve already told you this, but I’ll say it a thousand times if I have to.
Debbie—
And maybe, just maybe, you’re actually being selfish right now by cutting Tina out of your life. She stopped after that, letting it sink in.
They walked back to the packhouse in silence.
As they reached the deck, they returned to their human forms. Being on two legs felt heavy and cumbersome, but Dex knew that was only because of his dark mood.
He understood what Debbie was saying, and in some circumstances, he was probably right.
This was magic, though. It changed everything.
She checked the time as they got inside. “I’ve got to go, Dex.”
“Thank you for spending time with me, even if you think I’m an ass,” he replied.
Debbie gave him a firm look. “I do, but I also love you. I wouldn’t get so riled up if I didn’t care.
I know that’s essentially your problem, too, but you’ve got to relax and let go a little.
You’ve got to think about what’s going to be best for you in the long run.
Sage is still young, but she won’t always be right there at your side. ”
“No,” he acknowledged, though the thought was a knife through his heart, “but I’m the only person she has right now.”
Debbie shook her head. “No. You’re not. You’ve been working so hard to compensate for being a single parent, but maybe you don’t need to do that. At least think about it, Dex. I’ll see you later.” She headed out to her car.
He couldn’t help but mull it over as the day went on. Debbie’s words echoed in his brain as though she were still there next to him. She made it sound so simple, like he could just follow his heart and everything would be fine. Life had taught him the opposite.
Later that evening, after he’d picked Sage up from school and they’d had dinner, he tucked her in for the night.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, honey?” He sat on the edge of her bed, glad that they’d managed to have a good afternoon together. She’d told him all about the projects she was working on in school, who was doing what on the playground, and how gross the cafeteria food could be.
Sage’s eyes were especially big when she looked up at him. “I’m sorry I threw my toy yesterday.”
His heart melted, and the tension flooded out of his muscles. “I’m glad to hear that, and I’m sorry I got angry with you.”
“That’s okay. I know what I did was bad, and I won’t do it again,” she promised solemnly.
“Good.”
“When do I get to see Tina next? I wanted to ask her some questions.” She fiddled with her doll’s hair.
He hated to have this conversation right after they’d made up, but it needed to happen. “You actually won’t be seeing her again. I’ve thought about it a lot after last night, and I’ve decided that your magical training needs to wait until you’re older.”
She shot upright in bed. “But I said I was sorry!”
“I know, and I appreciate that. It’s important to make up for the things we’ve done. I also know it’s hard for you to understand why all of this has to stop when you’ve been having fun, but it’s not really about fun. Magic can be dangerous, and it needs to wait until you’re older.”
“That’s not fair!” She fell back on her pillow with a thump and rolled over, her doll tucked firmly under her arm.
“We can talk about this,” Dex said gently as he laid his hand on her arm. Despite what Tina or Debbie said, he really did know it would be difficult for Sage. That didn’t mean it wasn’t right.
Sage squirmed out from under his arm. “No. I don’t want to talk to you. I like Tina, I like my lessons, and I like my magic.”
He understood what was implied there. Right now, Sage didn’t like him. He wasn’t going to convince her otherwise. The best thing he could do was to give her time to cool off. “Goodnight, honey.”
He went out into the living room and turned on the TV, but it couldn’t hold his attention for more than a few seconds. Everyone was angry with him, and it made him feel like he’d lost everything.