Page 44 of Half Wolf Mate
“I know. I’m just shocked you’re taking her on shopping expeditions now.” Not too long ago, they didn’t get along.
He shrugged. “Syd is alright.”
I almost ground my molars to dust. Everyone was getting closer to Sydney but me.
“Her birthday is coming up, and she said something about needing an outfit for a girl’s night or whatever. I’ll be playing bodyguard for that outing too, so don’t worry.”
I sat taller. “Her birthday?”
“Sure, this Sunday.”
“She didn’t tell me. You see? She hates me.” Sydney had been treating me with cool indifference since we talked over dinner that night weeks ago. Maybe she’ll never forgive me for the way I treated her in the beginning.
Damian shook his head. “I never thought I’d see the day when the Alpha turned into a drama queen. I don’t think she hates you.”
I glared at Damian. “You do know if she’s celebrating her birthday, most likely Macy Dupart will be a part of it, right? They’ve become close friends.”
The color drained from Damian’s face, and his eyes widened. “Fuck, I didn’t think about that. I assumed she’d go out with Violet. I can’t go with them, Cole. You’ll have to take my place. I…” He blew out a long breath. “Macy hates me.”
I quirked an eyebrow. “Who’s the drama queen now?” It was incredible how the ever-composed Damian lost his shit at the mere mention of one woman’s name. The poor bastard probably wallowed in guilt daily for what he did to Macy. I could relate. I suppose I was in the category of a poor bastard, too.
Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Damian sighed. “You know what? It’s all good. I’ll be fine. How hard can it be watching over a couple of women for a few hours?”
“Right…”
Straightening his leather jacket, he squared his shoulders and walked out.
Staring at the spot Damian vacated, I wondered what I could get Sydney for a gift. What did one get his mate, who he’d rejected, humiliated, and was now protecting for her birthday?
“We put a new spin on complicated relationship status,” I grumbled.
***
It was still early when Sydney arrived—only a little after ten.
“Thanks, Damian,” she said.
“No problem. See you tomorrow.” Damian sounded absolutely miserable, which was why I guess he didn’t bother to come in.
Sydney stepped inside, still gazing into the hallway. When she turned around, she gasped and clutched her chest. I sat in the living room, facing the door, waiting for her like some kind of creep.
“Cole, what are you doing here? Stupid question, this is your house. I didn’t think you’d be back so soon. You mentioned going to the pack’s compound to meet with the elders tonight.”
“The meeting was rescheduled.” Because I told the old goats I’d be busy tonight. I wanted to come home early to see Sydney on her birthday.
“Oh.” She nibbled her lower lips. “Are you angry? I know I’m not supposed to go out, but I’d already promised Macy we’d hang out, and then Violet wanted to come along. I didn’t want to disappoint them. Damian said—”
“It’s fine, Sydney. I trust Damian with my own life. I trust him with yours.”
She watched me warily. “Are you okay?”
“Fine, except I’m a little miffed. I had to find out from Damian about your birthday.”
She fiddled with her purse. “I didn’t mention it because, honestly, I didn’t think you’d care.”
I subtly assessed her in the skintight red dress that left her legs on display. Her chestnut waves hung around her shoulders like a silky curtain, and her lips were painted crimson. She was temptation on legs.
“I care,” I said.