Page 40 of Sawyer
“Cooper, I’d like you to meet someone,” I said. “This is Casey. Casey, this is Cooper—my lead alpha and best friend.”
Casey reached out to shake Cooper’s hand, his grip firm but a little tense. I could tell he was still nervous, and I couldn’t help but think of the scar on his arm again.
Hopefully, introducing him to more of my pack members would help him feel more at ease around shifters.
“It’s good to finally meet you, Casey,” Cooper said, his tone warm and friendly. “I understand you invited Sawyer to the next town meeting?”
Cooper, always straight to the point. I shot him a wry look.
“Going straight for the jugular, huh?” I asked Cooper.
“It’s okay, Sawyer,” Casey interjected, giving my hand a squeeze. “That’s right. I’m hoping Sawyer could clear some things up for the other townsfolk.”
Cooper nodded thoughtfully.
“I really appreciate you inviting us, Casey. I know that when the pack was under Ryder’s leadership, the relationship between the pack and the human community was a bit tense. But I’m hoping to change that,” Cooper said.
We ordered some coffee and food, and as we talked, I could see Casey slowly relaxing.
The tension in his shoulders eased, and Casey began to smile more, engaging with Cooper in a way that made my heart swell with pride.
It was clear he was trying, despite his nerves, and I couldn’t be more proud of him for that.
Eventually, Casey had to excuse himself to open his shop.
“I’ll text you later?” I asked, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the mouth.
Casey nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. “It was nice meeting you, Cooper.”
“Same here,” Cooper said, watching as Casey walked out of the diner.
Once Casey was gone, Cooper turned to me with a knowing grin.
“Miles and I were wondering why you keep taking Benny to the pet grooming store. So Casey’s the reason?” Cooper asked.
“He is,” I admitted, feeling a bit sheepish.
Cooper was wearing his friend-mask, not his lead alpha-mask, so I felt comfortable enough to share my fears.
I went on, “but part of me wonders if I’m good enough.”
Cooper’s smile faded, replaced by a look of concern.
“What do you mean?” Cooper asked.
“I’m not exactly at my best,” I said, glancing down at my leg. “My leg…”
“Your leg is completely fine,” Cooper cut in, his tone dismissive.
I ignored his comment, knowing he was just trying to be supportive.
“And then there’s Garth. He’s been causing trouble for Casey,” I said.
I briefly explained Garth’s connection to Casey’s store, though I didn’t go into too much detail.
Cooper already had enough on his plate. Garth was my problem to deal with. Cooper frowned, clearly troubled.
“Garth’s becoming a handful,” Cooper admitted. “He got into a fight with Griffin last night at the pack house. When I arrived, Garth said it was just a friendly competition. Griffin said the same.”