Page 21 of Opposites Attract
Alice lowered her face. “Not like all of them other girls. More like Aspen on the show who was looking for her fated mate. No offense.”
“Why would I take offense?” Sure, it stung a little that I was lumped with theothergirls. But I’d spent years in their circles, so it was to be expected. Besides, Aspen was my sister-in-law and, unlike some of the people I’d met here, she wasn’t a bitch.
Though I had to wonder why they thought Aspen was actually on the show to find a mate. One day, I needed to watch Season Seven.
“Because she doesn’t want to be a gold digger.” Aiden poked a stick into the imaginary firepit. I’d wanted to light them a real fire, but I wasn’t sure about the rules with kids and flames.
“Shut up, Aiden.” Alice shoved him “Gold digger isn’t a nice word.”
I frowned, studying them. “Is that what everyone thinks? That the females on the show were gold diggers?”
By the way they all looked anywhere but my face, I had my answer. “Are Amber and Danielle gold diggers?”
“Oh no,” Hannah gasped. “We don’t have many options up here. They were lucky to get a chance to find mates from different packs on the show. It’s the other girls who just want money. The rich ones who…” Her voice trailed off as Alice’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Am I right in assuming you all think I’m a gold digger for mating with Alpha John?”
“Not us,” Hannah rushed to explain.
“But the dams sure think so.” Aiden nodded.
“It’s not your fault though.” Alice patted my hand. “You can’t help being a pampered city girl.”
Did she just call us…
I guess she did.
I burst into laughter, laughing even harder at the horrified expressions on their faces. This was great. More than great.
The O’Neil Pack thought I’d left my comfortable position in McCaw, with my own house where I made all my own rules and had more money than I knew what to do with, for a life like this?
They were all high as a kite.
8
John
It took a massive amount of liquor for shifters to get and stay drunk, but that didn’t stop the O’Neil Clan from testing the limits. Pitchers of beer and jugs of homemade apple pie moonshine were passed around the picnic tables out front of the lodge. The far tables were laden with potluck casseroles and Shirley’s kitchen creations.
Young pups came running through the maze of adults, causing chaos as I searched the crowd, looking for Fallon.My mate.It still had a ribbon on the word. Shiny and fresh and new. My chest puffed out with pride when I saw her stepping from the trees and into the clearing where the O’Neil Pack gathered for the feast.
There she is.My beast wagged his tail.
If Fallon was a princess–like the pack rumors were spreading and I’d threatened death or dismemberment to make stop–then she was my pretty, gothic princess. Her raven black hair was stuck full of leaves and her dark red-lined lips smirked as Alice, Bryant’s niece, pulled her past the tables of food.
“You’ve been busy.”I arched a brow, feeling the lightness in my chest when I realized she’d lifted the mental barrier between us.
“It’s been an enlightening afternoon.”Fallon shooed Alice off, sending the pup chasing after her friends, but I didn’t imagine the hint of fondness in my Luna’s eyes.
One day she’ll carry our pups.
Not today though. Today the challenge was written all over her face.
“I take it you’ve heard the rumors.”I sighed.
“Which ones?”Fallon held her chin high as she crossed the clearing to take her place by my side. “Am I a gold digger? Spoiled city girl?”
“Pampered princess.” I smiled as I caught her hand and lifted it to my lips.