Technical Threat (Westin Force #4) - Julie Trettel Page 0,71

much, but he’s going to teach me himself. It’s…”

I cut her off. “Perfect.”

“Yeah, that. So, how’s mated life going?”

I groaned.

“Uh-oh, that good?”

“He was up early before me today. I haven’t actually seen him.”

“Well, he was working, right?”

“Yes. That part doesn’t bother me much.”

“So what’s wrong?”

“He lives in a hotel room. Like, I sorta knew that when he explained life at the Lodge, but it looks and feels like a hotel room. There is nothing personal here whatsoever. It’s weird.”

“Yeah, that is weird. Maybe he’s just not there much.”

“I’m begining to think that. But where does that leave me? A life alone all the time?”

“Doesn’t have to be. Come over to Nonna’s and hang out with us. We could go this afternoon and get Sage signed up for school. She’s going to put it off as long as possible if we don’t push the issue.”

I sighed. “I know. Yeah, maybe that’ll help some. Let’s do it.”

It certainly beat sitting around wallowing here.

I left a note for Tarron letting him know where I was just so he didn’t freak out or anything. Then I grabbed my keys and left. It was easy to find my way back to the parking lot. Sapphire texted me Nonna’s address and I plugged it in and headed further up the mountain.

When Tarron had given us a quick drive through town I hadn’t paid that much attention. I was still feeling too overwhelmed and tired from the long trip. The scents of the area were something that were going to take time to adjust to, but at least I was more prepared for it this time.

I’d met Kyle Westin briefly and had the Alpha’s approval to be in territory. I used that to my advantage to go for a long drive and really explore the place on my own. I easily found all the places Sapphire had mentioned and a whole lot more. It looked like a great little town to live in and everyone I passed smiled and waved.

My stomach started to rumble, and I realized it was nearly one in the afternoon and I hadn’t eaten anything. Not wanting to waste a lot of time sitting in a restaurant, I pulled into the small grocery store just off of Main Street before the downtown strip began.

I got out and stretched and then walked in to grab a few much needed items.

There were a few stares along the way as I passed. I could tell people were curious. When I reached the back of the store, I sighed in relief, grateful to find myself alone and out of the spotlight for at least a few seconds.

“You must be Susan,” a booming voice said from behind me.

I yelped, as I jumped and turned to see who was talking to me.

The man was older and standing behind the meat counter.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said apologetically.

“It’s okay. I just didn’t see you there. How do you know my name?”

“Lucia was in here earlier to pick up her weekly order and told me all about you.”

“Lucia? Who’s that?”

He looked at me confused. “Lucia, she was in here with your sisters. I met them, too. We’re really happy to have you here.”

“Oh, do you mean, Nonna?”

He smiled warmly. “Yes, I should have known. Most folks around here call her that now, especially since Tarron moved to town. I’m Samson and available for all your butchering needs. I have lunchmeat and cheeses as well as seafood too.”

“Thanks. It’s really nice to meet you, Samson.”

“You as well Susan. That Tarron is a fine young man. He’ll make a good mate.”

I blushed a little and nodded, murmuring an awkward thanks before placing my order. He made a few more suggestions and I ended up walking away with far more than I had intended.

I quickly wrapped up the last of my shopping and went to stand in line. There seemed to be some sort of issue at the register. I sighed. I was starving and the sandwich fixings I’d picked up were right there taunting me.

“Excuse me,” a lady said behind me as she tapped me lightly on the shoulder. “Are you new to the area? I haven’t seen you around here before.”

I nodded as I turned to face her. “I just moved here.”

Her smile was very comforting and welcoming. “You must be Susan. Am I right?”

“How did you know that? How does everyone seem to know that?”

“Word spreads quickly around here. What can I say? I’m Kelsey. I believe you met