even if I'm forty like you, without one. And Seth gave me this whole talk about making sure they knew the risks, and how I have to be honest and stuff. I figure that's where they really screwed up. They didn't tell you first?"
"They didn't," I admitted.
She nodded. "They are sorry. God, they talk about it all the time, about how they screwed up with you, and they're miserable. And it's been like three weeks!"
"So you think I should forgive them?" I asked, almost hoping she'd say yes, because the truth was I wanted to. I did. I just didn't want to not take this seriously, either.
Gabby sighed. "Mom, I think you should become a wolf. I think it'd be so much fun to run out there with you. But that's the thing. See, Seth said that if you're ready for it, then it's easier. Like, he said the harder he fought the change, the worse it was, but when he just accepted that this was his new normal, he could finally shift back. He said every convert is like that. That the ones who don't make it back to human? They're the ones who are lost, without a pack, and fighting it. The ones who refuse to believe it's really happening. That having the support is what makes it a good thing."
"Ok?"
"And the pack alpha has dominance. It's weird. Like, my body knows that he's my leader, and so Ian could push me to shift. That's how I've been learning, you know? He helped me get human again, and now he helps me become a wolf when I want to, and it really only hurts the first time. After that, it feels pretty weird, but in a cool way."
"But I'm not a kid," I reminded her. "I'm older, I'm not as resilient, and this is most definitely not something to do on a whim." I gave her a pointed look.
She lifted a hand, proving she wasn't done. "I'm just saying that I hope you want to do this. And I know that you're still mad at the guys, but, I think that you need to talk to them, and all of you should figure this out. However, to do that, you need to apologize to them, too, because you aren't all right either. Mom, you blamed them for what I did, and that wasn't their fault! You six really need to make up, and then maybe you can start all over without the big wolf secret hanging between you."
"When did you get so smart about these things?" I asked her.
"Mm... I think a few months ago, when I realized that my mom kinda kicks ass. Granted, I also think you're boring, but doing the nasty with five guys does kinda help your image."
"You," I told her, "will never say that in front of me again!"
She giggled and hopped off the chair. "How am I supposed to talk to you about this stuff if you won't talk to me back, Mom? I thought you said we should be open and honest with each other."
"I mostly meant you talking to me," I admitted.
"Yeah, and now you know how weird that is. Look, I'll try. I mean, I've been trying. But it goes both ways, and I know all about the weird crap alpha sets do. Trust me, it's all Xander can talk about. When he's alpha, he's going to have girl betas and a mate, and then have some big orgy."
I had both hands over my face. "Kill me now. Please, Gabby, just put me out of this misery."
"Well, going next door might help. Otherwise, I can keep this up for a few more hours."
"Fine!" I grabbed my phone from the counter and headed to the door. "I'm going!"
"And if you're not back by dark, I'll spend the night at Olivia's," she yelled at me. "Good luck, Mom!"
"Thanks, baby." I closed the door behind me and whispered to myself, "I think becoming a wolf made her even more outspoken. They said she'd be more submissive!"
But I didn't mind. Not at all. I was just happy this worked for her. Now, to make it work for me. The question was if that was even possible.
CHAPTER 52
I had to take a couple of deep breaths before I could convince myself to knock on the door. I did, and nothing happened. I had to knock a second time before I finally heard the latch click. When the door opened, Seth looked confused, right up