Wolf's Call (Wolves Next Door #2) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,122
Day. Tell the guys you want to stop using condoms, and that you're willing to take the risk."
"And if I get infected early in the month?" I asked. "Like, four weeks before the full moon? I'll be sick and run down by the time I turn. There's no way I can do that."
"Actually," Bridget told me, "it's a little more complicated. Yes, you'll be sick. Often with a headache, sniffles, and typical allergy symptoms. But the virus is influenced by tidal forces which happen to line up with the lunar cycle. That's what triggers the ultimate infection which leads to you being turned. It's why we're all so aware of the full moon. Sadly, it's a unique enough phenomenon that there's not a lot of research on it, but it's still there."
"So, if I stop using condoms, I'll get allergies for a month, turn, and be fine?" That sounded too good to be true.
"We'll make sure you're fine," Ashley promised. "And if you think those guys will let anything happen to you, then you're an idiot. Ian's in love. Lane's fated for you. Seth?" She grinned. "That boy has it so bad!"
I glanced at my friends and decided there was no one better to talk to about this. "I'm not sure Trent and Pax are as excited about 'us,' though."
"I dunno," Heather said. "Those two are a little different. Trent comes off as the nice guy, and Pax usually gets to be the asshole. They're like the good cop and bad cop to Ian's leadership. I think you're throwing all of that out the window, and they aren't sure how to handle it."
"They were embarrassed when I found out about Karen," I admitted, looking to Ashley for a little help.
"And you've been a little busy lately," she told me. "Between figuring out wolves, dealing with Gabby, your divorce, and then Karen on top of all of that? Plus growing a relationship with not just one guy, but five?" She shook her head. "Do you blame them for thinking that your undivided attention is better than getting lost in the shuffle?"
"No..."
"So, seek them out. We don't live in the 1950s, Elena. If you want a man - or a pair of them - then chase them."
"I'm with her," Heather told me. "Besides, if you really want to risk the wolf? Pretty sure those two would love to be the ones you tell first."
"Oh," Bridget groaned. "Won't that piss off the alpha?"
"Not Ian," Ashley assured her. "He's not the kind of guy who has to get his dick wet first. Never has been. He thinks that love and dominance are completely separate issues."
"No wonder I like him so much," Kim said. "But, I have an idea." She leaned over toward me. "Roman wants to take Gabby out for a date, now that it's allowed again. He was planning to ask her out tomorrow. May have already."
"How do you know this?" Ashley wanted to know.
Kim laughed. "Because while Elena and Ian have forgiven him, he's still in the dog house with me. So he has to get my approval before he does anything that isn't at home or school, and that includes a date. Well, I told him it was ok to ask. So, that means the kids will be out tomorrow."
"Oh," Heather said, sitting up. "And I bet Olivia would be thrilled to have a sleepover afterwards to giggle about it."
Bridget was grinning. "And this," she said, "is what the Sisterhood is all about. Friends convincing their kids to be accidental wingmen for the Alpha Female of this pack. Guys, this is amazing."
"It really is," I agreed. "So, I can make plans to spend the night with my guys tomorrow? This is really going to happen?"
"And I'll keep Gabby most of the day on Saturday," Heather offered. "But, if I ever find a guy worth my time, you have to return the favor."
"Swear," I told her, smiling bigger than I could remember doing in a very long time. "And no more condoms, because I'm going to be a wolf!"
"I'll drink to that!" Ashley said.
And we did, clinking our glasses together before draining them. I was doing this. I was definitely doing this. My friends were willing to help me, my child wouldn't be forced to leave her pack, and I even had a doctor saying it would be ok. I had no reasons left to back out except my own fears, and I was no longer letting them control me.