Wolf's Call (Wolves Next Door #2) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,59

half-open, but the corners of her lips were curling higher. "Did you just tell me to talk to my alpha or are you now treating him like he's my new dad?"

I stuttered, because I wanted to say her alpha. I really did, but that wasn't the thought that had been in my mind. Not that Ian was her dad, but that he was the other responsible party, and was that really so different?

"I don't know," I finally admitted.

"You really like them, huh?"

Slowly, I nodded. "I really do, Gabby. I keep thinking I shouldn't, or that it's too fast, but I do. I like all of them."

"Do you love them?" she asked.

I licked my lips, trying to find a careful way to answer that. "I'm not sure," I finally said. "I think I could, though. They make me very happy."

"I think you do," she decided. "I think that you're falling in love and trying to talk yourself out of it because you don't think it's allowed. Know what? It kinda is. They're good to you, and everyone knows that Lane's fated for you, so that means he loves you. Ian's completely crazy about you, too. I just don't know about the others."

"I definitely like them," I said, hoping that would appease her.

No such luck. "Are they in trouble because of Karen?"

"What exactly do you know about the betas and Karen anyway?" The moment the question was out of my mouth, I regretted it because she'd probably answer. "Please tell me you haven't been gossiping about my boyfriends."

Gabby just took another bite, prolonging the agony. "Well, we all heard about Ashley rolling her the other day. According to Xander, she was completely out of control and stuck as a lycan. And he made sure to tell his mom. Olivia told hers, and so did the elementary and middle schoolers. So, the whole pack kinda heard about it. The seniors said it serves her right for going after the alpha's mate. Sounds like Karen's too embarrassed to leave her house, and even her father's mad at her. Lucy, who lives across the street, was saying that Patrick yelled so loud they could hear it inside her house."

And all of that was news to me. Although it sounded like my fears about the kids and gossip had just been proven. These little heathens seemed to know everything.

"Well, I'm hoping Karen decides to take a hint, because she wanted to bite me, Gabby."

That removed the smile from her face. "Really?"

I just sighed. "She thinks she should be the Alpha Female, not me. The problem is that I can't do much to defend myself because I'm not a wolf."

"I'll defend you," she promised. "And Kim and Heather will too. Ashley and the guys, of course. But, Mom? Wolves heal faster. She can bite me and I'll be ok, so promise me that you won't let her bite you?"

"I figured you'd want me to be a wolf." I tried to make it into a joke, because we were so far out of my comfort zone, but it fell flat.

Gabby just shrugged. "I'd love for you to be a wolf. I don't want someone to force you into being a wolf. And I will not let anyone in this pack come after my mom! Pack is one thing, but you're my mom, and I'm the one who got us into this. So if she comes here, I'll make sure she doesn't do it again."

"Gabby, how about we just call Ian, hm?"

She turned her amber eyes toward me. "That too, but Pax is showing me how to protect myself, and I'll use it if I have to."

"Then let's make sure you don't have to," I decided. "Now, finish up, I'll do the dishes, and you have homework still, young lady. Enough procrastinating."

She hopped off her stool then pushed her plate toward me. "Yes, Alpha," she teased. "I just want you to know that I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, Gabby," I said as she headed toward the stairs.

But once she was gone, I reached for my phone, swiping to find the right number. It was ringing in seconds, and he picked up on the second one. "Pax?" I asked.

"Hey," he greeted me.

"I have two questions," I said. "The first one is easy."

"Hit me."

"Is there a problem with my parents coming for Gabby's quincea帽era?"

He chuckled. "Not at all. I already told everyone to expect a few of your human family members. What's the other?"

"Are you teaching my daughter how