Page 92 of Dark Wolf Soul
Her eyes narrow. “Not even Grey?”
“No.”
She mumbles something in a language I don’t understand.
“What?”
“Nothing. You were saying…”
“Well, I live in a pay-per-week efficiency—”
“Like a hotel?”
“Motel,” I correct, smiling wryly at the small shudder she gives. “It’s not fancy, but it’s all mine, and that’s a step up from the group home where I was before.”
Or my car before that.
“What sort of group home?”
“It’s a boarding house for orphans who’ve aged out of foster care and can’t rely on the state to pay for their housing anymore.”
“Sounds nice.”
I blink at her, taking a second to realize she’s being serious. “It’s not, trust me.”
“And you worked at a club?” she asks, clearly not wanting to press further about my living conditions, which is fine with me. I feel zero shame for my past or for living where I did because, at the end of the day, I did it all on my own, and that’s something I’m proud of. However, one look at Mia’s world and I know there’s nothing I can say that will make her understand.
At her question, though, I pick up my wine and smile teasingly. “You can say it, Mia. Astripclub.”
“Okay, I deserved that one.” She props her chin on her hand and leans in. “What is it like? Dancing for strangers?”
I lean in too. “Want to find out?” Her eyes widen, and I laugh. “Just say the word, and I can get you in. Shady would love you.”
“Is that your boss?”
“Yeah, he owns the place and handpicks all the girls. He’d love a true redhead on his stage.”
“Maybe someday.” She sits back, considering, which kind of surprises me, though the more I learn about her, the more I realize Mia isn’t just the shallow, rich girl. There’s a wild woman beneath her money and polish. “For now, I’ll stick to getting my kicks from shopping with you.”
“You say that like you don’t get any thrills out of your life already.”
“Risking my life to work against the alpha I’ve pledged my undying loyalty to is not exactly the thrill I’m looking for.”
“What would happen if he found out we’re working against him?” I ask.
“He’d kill us,” she says, her tone so matter-of-fact that I flinch. “But the idea of him running this city is enough to make me risk it. That and Grey.”
For some stupid reason, jealousy flares inside me. “You care about him that much?” I ask, hating that I’m bothered by it.
“I believe in him,” she says and then takes one look at me and adds, “Relax. I have zero interest in him that way. He’s not my type.”
“I didn’t—”
“Oh, honey, your feelings are written all over your face. But don’t worry; it just means no one’s going to doubt this engagement or the two of you together.” She reaches across the table and pats my hand. “I’m happy he found someone, Lexi. And I’m happy it’s you.”
I don’t bother to tell her my feelings for Grey aren’t mutual. Nor do I point out that, even if it were real, the only way we get to be together is if we go to war against our own families first. None of that should make any of ushappy.
“What was it like—growing up together?” I can’t help but ask.
