Page 33 of His White Moonlight
Bennett, the fun killer.
He hadn’t changed much in that regard.
When Mom pulled back, she held my hands in hers.“Bennett didn’t just tell me about the bruise.He said you were acting off today.Afraid.”
“You mean when he came into my room this morning without me knowing and woke me out of a dead sleep, or at work when he snuck up on me again?”
She tilted her head, studying me.“Is that all it was?Surprise?He said he smelled fear.”
“Mom, I’m not wired like you guys.When I’m startled, fear is pretty common.”
“Okay.”She gave me a small smile, leaned in, and kissed my cheek.
When she would have left, I kept hold of her hand.
“I overheard some of the girls at work.They’re bugging Bennett because they think he’s still looking for his mate.If he’s found her, even if he’s giving her time, can’t he tell them so they leave him alone?”
Mom’s smile grew a little sad.
“They stopped believing him years ago, sweetheart.Until he can show her to the world, they’ll keep trying.”
“Then he’s an idiot for waiting.”
“I think so too, but he’s deeply afraid she’ll reject him.”
“Really?Why?”
“She’s never shown any interest in him as a mate.”
A mental image of Bennett rose to my mind.His dark hair.Dark eyes.He was attractive…if the girl liked a serious guy.
“What are you thinking?”Mom asked.
“Since he’s not ugly, it’s probably his personality holding him back.You said it yourself.He makes people cry and throws things.What girl would want that?”
Mom tried to suppress her smile and failed.
“He mentioned that you told him people will start quitting if he keeps it up.I think it opened his eyes a little.”
“Good.”
She patted my hand.“You’re a good influence on him, Wrenly.Are you hungry?I brought some pizza back with me.”
“Seriously?What toppings?”
“Pepperoni.”
It was such a normal food item and not something I’d gotten at school.I started salivating and beat Mom out of the room.
* * *
I wokewith a leisurely stretch and rolled over, not yet ready to get out of bed.For the first time in years, I had absolutely nothing to do on a Saturday.No homework or extra classes.No secret meetups to sell or buy things.No hiding from mean girls.Nothing.
My smile faded as I realized how boring that sounded, and I reached for my phone on the nightstand to send Mom a message.
Me: If I wanted to drive into the city to shop, what are the chances you’d say yes?
Mom: Of course you can.You’re not a prisoner.I’ll let Bennett know.
