Page 104 of His White Moonlight
“Wren, he did what he thought was best for you.You were scratching at yourself.He was worried you’d hurt yourself.”
She took my hand and led me to the mirror hanging in the entry.
“Look.”
There were minor scratches near my ears.I hadn’t realized I’d done it.
“When Bennett was out of control and throwing people into walls, did anyone think to give him a shot to control him?No.Don’t hold me to a different standard.”
Grandma shot Bennett a long look then took my hand with a kind smile and led me out the door.
We walked around the neighborhood for hours, during which time Grandma was a complete menace to everyone but me.She bent mailbox flags.She clipped flowers to make a bouquet that would irritate Bennett’s nose—she sneezed a lot, too.House numbers were rearranged on mailboxes.Mail was hidden around the neighborhood like a toddler-aged easter egg hunt.
She wasn’t sneaky about anything, and whenever she was caught, her answer was, “Go tell Bennett,” while I stood behind her, shrugging and shaking my head.
Several people stormed off to do just that.
She laughed each time, and I had to admit I found it a little funny, too, as I imagined them all telling on her.Bennett wouldn’t be able to control her any more than her son-in-law and current pack leader could control her.
“Well, this was a good walk, Wrenly.Did you learn anything?”
“Yes.You’re a menace to society.”
She hummed thoughtfully.“But just the right amount of menace.Not bad enough to call the police or your father.Just bad enough to get under their skin.Do you understand what I’m saying?”
I looked at Grandma with new understanding and felt my eyes start to water.She knew I was upset about something, and she was showing a way to vent my frustration without getting into trouble.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“Anytime.”
“Can I ask you a question?”I asked as we started back.
“Of course.”
“Why didn’t you ever mate again?”
Her expression turned bittersweet and wistful.“Because no man could ever replace the mate I had.Even in death, we’re still bound.I can still feel him.”
She placed her hand over her heart, and I saw pain flash in her gaze.
“How did you survive Grandpa leaving you?”
She’d told me a long time ago that the stronger the mating bond, the more dangerous it was for the surviving mate when the other died.
“The bond is a complicated thing.Stronger for some, almost non-existent for others.Regardless of the strength, the bond between mates changes when we have children.It expands just enough to allow a connection to our young.It’s my connection to my daughter and Bennett and Aiden and Karter…and most especially you…that keeps me here.”
“How do you know if the bond is strong or not?”
“You feel it the moment it’s made.”
“What would have happened if you’d rejected Grandpa’s bond?”
She glanced at me, and suspicion lit her gaze.I tried to push my panic away but knew I wasn’t fully able to when she sighed and pulled me into a hug.
“If I’d rejected him, I would have missed out on the best thing that ever happened in my life.But that’s me, Wrenly.Not all mate bonds are like mine.”
When she withdrew, she cupped my face.“I hope you find someone who lights up your life like my mate lit mine.I hopeallmy grandkids find that level of completion.It’s not an easy road, though, searching for that person.That’s why so many of my kind settle for good enough.Don’t settle, Wrenly.”
