Page 74 of Spellbound & Speechless
Juniper was never interested in love, but I thought loving Ozan would change her, make her more open. I guess not. She still looks at me with the same scrutinizing glare she used to give me when I brought my high school boyfriends home.
She was often right to judge them, but this is different. Why can’t she see that?
“What’s going on with you two, exactly?” Juniper asks.
“I don’t know. I think we’re still figuring it out. Like, we’re together, but it’s new.” Warmth spreads over my cheeks. “I like him.”
She presses her lips together. “You’resurethat you’re together already? It seems early for that.”
My smile falters. “Yes. I’m sure.”
There’s no reason to be so sure, but I am. Mac isn’t seeing anyone else, and I’m not either. He’s new to relationships, but we’ve been good at communication so far.
I think.
“I just want to make sure he isn’t using you.” Juniper’s words are sharp, cutting through me, even though I know that isn’t her intention. She leans across the bar and places a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t get me wrong. I like him, and I’m sure that isn’t the case, but I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Yeah…” I shake my head. “I don’tthinkthat’s… I mean, like, I’ve done most of the initiating, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
“You’re right. That’s normal.” Juniper leans away and nods. “I’m probably worrying over nothing. Don’t mind me.”
Laurel joins us, her curiosity likely getting the better of her. She slides into the seat next to mine. “I haven’t seen him looking at anyone else—andhe went to a wolf meeting. That’s huge for a lone wolf. It probably means he’s thinking about staying.”
Besides a vague mention of partying with wolves, he didn’t tell me about a meeting. So much for good communication. It’s probably nothing, but what if it’ssomething?
My brows furrow. “A wolf meeting? Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” Laurel says. “He’s thinking about joining the pack. There were a lot of wolf cuties, but I got to keep them all to myself. He’sobsessedwith you.”
There must be an explanation. He said he trusts me. Why is he keeping secrets? I’ve been showing him my fashion and my life, but even though we talked about his history with packs, he didn’t tell me about this. How did he change his mind about joining a pack so quickly?
I let out a light, nervous laugh. “Yeah. Totally obsessed…”
Then why didn’t he tell me about his wolf meeting? It feels like it’s big. If he’s joining a pack, that’s great!
Why wouldn’t he tell me about it? In fact, why doesLaurel, of all people, know?
I shake my head and continue wearing a smile, but it’s not genuine anymore. Now, it’s about convincing Juniper everything is fine—because it is!
Isn’t it?
I never wantedto be this kind of person—the one who anxiety takes hold of, who runs through the woods like a wild animal to get answers. It’s not as if Mac is cheating on me. He can’t be. The pack meeting was probably before we were together, but…
Why does he feel comfortable telling Laurel instead of me? That doesn’t feel right. I’ve told him so much about myself, my family trauma, and my life. I would love to support him with his pack endeavors, but he has to give me a chance to.
It’s easy to find him, even though the sun is still rising. He lies down in the backyard with his hands under his head. Mac is so peaceful… and I’m about to ruin it.
Not that Iwantto ruin it. This is supposed to be a calm, rational conversation. It’s more of a casual question, really.
I inhale slowly, remembering everything I’ve learned about being a love witch. Balance. Harmony. Communication. Self-love must always come first.
Self-love is exactly the reason I’m having this conversation. Juniper is right. No one will use me, and I refuse to be on different pages with someone, especially not with Mac. I want things to work out with him.
“I hear you,” he says before I can announce myself.
I jump. “Good.” I settle onto the grass next to him. “I’m not hiding from you.” And I’m not hidinganythingfrom him, even if he’s hiding something from me.
He isn’t. Is he?
