Page 37 of Wolves' Midlife Reunion
They emerged onto a wider trail again, this time on a loop that led near a small creek.She refused to listen to reason.
And did you come in there like a steam engine, the same way you came here?Debbie challenged.
His vision had been so red with anger and frustration that Dex could hardly even remember driving to The Crystal Cauldron. He only knew that he had to talk to Tina about this, and he couldn’t wait another second.Probably, but I had a right to be.
She left the path and descended to the creek, letting her paws sink into the shallow mud on its bank. Debbie’s sharp wolf eyes bored into his.If she had thrown the toy with her hands, would you have reacted the same way and burned down your connection with Tina?
He lifted his chin defiantly.If I thought Tina was the reason she threw it, then I might.
Kids make mistakes, Dex.Debbie stuck a paw in the water experimentally, shaking it out when the water was too cold.
Just to show her up, Dex trotted across the shallow creek. It was cold as hell, a sign of the coming winter, but he didn’t show his discomfort.Sure, but this wasn’t just a normal fit. She used magic to make it happen. I don’t think you can compare the two situations.
Debbie walked a little way along the creek, looking for a narrow spot.Do you remember when she first started to play soccer?
He didn’t want to answer that. Debbie would lead him down some logical path where she would prove him wrong.Of course.
She was really excited. She liked the uniform and the ball. You had to bring her over so I could help you guys figure out how to do her hair for games. She started watchingprofessional women’s games on TV and talking about how strong those women were. Sage was going to work hard and be just like them.Debbie flexed her haunches and hopped across the creek, only getting one of her back paws wet. She shook it out and then hurried up the other side of the bank.
I remember.How could he forget? Soccer had been Sage’s entire life for a few months. She still played, but the obsession had eventually slowed down.
They walked side by side now, the morning sun casting their shadows onto the undergrowth.Then a few weeks into her first season, she made her first goal. Unfortunately, it was in the wrong net.
He’d lived her heartache for her, both when he’d realized what’d happened and when Sage had gotten the news from her coach.She was absolutely devastated.
And what did you tell her? You didn’t make her quit. You explained that this was just a good lesson to learn so she knew what to do next time. Unless I missed something, I don’t believe she’s ever kicked the ball into the wrong goal again.
Dex let out an inward sigh.I get it, Deb. I know what you’re saying. But this ismagicwe’re talking about. Doing the wrong thing could have real consequences.
So could completely leaving it behind,she pointed out sharply.And what about you and Tina?
He turned his head, pretending to watch a squirrel.That doesn’t matter.
Yes, it does! This could be your last chance to be with your true mate. You had a great relationship with Marie. She was a sweet person, and I don’t regret getting to know her. But something was always lacking, something sad around the edges of that relationship because you knew you weren’t fated. You’ve always wanted that.
Dex had the feeling she’d be poking him in the chest with her finger if they were in their human forms.Sage’s wellbeing is more important than any of my selfish needs.
Damn it!Debbie leaned over and nipped his ear.You’ve never been selfish, Dex, and there’s absolutely nothing selfish about wanting something for yourself. I’ve already told you this, but I’ll say it a thousand times if I have to.
Debbie—
And maybe, just maybe, you’re actually being selfish right now by cutting Tina out of your life.She stopped after that, letting it sink in.
They walked back to the packhouse in silence. As they reached the deck, they returned to their human forms. Being on two legs felt heavy and cumbersome, but Dex knew that was only because of his dark mood. He understood what Debbie was saying, and in some circumstances, he was probably right. This was magic, though. It changed everything.
She checked the time as they got inside. “I’ve got to go, Dex.”
“Thank you for spending time with me, even if you think I’m an ass,” he replied.
Debbie gave him a firm look. “I do, but I also love you. I wouldn’t get so riled up if I didn’t care. I know that’s essentially your problem, too, but you’ve got to relax and let go a little. You’ve got to think about what’s going to be best for you in the long run. Sage is still young, but she won’t always be right there at your side.”
“No,” he acknowledged, though the thought was a knife through his heart, “but I’m the only person she has right now.”
Debbie shook her head. “No. You’re not. You’ve been working so hard to compensate for being a single parent, but maybe you don’t need to do that. At least think about it, Dex. I’ll see you later.” She headed out to her car.
He couldn’t help but mull it over as the day went on. Debbie’s words echoed in his brain as though she were still there next to him. She made it sound so simple, like he could just follow his heart and everything would be fine. Life had taught him the opposite.
Later that evening, after he’d picked Sage up from school and they’d had dinner, he tucked her in for the night.
