Page 11 of The Mating Game
Her head cocks, her freckled nose scrunching. “Come again?”
“Or, I mean, I might be right now, but I won’t be soon? I don’t know. It’s all very confusing.”
“Still not making sense.”
“She called it a…late presentation.”
“So, what…you’re…” Her eyes widen. “Are you a shifter?”
“Among other things, apparently,” I grumble.
“Oh my God. Have you shifted? Jesus Christ. What’s that even like for the first time as an adult? I did it when I was thirteen, and I swear,Twilightdidn’t get itentirelywrong. I mean—”
“I haven’t,” I tell her, cutting her off. “Not yet. But I guess I will. Soon.”
“Wow.” She shakes her head, looking as stunned as I still feel. “That’s insane, Tess. How are you holding up?”
“I’m…okay. I don’t think it’s entirely sunk in yet. Since my body is apparently still…changing.”
“Okay. Yeah. Good. I just…Fuck. Do you have any questions I can answer? I know I’m not a doctor, but it’s probably going to be easier to askmeabout your biannual horny parade than it would be to ask a stranger.”
“Ah.” I shift on the bed, feeling uncomfortable. “About that. She thinks I might be having those…more frequently than others.”
“Why? I mean, I have them four or five times a year, but that usually only happens with…”
She blinks at me, understanding dawning on her features, and I nod back at her, the realization hanging between us.
“Holy fuck,” she whispers.
“Yep.” I end thepwith an audible pop. “I guess we can join the Omega of the Month Club.”
“That’s not a thing,” she snorts.
“Whatever. I get to be nonsensical right now.”
Ada gapes at me, looking dazed. “Wow, Tess. That’s…” Her brows shoot up. “Do you think it’s because you’ve spent so much time with me? Like…maybe we synced up? Like periods?”
I shake my head. “Pretty sure it doesn’t work like that.”
“I just…Holy shit.Seriously, are you okay? Have you told your parents?” She grimaces. “Have you told yourbrothers?”
I make a face. “No and no. Just you for now.” I wince, realizing that there is actuallyoneother person in the immediate vicinity who might know. “I’m having a hard enough time letting it marinate while at the jobsite.”
“Oh shit. I didn’t even think of that. Is that going to be weird? What about the woman you’re working for? Is she a shifter?”
“I…haven’t met her yet. She wasn’t here when I got in last night. I met the owner though—who apparently isnotJeannie—and he was…a character.”
“Shifter?”
“I…” I recall the soft scent of warm, sun-heated rain and frown. “I’m not sure.” Okay, I have a very strong inkling, but I don’t say that. “It’s very possible though.”
“Is he one of those old bearded guys who’s always got on some type of fur?”
“He’s not much older than me, actually,” I tell her with a scoff. “But he does have a beard. No fur so far, just a lot of plaid.”
“Oh?” Her voice takes on a much more interested tone. “Is he hot?”
I chew at the inside of my lip, a flash of Hunter’s dark eyes and full mouth cropping up unbidden even as I try to shrug it off. I willnotbe romanticizing the gruff asshole, not even in my head. “I mean, he’s not unattractive by any means.”
