“She may have a point, boss,” Lynch agrees.
“This is why you were fated to be my mate,” Kash says before kissing my temple. My face burns at his compliment. “As a matter of fact, we do have a spot that could be turned into a hospital.”
“The retreat?” Lynch asks, and Kash nods. “Think Doyle can get it ready before the first cub is due to arrive?”
“Pervy Doyle?” I ask, my nose wrinkling.
Lynch laughs, and I can feel Kash’s chest vibrate against my back.
“You know you’re the only one who calls him that, right, Pepper?”
I shrug. “He asked me if I was a stripper!”
“Oh, I remember,” Kash growls against my ear, “and I can’t say that I blame him. That cat burglar getup still keeps me up at night.”
Heat spears through my body, pooling low in my belly. “I still have the ski mask. And the leggings.” I hiccup, which makes the comment a little less sexy, but I can’t bring myself to care.
“Later,” Kash promises.
“He’s actually a pretty good guy,” Lynch says.
“Huh? Um, what?” I ask, drawing my attention back to my friends.
“Pervy Doyle,” Lynch says with a wink. “He’s also a damn good contractor.”
“Really?” I ask, excitement humming through me. “Do you think he’d be willing to help renovate whatever the hell ‘the retreat’ is so Danielle can have a proper hospital?”
Kash and Lynch share a knowing grin.
“I think he would like that very much, Pepper.”
“Incoming!” Lynch shouts, throwing his and Talia’s blanket over their heads.
We all scramble to follow his lead, trying to hold in our giggles as we pretend to be asleep.
“Really, Lynch?” Danielle’s voice sounds from the door. “This is where all of my rubber gloves went?”
“Aw, c’mon Doc. I left you a box in Romy’s old room,” Lynch’s muffled voice calls from his and Talia’s bed.
My gaze meets Kash’s in the confined space of our impromptu fort, and I bite my lip to keep from laughing. His pupils dilate as he watches my mouth, and my heart beats faster.
I poke my head out of the blanket, willing to face Danielle’s wrath to avoid the burn I feel at being so close to Kash and being unable to act on it while our friends are all around us.
He chuckles as he drops the blanket, not at all fooled.
“Doc,” he says, meeting Danielle’s amused grin. “Fancy seeing you here.”
Danielle laughs, shaking her head.
I glance around the room, taking in my friends in their various states of pretend sleep. Talia and Lynch are tangled in each other, their blanket only covering from the waist up. Anna and Beau spoon, their blanket wrapped around their shaking shoulders as they squeeze their eyes closed. Justice lays with his chest pressed against Levi’s. Levi’s arms are propped behind his head, his eyes closed tightly, but Justice catches my eye and winks.
I laugh, unable to keep it in any longer, and it sets off a chain reaction. Talia nearly falls on the floor from laughter before Lynch catches her.
“This group is gonna be trouble,” Danielle says, laughing along with us. “I can already tell I’m gonna have my hands full with you incorrigible eight,” she says before slipping from the room.
“Hot damn!” Talia shouts, throwing her blanket off. “We’ve got ourselves a name!”
Chapter 19
3 months later
“Romy Cartelli.”
At the sound of my name being called over the loudspeaker, I stand and head for the stage. Anna’s just walking off it, and the cheers for her have just begun to die down, but when I rise, they begin all over again. Somewhere behind me, Kash, Lynch, and half the pack go wild, whistling and yelling my name.
“Way to go, Pepper!” Kash shouts, his voice carrying above the crowd.
A smile lights my face, and then, with one hand on my cap and the other lifting my gown, I climb the steps and cross the stage, shaking first the dean’s hand and then Xan’s.
“Romy.”
“Xan. Er, Professor Higgins.”
My face heats, but he winks as he hands me my diploma complete with special honors for my final assignment.
“I’m very proud of you,” he says. “And not just for far exceeding your goals for building a following. What you did for the Somerville pack showed real bravery and strength of character. I know your parents would be very proud too.”
My eyes water, but I refuse to ruin the perfectly amazing smoky eye that Talia helped me with earlier.
“Thank you.” I sniffle, and he squeezes my arm then lets me go.
I turn to face the crowd and grin at my own personal cheering section currently on their feet and chanting my name. I always thought this day would make me sad for the parents who’d never see me walk across the stage to get my diploma. But it turns out, I was wrong. My heart swells because I know that I’ve truly found a family here, and I’ll never be alone again.
After pausing for pictures–of which Lynch takes way too many before rushing back to his seat–I hurry off stage and back to my seat. Anna’s waiting for me, her diploma already clutched in her hand. She hugs me tight as we wait through the next few students. We squeal when we finally hear the name we’ve been waiting for.
“Talia DuPont.”
We’re on our feet, clapping and hooting for Tal, who struts across the stage with the smirk of a true werewolf-gangster-beta. She shakes hands with all the finesse of a 1920’s mob boss and then turns and winks at Lynch who hollers, “That’s my woman,” over the sound of the applause.
Laughter and whistles ring throughout the crowd at his declaration.
Talia descends back into the graduating crowd, but she doesn’t go back to her seat. Instead, she pushes through the rows, forcing everyone to scoot down so she can finish watching the ceremony with Anna and me. Anna reaches for our hands, and we wait impatiently until we hear the last name we’re waiting for.
“Justice Erikson.”
I waste no time screaming like a banshee for my newest BFF. In the back, Levi whistles loudly, and my heart melts as I watch Justice pause to blow him a kiss. Not a trace of a limp or injury remains, and for that, I’m grateful.
“Those two are the cutest,” Anna squeals.
“They’re gag-inducing for sure,” Talia agrees, but her smile mirrors my own.
Lynch forces Justice to stop for pictures as well, and Justice smiles while doing his best Tupac impersonation before he vogues his way off the stage.
“We’re using one of those photos at their wedding,” I say. Because even though Levi hasn’t proposed, I know it’s only a matter of time.
“I’ll be sure to let Lynch know,” Talia says, pushing a few buttons on her phone as she fires off a text to him.
On stage, the dean talks about building a future that’s made to last. “The foundation of prosperity is built on people more than anything else. If you have good people in your life, you’ll always have happiness. No matter where you go in the world, you’ll always have a home to return to.”
A tear slips free, and I swipe it away because it’s the truest thing I’ve ever learned at this school. I came here to honor the family I’d lost. The parents who’d done their best to give me a future. And in doing so, I’d found an entirely new family. A new home. And true love that is better than anything I’ve read in a book.
My ovaries tingle, and I decide to take it as a high-five from my inner self. I’m one lucky girl, er, werewolf.
When the graduation ceremony ends, we all leap to our feet and toss our caps into the air. Then we hug until I’m borderline crying, and Talia is yelling at me to “preserve the eyeliner” because she “worked hard on that shit.”
The crowd begins to exit, crowding into the aisles until we’re stuck. From the back, Justice climbs over the row of chairs separating us, and once we’re all together, we shove and push against the crowd until finally, we make o
ur way to where the others are waiting.
I reach Lina first, and she pulls me into a warm hug, smiling from ear to ear. I wonder if any mother has looked prouder, and the thought makes me teary-eyed all over again as I hug her back and think of my mom.
“So proud of you,” she whispers.
“Thanks.” I step back as Kash grabs me and pulls me into a hug that steals my breath.
“You’re so damn brilliant,” he says into my ear. “Brains really turn me on. Have I mentioned that?”
“You said the same thing about seeing me in my cap and gown. I’m beginning to think everything turns you on,” I say, and he laughs sexily.
“You’re not wrong, Pepper. When it comes to you–”
“If you two start talking dirty in here, I’m going to throw up on your shoes,” Talia says.
Kash doesn’t look deterred by the threat, but I decide not to test her commitment on this. Besides, we have an entire house at our disposal when we’re done here. And I intend to use it.
“Does that mean we can go home now?” Justice asks. He’s eyeing Levi like he has dirty things of his own on his mind.
“Not quite.” Lynch grins. “I have a surprise.”
He readjusts the strap on the man purse he’s carrying. From inside, Girlfriend pops up, tongue hanging out when she sees us crowded around,
“I told you before, I’m not into audiences,” Talia warns, but Lynch waves her off.
“Not that, woman. Graduation wouldn’t be complete without a celebration.”
“What did you do?” She eyes him suspiciously.
“Wanna take a ride and find out?” He winks.
I groan at the innuendo, but he laughs, and Kash chimes in.
“Lynch and I both worked on this one. You’ll love it. Come on, car’s parked out front.” He tugs my hand, and I let him lead me toward the front doors.
“Romy? Romy Cartelli?”
A man pushes through the crowd, headed straight for me. He’s familiar, but I can’t quite place him. Then the crowd clears, and he stops in front of me, and it clicks.
“Holy hotness, is that–”
“Shh.” I hiss Talia into silence and focus on the man standing in front of me.
“Romy Cartelli?” he asks, and I nod, struck mute at the sight of someone so famous standing in the middle of my college graduation. Not to mention the alpha energy rolling off him in waves. Lina was right. This guy is definitely a werewolf.
The stranger glances at each of my friends, gaze lingering on Lynch’s doggy purse before refocusing on me.
“Sorry to just show up like this, but I couldn’t find your contact information.” His deep British accent makes me lose all coherent thought.
I blink and try to clear my throat. “Um, don’t worry about it.”
“I guess I should introduce myself.” He extends his hand. “I’m Tom.”
“I know,” I say a bit breathlessly as I shake his hand and Kash growls. “I mean, it’s nice to meet you,” I say, ignoring Kash’s jealousy.
Tom glances at Kash with a slight smirk before turning back to me. “Can we have a bit of a chat?” he asks me.
“Um, sure,” I say, but it comes out sounding more like a question.
I start to move away from the crowd, and Kash follows along with Talia and Anna and the rest. I shake my head, fully aware there is no version of this where I’ll get any privacy. Besides, if he’s here to kill me for that Instagram post, I need witnesses.
“This is my family,” I tell him. “You can talk freely in front of them.”
“Good to know.” He hesitates, and my nerves get the best of me.
“Look, if this is about calling you out on social, I didn’t mean–”
“What? No.” He waves me off. “I had a bit of a laugh when I saw it, actually. I mean, who would believe it, right?” He winks, and Kash growls again.
Lina smacks him, for all the good it does.
I sigh. “Right.”
“So, the reason I’m here is that I read your posts about the book you’re writing.”
I go mute again, this time for different reasons. Talia pokes me in the back. “Uh, you did?”
“The sample you posted was brilliant. I think you might have something there. I ran it by my agent, and he’s interested in having a sit down with you.”
“With me?” I squeak, trying to wrap my head around what’s happening here.
“Yeah. Your current platform is probably sufficient to launch a book like that successfully, but I’d like to discuss the possibility of purchasing your media rights. Do you have anyone in mind for the role of the alpha on-screen?”
“I…”
“Me,” Kash says. “I’m the alpha.”
“Rightly so, mate. I just meant fictionally speaking.”
Holy shit. Did my favorite Peaky Blinders character just defer to my man, the alpha of New England?
“Any discussion about Romy’s media rights would also need to include a financial negotiation.” Talia pushes her way to the front so that we’re shoulder to shoulder. “As well as what rights she would retain legally.”
“Yes, of course. All of that would need to be discussed,” says Venom himself.
I have no words.
“Perfect. You’ve definitely piqued our interest,” Talia says, folding her arms over her chest. “As her legal representative and manager, I’ll be your point of contact for any meetings or discussions.”
She whips out a card I didn’t even know she carried and hands it over. “Here’s my contact information.”
“Brilliant.” He flashes a smile at her, and on my other side, Anna gasps.
Beau mumbles something about the “tough guy act” being overrated.
I ignore it and shake hands with the movie star.
“I’m dead chuffed to have met you. I’ll be in touch soon,” he says before turning to leave.
I watch with my mouth hanging open.
“What. The. Actual. Fuck?” I say when I can no longer see him. Apparently, my voice and brain are working in tandem again.
“Wasn’t that the guy from Mad Max?” Lynch asks. “I love those movies.”
“That was Romy’s future empire arriving on a silver platter,” Talia says with a gleam in her eye. She bumps my shoulder with hers. “You better run home and hit publish on that masterpiece, Rom. Hollywood’s waiting.”
Kash growls, and I bat my lashes at him. “Babe, don’t you want me to be successful?” I tease.
“Of course. And I’m happy to volunteer for all the research you need to do for accurate sexual tension.”
Ignoring the others’ groans–and the fact that his mother is standing right here–I laugh as he winds his arm possessively around my back and kisses my throat.
“Who knew outing all those celebrities would turn out to be such a good idea?” I say.
“My mother for one,” Kash says.
Lina just winks. “I have my moments,” she says.
“You are pretty wise,” I agree, squeezing Lina’s hand as we all finally head for the cars.
“Listen, if you have an “in” with Chris Hemsworth,” Justice begins, but Levi growls, and Justice cuts him off with a kiss.
“I hear you’re shaking things up at your new job,” I tell her.
“Damn right,” Lynch snorts. “That council doesn’t know what hit ‘em.”
Kash’s mother proved so instrumental in Brody’s takedown and revealing the council’s unwillingness to act under pack law that she’s taken Logan’s vacated seat on the council.
“I’m insisting on a full review of our laws and protocols,” she says. “A long overdue review, I might add. That council is ancient, and I don’t just mean the members.”
Talia snorts, but I think of Rose and even William who’ve proven themselves as our allies. At least when it counts.
But mostly, I think of Lina and how relieved Kash looks when I catch him stealing glances at her when he thinks I’m not looking. Li
ke now. I watch as he holds the door for her and she pats him on the cheek as she passes. It’s clear she’s coming back to herself as she heals from her grief. It’s been a trip getting to know her and hearing her crazy stories from back in the day.
Outside, I blink into the late afternoon sunshine and enjoy the warmth that is spring in New England. We climb into the SUVs and head for whatever surprise Lynch has planned for us.
When we end up at Valkyrie, I’m not even surprised at Lynch’s choice of location.
“Where is everyone?” I ask, looking around at how empty it looks. It’s early but still. The only people inside are staff who are busy carrying steaming serving pans out to a buffet I’ve never seen set up before.
“We rented out the place,” Lynch says.
He hands Girlfriend off to his father, who coos over her just as much as his son. Mr. Foster heads toward one of the couches, motioning for Bev to join him. She snuggles in next to him and promptly starts feeding Girlfriend treats from a pocket in her dress.
“Wow, it looks great in here.” Anna looks around in awe of the decor, and I can’t help but do the same.
Lynch has outdone himself. Again.
The color scheme is blue and silver–just like our school colors. A server walks by carrying a tray full of chocolates in the shape of caps complete with tassels done in blue icing. On the far wall, a photo collage spells out our graduation year with pictures of Talia, Anna, Justice, and me from the past few years together.
“Oh, look at us. We’re so adorable,” Anna gushes.
“Yes, you are,” Beau says, dropping a kiss on her cheek.
Overhead, a disco ball spins, sending sparkly silver squares reflecting around the room. The DJ booth in the corner streams a song I’ve been listening to on repeat lately. The music thumps through me, and I’m not the only one.
Talia shakes her ass. “I need to move, Scruffs. Come on. Let’s get out there.”
“Wait. One last thing.” Lynch hands us all Ring Pops. “Class rings,” he says with a wink. Talia snorts, and we all open the plastic and slide the rings on an empty finger. Talia’s diamond flashes in the light. Her engagement ring. A proper one that is apparently a family heirloom passed down from Lynch’s mother, Bev, who nearly exploded from happiness when she found out Lynch had proposed. Her level of excitement rivals Lynch’s and, quite frankly, scares the rest of us. Including Talia.
The Girl Who Cried War Page 18
