Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 38003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 190(@200wpm)___ 152(@250wpm)___ 127(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 190(@200wpm)___ 152(@250wpm)___ 127(@300wpm)
“That depends,” Bethany said. “Are we telling Dad that you have a mate, and it’s the girl you bullied for years?”
Klaus tensed up. “Kid, I mean it. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You’ve got to learn to hide your stuff together. Does Poppy know you have a shrine?” Bethany asked. “Kind of creepy. A whole file of pictures.”
“You’ve been through my room?”
“Like I said, I’m the best alpha there is.”
Klaus glared at his sister. “Tell me what you want.”
“For you to tell Dad that I should be respected.”
“Beth, you’re ten years old. You will earn that respect when you start doing as you’re told.” He glared at her. “Come on, before Dad orders a search party.”
Chapter Three
The pack was humming with excitement. Lionel’s pack was due to arrive tomorrow. From what Poppy knew, their alpha had already been informed that everything was on schedule. Lionel’s pack would arrive. Hotels and spare rooms were all ready and available. It was very common for packs to open their homes to each other.
Especially as this wasn’t a hostile trip, but a friendly one.
Her mother had a spare room as well, so they were going to be housing someone. Poppy didn’t know who. Even her mother was excited as well. Festivities were being planned. Their orders had been cleared as well. All of the purchases packaged up and sent to the necessary addresses.
That had been her job to do, to stand in line at the post office and send the last of the items on their merry way. Now, she was at home, and like so many times before, cooking up a storm with her mother.
Her mother’s famous chili was in the oven. Lots of beans and spice. It was a treat and often the first chili to go. With her hair pinned back, Poppy worked on the brownies that were also a hit, while her mother baked several pastry cases. Anna’s custard strawberry cream pie was a hit. A beautifully tender pastry case, a thick custard, left to go cold and spread onto the base, slices of strawberry, and a squirt of whipped cream. Divine.
One of the best desserts her mother made. The brownies were also well liked. Mainly with kids.
After pouring the batter into the large baking tray, Poppy spread it out evenly, picked it up, and carried it to the oven.
“This is always so fun. I love a big cook-off.”
Poppy didn’t ask. She didn’t need to.
Her mother had told her once before that she originally hoped to have a large family. Lots of children.
Anna loved family events. She celebrated all the festive seasons. Not a year went by as a kid that Poppy wasn’t dressed up for Halloween. Thanksgiving was always fun, but because they didn’t have a large family, Anna often invited many of the pack to join them.
Staring at her mom now, Poppy felt this … sadness. Her mother couldn’t have any more children because her mate was gone. At least Anna had a sparkle in her eye.
“You know you’re going to make all the women jealous,” Poppy said. “No matter what they cook, it will never be quite as good as yours.”
Anna chuckled. “They’ll be fine with it. You know they will.”
Poppy wiped her hands on the towel. “What else do you want me to do?”
“Will you head to the store?” Anna asked. “I’m out of eggs.”
“Will do.” Poppy removed her apron, kissed her mom on the cheek, and then grabbed her purse, heading out.
Klaus was there. He was always there, lurking in the shadows.
“You have got to stop doing that,” Poppy said.
She wasn’t going to give him the time of day. The pack would start to stare, if they weren’t already.
“Where are you going?” Klaus asked.
“That’s none of your business.” She headed toward the store. If they didn’t have eggs, then she’d go to the farmer, who always had a soft spot for her mother.
“I’m the alpha’s son. It is always my business.”
“Then I guess you can figure it out.” She glanced up as a couple of people called out a greeting to Klaus. He nodded at them.
They passed a small group of young teenagers, and Poppy rolled her eyes as they started to blush.
“So, er, have you got a spare room or something?” Klaus asked.
“Yeah, we always do. You know that.”
“Right, so, er, I need you, to, you know, only house a woman.”
“Fuck off, Klaus.”
He grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop. “Look, I’m happy to take this pace with you. Let you get used to the fact that we’re mates.”
“Keep your voice down.”
Wolves were known for having great hearing.
“They’re all busy, damn it, Poppy. Look, I’m happy to go at your pace. Whatever you need, okay? I’m fine with it, but you’ve got to like, meet me halfway. I can’t have a single guy living in your house.”