“This isn’t a conversation if I get one-word answers,” I bark.
But when Connall’s lips close over my clit and pull softly, I give up. I give up on driving the conversation or learning more. Because there’s no room left in my brain for anything but pleasure. I only know one thing with any certainty at this point—wherever this is going, I am all-fucking-in.
The following day, I check my comm watch and realize it’s nearly noon. I’ve got a date with Iggy. It’s more of his “check on Lou” plan, but it’s so cute, I don’t have the heart to tell him he doesn’t need to baby me.
I take a left on Main Street and walk past Scoops and Miriam’s Sweets. Eventually, I get close to Town Hall and cross over to the movie theater. Iggy hovers in the air in front of the door, a single rose in his hands. When he sees me, his blue eyes go wide and bright, a smile splitting his adorable face.
“Lou! You’re here! Are you ready for our date? Well, not a date like Dad and Miriam have, but you know what I mean!” He zooms toward me and flies in dizzying circles around my head.
“Of course I’m here,” I sass, pinching at his hip as he barrels by.
He yips and executes a flawless spin and stop, zipping the other direction.
“Damn, Iggy, you’re getting good.”
He laughs and slows down, flapping to my shoulder and settling on it. Like always, his long tail curls around my neck, the spade-shaped tip slipping into my shirt to rest over my heart.
He wraps one chubby arm around my head. “Your heart beats so fast, Lou. Faster than anyone’s.”
I reach up and lay my hand on his haunch, rubbing gently. It’s easy to act like I don’t need Iggy to fix me, and the reality is it’s not his job or responsibility to sort out the turmoil in my brain. But I love that he makes the effort anyhow.
When we enter the movie theater, I smile at how retro and adorable it is. Black and white checkered tiles lead to three different theaters, all playing movies from vastly different points in time. Since time moves faster inside the haven system, I thought they’d have new movies every day, but it seems like whoever owns this place randomly picks. Today, they’re playingTerminator 2,Practical Magic, andInside Out.
Iggy opts forInside Outand orders a soda, despite the fact that the movie theater doesn’t allow him to drink it. I laugh when he asks me to hold it for him until we find our seats. Minnie, his hellhound, lumbers loudly after us, moaning and groaning. She’s got to be close to having her puppies, as miserable as she sounds.
When we reach our seats and I hand Iggy the soda, the seat immediately flips up, knocking him backward. The soda goes flying, drenching the row behind us.
“Godsdamnit!” Iggy shouts, raising a fist at the roof. The movie theater creaks at the same time I pinch his leg for cussing.
He settles in his seat, his tail wrapped around my upper arm. Minnie lumbers up onto the seat next to him and drops her head into his lap, her eyes closing the minute the movie about a young girl’s emotions starts.
When we get to the part where the kid’s mental Family Island begins to fall, Iggy snuggles up against me and speaks loudly over the sound of the movie.
“Don’t worry, Lou. Your family island is like, super strong, and I won’t ever let it fall down. You can count on me!”
Minnie chuffs as I reach over and kiss the top of his head.
“I know, kiddo. You’re the best thing ever.”
He sighs and smiles up at me. “I am.” Quick as a flash he leans over and tries to take a sip of my soda.
The effect is immediate. His theater seat completely inverts, tossing him over the heads of the monsters in front of us. He cackles as he tumbles head over tail. Someone shushes him as he zips back and settles in my lap, kissing at Minnie. She looks at the still-flipped seat and lumbers off of hers, choosing to lie on my feet instead.
Iggy’s tiny little chuckle is the last thing I hear before Riley’s Family Island completely crashes into the abyss in the movie.
As I watch it fall to bits, I think about how well things are going for me right now. Ig is right—my family island feels sogood right now. My girls are safe and sound and happy. I’ve got wonderful friends and I’m dating two males who make me feel more alive than I’ve felt in a long time.
I just hope it doesn’t crash and burn.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CONNALL
Iprep a short canvas stand for Lou as I wait for her to arrive at my office. Our second session is today after her “date” with Iggy. Last night was wonderful. We talked, and then I got a chance to touch her, to taste her, and all I know is I’m absolutely certain she’s mine.
It doesn’t matter that she’s not a wolf. I can’t imagine wanting someone any more than I want her. Every new fact I learn about her just makes me more obsessed. I want to make her a nest, even though she’s not technically an omega. I still think she’d like it, all covered in pillows and blankets. Dirk and I can stand together outside it, saying the formal words to be allowed in. A smile curls my lips as I consider how I never want to stop unraveling Lou, my sassy, bratty, perfect female.
A knock pulls me out of my thoughts. Jogging into the main area and to the front door, I swing it open. Like always, the sight of her steals my breath. She’s wearing thigh-hugging jeans and a black V-neck tee. Bracelets adorn the arm with the thrall bites.
