I shook my head. “I don’t think it’s been a problem for us.” But then again, I’ve had other issues on my plate.
“Well, that's a relief,” Katie said, leaning back in her seat. “With the darkness still around, we want to make sure that you're staying safe. We have a feeling it's coming for you next. It's been going after the Alpha's pair-ups. We would have hated for something to happen to you and not even know about it.
“I'm okay, guys.” I give them a big smile. “Frank wouldn't let anything happen to me.”
As I said that I could only hope that was true. I could tell that Frank was protective of things. His home and his pack, but I wasn't sure I fell under that. I could only wish that, in a moment of danger, Frank would think I was important. At least enough to keep me safe.
“So, besides Frank, are you getting settled into town? Is anyone bullying you?”
I nodded. “I'm being treated well. I've gotten to know a few people around here. Jillian is a gardener for the city. She's got a sister who runs the local flower shop. Both are super sweet.”
Jillian was really the only person I had gotten to know. Chip and Rose were friendly with me, but we didn't know each other well enough to go to lunch. I'd spoken to other people around the town, but it was only small talk.
“Well, that's nice. What have you decided to do with your stuff?”
It was all still sitting in a storage unit. I didn't know what else to do with it. Frank made it very clear that it was his house. I doubt he'd be thrilled if random items started appearing. So, they would stay in the unit until I could figure something out.
“Frank has a pretty put-together home, so I'm not sure where we want to put everything.”
Sam snorted as she made a face. “That house could use a woman's touch. It's like a bomb shelter.”
Katie looked at us with slightly widened eyes. “Really? Is it that bad?”
Sam nodded. “Yeah, it's very industrial-looking. You can tell it was done by his father previously. I'm not against open brick and exposed rafters, but it's a bit dark.”
Katie scrunched up her nose. “Oh, that sounds…. depressing.”
“It's really not,” I quickly interjected.
Sam looked at me. “Are you just saying that because you don't want to hurt his feelings?”
I rolled my eyes. “It's not that bad. The kitchen is beautiful.”
“The kitchen is, but the living room and entryway look like someone started projects and never finished them.”
Katie looked at me. “Is that true, or is she exaggerating like when she told us that she would give up ice cream and twenty minutes later was eating it?”
Sam's mouth dropped open. “Oh, shut it. I didn't say that.”
Katie smirked. “You did. Your exact words were Katie, I ate so much ice cream. I think I'm going to throw up.” Katie waved her hand over her forehead dramatically. “Keep this away from me. I don't ever want to eat ice cream again.”
Sam smacked Katie's shoulder. “I did feel sick! We ate an entire tube of ice cream.”
Katie looked at me. “And twenty minutes later, I found her in the freezer eating more.”
I laughed, and it felt nice. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this comfortable.
After we had dinner and they left, I found myself wandering down the street, taking in the other side of town. I had gotten to know the strip of downtown and the shops. I was trying to learn the history as well, feeling it was good to know, considering my position.
I pulled my jacket tighter as a breeze hit me, reminding me that fall was coming and winter was soon going to be here as well. I frowned, thinking of missing Jay's pack. They always decorated for the holidays, and I wasn't sure if Frank's pack did the same. I didn't get the vibe they wanted to waste time on such things.
I paused at a red light and looked across the street. I found a local bar. Jillian had told me about it, saying they had an amazing brownies. We only ate dinner at the restaurant since the girls still needed to get home. A browniedid sound kind of good.
I headed inside the bar, finding it was rather bare. It was a little after one, so I didn't expect it to be packed. I found a stool and ordered myself a brownie. I was thumbing my fingers on the table when I spotted a few people I knew.
My stomach flipped as I spotted Geneva, Carly, and Hailey sitting at a table. I suddenly wanted to get up and leave, but Hailey's eyes spotted me, and she elbowed Geneva. It was only a second before all of them were looking at me.
I swallowed, turning my attention to the slice of cheesecake that was laid out. I could hear their chairs move, and I had three seconds to decide how I wanted to handle it. I couldleave and likely never show my face back in here again, or I could buck up and handle the situation.
