Page 21 of Osiris: The Wolves
Cass put up her hand. “Do you? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you met a guy two days ago and are getting serious very fast.”
“But it’s real,” Juliette said. “What Sigh and I have is special.”
“How can you possibly know that?”
“Because he’s my mate.”
Cass’s eyes narrowed.
Juliette continued. “He’s a wolf. It’s him and his two brothers, and they own The Amber Howl. Sigh is the cook, he made me that amazing burger I saw on social media. I feel so freaking drawn to him, it’s like there’s some kind of invisible tether between us.Because he’s my mate,” she reiterated.
Cass’s brow arched. “You don’t even believe in love at first sight and you’re literally describing it.”
“I didn’t, but I do now. Because I’m living it. I felt like I needed to go to the tavern Tuesday night, and then I met Sigh. And even though it all has happened so fast, it still feels very right. So yes, I do think love at first sight happens, but only with the right guy.”
“And he’s your Mr. Right?”
She nodded.
“You think I’m overreacting,” Cass said. Her voice was quiet, her tone filled with hurt.
“No,” Juliette said. “It’s not that at all. I am sorry that I didn’t make sure you knew I wasn’t going to be around last night. Our weekly dinners are special to me, and I didn’t intentionally blow you off, I just got caught up in the busyness of the tavern kitchen with Sigh and then spent the night at his house.”
Cass looked at her briefly. “His name is Sigh? That sounds fake as hell.”
“It’s the nickname for Osiris. His brothers have nicknames too – Darrin is Dare and Patrick is Trick. And they’re wolves. It’s just the three of them in their pack.”
They turned the corner and continued walking in silence.
When they reached the next corner, they stopped. Cass looked around in silence like she wasn’t sure where to settle her gaze, and then she looked at Juliette. “I just don’t want to lose your friendship. And I feel like you just met this guy and youalready ditched me.” She rubbed her temple. “I was worried last night, especially when you didn’t answer me back. And now I feel dumb for being butt-hurt about the whole thing.”
Juliette hugged her friend. “You’re not dumb, I promise. If you suddenly disappeared with a guy, I’d be a little pissed off. But just know that I didn’t intend to hurt you and I won’t do it again.”
Cass smiled. “If you’re happy, I’m happy for you. Just don’t flake on me again.”
“I’m so happy. And I promise I won’t flake on you.”
“Good. I found a ramen restaurant I want to try. You know I love jammy eggs. It can be our Wednesday night outing.”
“Sounds perfect. Now I very much need some caffeine.”
Cass put her arm around Juliette and led her toward the coffee shop. “One vanilla latte with a double shot of espresso coming right up.”
“And something for Emery too.”
“You got it,” Cass said.
While the morning had zipped by, the rest of the day dragged. The only bright spot was a sweet text from Sigh, letting her know he missed her too. But six o’clock had not come fast enough in her opinion.
She and Cass had walked home after work, parting ways at the shared sidewalk, Cass wishing her a fun date night ahead. She’d changed quickly into a knee-length wrap dress in the prettiest sage color, adding taupe shoes and a jean jacket to ward off the cool night. She’d curled the ends of her hair and put on a bit of makeup, finishing the look with a delicate gold necklace.
There was a knock promptly at six, and she found Sigh in black pants and a white button down, open at the collar, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, holding a large bouquet of roses in a crystal vase.
He pulled her close with one arm, his wolf growling happily. “You look gorgeous, baby, I missed you.”
She kissed him and smiled. “I missed you too. And you look really good. Thank you for the roses, they’re beautiful.”
She took them and put them on the coffee table, admiring the pretty deep red blossoms.
