Inevitably Yours

Thanks to the overwhelming size of my family, holidays were usually a multi-day event. Christmas was always my favorite. While wolves didn’t celebrate for the same reasons as humans, we still had Christmas. The usual Pack Winter Ball was canceled this year, and there were plenty of rumors about why. I tried to ignore them because I knew it had something to do with Michael and his mom leaving the pack.

I stayed the night with my grandma before our family party, baking all the Christmas cookies. She usually spent so much time working and checking in on all her pups that she would lose track of time and do things last minute. I didn’t mind because I loved spending time in the kitchen with her. It also meant that we got to hang out with just each other for a whole day where none of my annoying cousins were around. I know it wasn’t intentional, but with so many pups and grandpups around, my grandparents sometimes forgot I was there.

When everyone started showing up the next afternoon, my phone was continually going off. My dad wasn’t happy about it and told me to silence it and tell my friends it was family time. I was a little disappointed because after being up so late spending time with my grandma, I fell asleep before replying to Christy, Jaxx, Brina, or Carl. Everyone wanted to make plans for the break, and I wanted to see them as much as my family.

After dinner, everything started to calm down. My dad went with a few of my uncles to play pool in the game room. My brother went off with my cousins to play, and my mom sat around the kitchen table with the other women to talk. I went to the living room with my reading book and settled on my grandma’s giant comfy couch. My youngest uncle came and sat on the other end of the couch, flicking on some sports show. I pulled my phone out and started scrolling through all my messages.

CARL

| can i say sorry yet

| want to see you during break

REESE

| talk to carl. he’s being a whiner

CHRISTY

| bree is taking me away for chrismas

| im goin on a romantic vacay

| i need u to help me pack

| plz answer i luv u !!!!!!!

BRINA

| u dont hav anythin goin on right ?

| can we hit the mall or something ?

JAXX

| i miss you

| why is it taking so long to make cookies?

| how many cookies could one family even eat?

| i hate when you just ignore your messages

| going to bed. i still miss you

| when is your family stuff over ? i want to come pick you up

| i hope your having fun at least

| i really want to give you your present

| can you just call me when you are done ?

I had no idea even where to start with everyone. I frowned at my phone, rereading all of Jaxx’s messages. I went back to my inbox and double-checked – nothing from Michael. I sighed, wondering if he even wanted to hear from me. His lack of communication had to be a pretty blaring sign that he didn’t want to talk to me anymore. I wish I knew what changed from the guy standing on my back porch telling me goodbye to now.

“Don’t tell me it’s about a wolf,” my uncle said, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him to see him frowning. He was still unmated; only two of my grandmother’s seven pups were. It didn’t seem to bother him much, but he was oddly invested in my love life now.

“No, friends,” I told him, only half-lying. He nodded, but he didn’t look like he believed me. “Everyone wants to hang out since we have a break from school. I have just still been busy between wrestling and family stuff.”

“So there is no boyfriend in another pack?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Who told you?” I countered.

“You think my brother is happy that his quirky princess is dating? He is furious,” my uncle answered. “I will only be mad if my niece’s heart is being played with. Is this the same boy as Founder’s Day?”

“No,” I said, all but admitting I was actually worrying over a boy. “Someone else. I met him through my friend. I don’t see him often because we don’t live in the same pack. He wanted to see me more over the break, but I stayed with Gran yesterday to bake and get ready for today. I’ve been too busy to talk to him.”

My uncle judged me for a second, some thought winding through his mind. “He’s not….”

“No, he’s not my mate!” I said. “At least he isn’t quite 17 yet.”

“Well, he needs to learn some patience. No wolf is going to get anywhere being so demanding. Let him sweat it out,” my uncle said, turning his attention back to the TV.

I clicked my tongue. “What sage advice,” I thought sarcastically. I started with Brina, telling her we should all get together, and I would ask my mom if it was possible in the next couple of days, adding that I missed them all so much. I ignored Reese because I knew it wouldn’t hurt his feelings. Then I moved on to Christy, knowing she needed a response or she would probably combust from the lack of attention. I suggested we got on a video chat from our computers when I was home later that night so I could help her pick out all the best outfits. She excitedly responded that she would wait by her phone with her suitcase open.

Then I was down to Carl and Jaxx. Both would require more than just a simple response. I was still a little irritated at Carl for being such a d**k about me dating someone. At the beginning of the school year, he didn’t even question my claim that all the rumors circulating about me were false. Cut and dry, he took me at my word. Then I do start dating someone, and he simply can’t comprehend and thinks I am being dumb. Jaxx was being impatient and pushy. I wanted to see him, but I also wanted to spend time with my family. If I hadn’t been so tired last night after baking with my Gran, I would have called him.

Ultimately, I decided Carl was the quicker route to tackle first.

ME

| you werent a very good friend

CARL

| i know

| will you entertain my apology ???

ME

| is it sincere ?

CARL

| very

| i miss your stupid blue head

| no offense but our friends are dumb and i need intellectual stimulation

ME

| finals were sort of rough

CARL

| and i didnt even have a study buddy

ME

| actions meet consequences

| friendly reminder

| i do have feelings

CARL

| i am really sorry

| i just wasnt expecting you to appear with a rando bf one day

| will you forgive me ?

ME

| yes

| if you bring me some of your moms christmas cake

CARL

| fatty

ME

| dont be greedy. your mom loves me

CARL

| deal

I smiled, feeling a little better. Carl and I were close until the last summer. We were the ones in the advanced classes out of our friend group and never really got into trouble. Brina, John, Reese, and Kyle practically looked for it. We played along sometimes but usually ended up leaving them to their mischief and hanging out together.

Finally, I turned my attention to my last conundrum. I rolled my shoulders, stretching slightly as I sunk further into the couch. I was comfortable and tired after so much preparation and family time. I did want to talk to Jaxx, but I also wanted to curl up and read my book now that I had taken care of everyone else. I knew my grandparents’ library room would be empty right now, and it would provide me a little privacy to talk to Jaxx.

Begrudgingly, I left the comfort of the couch and headed down the hall toward the library. I dialed Jaxx’s number, and he answered almost on the first ring as I stepped into the quiet room.

“I was beginning to think something happened to you,” he said. The dimly lit room had three walls of bookcases with a work table along the fourth. In the far corner was an old armchair; I directed my feet there.

“I have a huge family; I told you that,” I said.

“Well, you won’t introduce me,” he pointed out. I rolled my eyes as I sat down. Dust took to the air, swirling around the yellow light as it settled back onto the ground.

“We aren’t mates, and we haven’t been dating all that long. Trust me, they are a lot to handle,” I defended.

“Alright,” he backed off. “Are you going home soon?”

“I have no clue,” I told him. “My dad went to play pool a while ago. If they are betting, it could be a while.”

“I could come pick you up there?” he suggested.

“Why don’t we do something tomorrow? We are going to breakfast with my great-grandma, but I am totally free after,” I told him.

“I guess I have to take what I can get,” he complained.

“I’m sorry,” I said. I was starting to think that although we had fun together before and I enjoyed his company, having a boyfriend was more than I could manage.

“No, I’m sorry. I am being a jerk. It’s the holidays, and you are just spending time with your family. I’m sorry. You’re not mad, are you?” he asked.

“No,” I said softly. “Just tired.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t do anything tomorrow. Maybe we should just be lazy,” he said.

“Oh?” I asked.

“Movies, popcorn, a blanket to cuddle under. You can even wear pajamas,” he offered. While I would prefer to be alone in my bed with a book, it was not an unattractive offer.

“What was the alternative?” I asked.

“Ice skating,” he said.

“Do you know who you are dating? You met me when I was recovering from a broken ankle,” I pointed out.

He laughed loudly. “I forgot. Maybe the Goddess is looking out for you. No ice-skating then. Is your house alright?”

“I have to ask my mom to make sure, but I don’t see why not,” I said.

“Quinn, it’s time to go,” my mom linked me.

“Hey, we’re about to head home. I will text you later. I am supposed to help Christy pack for their trip,” I told Jaxx.

“Alright. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow,” he said.

“Me either.” I got to my feet and headed to the door. “Coming,” I told my mom.

“Night, babe,” Jaxx said.

“Night,” I replied before getting off the phone. I shoved it in my pocket and hurried to the other side of the house, where some of my family was getting ready to leave.

“There you are,” Gran said, bringing over a tin that I was sure was filled with some of the treats we baked. “I set aside some of our hard work, so you don’t have to share.”

I smiled happily. “Thanks,” I told her, taking the tin. She hugged me tightly.

“I like spending time with my eldest grandpup,” she smiled as she let me go. “But you make this woman feel so old. Already in high school.”

“At least she isn’t mated yet,” my mom chimed in.

“Goddess, I am not looking forward to the day,” my grandmother g*****d. “Our princess will leave us for sure.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promised.

“Alright, mom, I would like to take my daughter home. You had her all day yesterday,” my dad joined us, his coat already on. He had mine and my mom’s in his hand.

“Bye, Gran,” I said, kissing her cheek quickly. I took my coat from my dad and slipped it on. Grabbing my bag, I headed to the backdoor. One of my aunts was fuming in the mudroom. I stopped when I heard their conversation.

“The fuckwad can’t keep his woman happy, so he punishes the whole pack? I can’t finish my degree now!” my aunt Casey complained.

“We’ll figure it out. Find somewhere to transfer you that will get approved,” her mate tried to console her.

“Having to get approval from our Alpha over where we get an education is ridiculous! I’m a year away! This pack is on the verge of turning into a cult,” she hissed.

“Let’s talk about this at home, okay?” he said.

I heard my parents coming up behind me. I turned and pretended to be zipping my coat up. “Ready to go?” my dad asked. I nodded quickly, still curious about what was going on with my aunt.

My parents passed me. As I fell in line behind them, I caught the distressed look on my aunt’s face. “Mom, what is going on with Aunt Casey?” I linked her as we said quick goodbyes and headed out to our car.

“The Alpha has set a new pack law in place. It has to do with colleges pack members can attend,” she explained.

“Like, we can only go to certain ones?” I clarified.

“It’s complicated, sweetheart. You don’t need to worry about it right now,” she assured. I didn’t press any further but worry started to fester inside of me.