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.”
“They won’t be living there. He or she will be staying for a couple of days. For as long as our guest pack is with us. This isn’t a big deal.”
“Oh no? It isn’t a big deal? Then how about I have a single female living in my house?” he asked.
Poppy hated the feeling that filled her. There was a spark of jealousy and she didn’t like that.
“Knock yourself out. Maybe it would be good for both of us. You finally finding someone else to be with.” The lies kept on coming. This just made her hate him even more.
Couldn’t he see that?