She smiled, waved, and glanced at Bethany before heading out.
Poppy hadn’t gone far before Bethany was hot on her tail.
“I’m sorry, but you’ve got to tell my parents that you and Klaus are like … you know.”
She folded her arms and turned to the young girl. “I know what?”
“Come on, Poppy. I know that you and my brother are … mates.” Bethany shrugged.
“How did you know?”
“I … know things. The pack doesn’t see what is right in front of them. They’re always dealing with their own problems, but you and my brother, you kind of have to come clean.”
“Bethany, I appreciate the advice.”
She groaned. “You’re not going to take it. Come on, Klaus isn’t a bad guy. Sure, he smells and he’s a boy, but I’ve been told many times girls get over that stuff.” She scrunched up her face. “You’ve got to … have feelings for him, don’t you?”
“Klaus and I are a little more complicated than him just being a guy.”
“If this because he bullied you?” Bethany asked.
Her brows rose.
“Yeah, I kind of got that memo too. He was a poopy brain to you, and all of that.”
Poppy chuckled. “Has Klaus put you up to this?”
“No!” Bethany snorted but wouldn’t look at her.
“Okay, I’ll take that as a yes. Don’t worry about me and Klaus.”
The young girl sighed and then turned to her. Gone were the playful tone and teasing glint in her eye. “How can I not?”
“What?”
“Klaus is going to be the next alpha. A whole bunch of pack men are coming here. People think you’re single. Even my mom was looking at you as if you’re a target for one of them. If Klaus sees another boy near you, he might do something he regrets.”
“You’re worried for your brother.”
“Yeah, he’s a poopy brain, but I do love him. He’s my stupid brother.”
“I’m not going to hurt your brother, Bethany. I don’t … hate him. I just don’t like him.”
Bethany pursed her lips and nodded. “Will you take care of him?”
“I will.”
Poppy was even more surprised as the young girl rushed toward her and wrapped her arms around her waist. She held Bethany.
“I like you, Poppy. I think you and my brother are a good fit.”
Poppy rubbed her back. “I better head back.”
Bethany let her go, and Poppy waited until she saw her back in her yard, playing with a ball.
She walked back to her mom’s place, only to come to a stop as she saw Klaus and her mother standing outside the shop, laughing.
He was everywhere. When was she going to be able to catch a freaking break?