Shadows of the Ancients by Christine M. Butler Page A

happy with the pairings already made by Marcus, and requesting changes, should come see me on Tuesday. If you are happy with your pairings, then you still need to see me to discuss when your bonding ceremony will take place.” My father, once again, gazed over the gathered wolves from our pack. “If there is nothing further, you may all be dismissed.”
    “Well, that went better than I thought it would.” I said as we stood waiting for my parents to finish up their conversations with some of the older pack members.
    “It would not have gone badly, no matter what. We would have seen to it if we needed to.” I believed he would have, though I had no idea what I’d done to earn the loyalty Evan was already showing me. I watched as my mother moved up beside my father, snuggling into his side, as he pulled her closer. If I was honest with myself, they were the reason I hadn’t wanted to accept Zach. It had nothing to do with power, looks, status, or even his douchebaggery. I couldn’t see myself as an equal with Zach. My parents had always shared everything on a level that I couldn’t even fully comprehend. I had always hoped that when I found a mate, it would at least come close to comparing to what my parents have. “I like the way they are together.” Evan spoke softly, as he pulled me closer to him. “There’s an equality there that makes them stronger. It is an enviable trait in a bonded pair.”
    “Sometimes, it’s like you’re reading my mind.” My eyes narrowed as I looked up at him. “You don’t have a certain special talent do you?”
    “I have many special talents, little wolf. I’d be glad to show them all to you, in depth.” The teasing smile that spread across his face only added to his attractiveness, as it brought out the dimple in his left cheek. “But alas, I don’t have the ability to read your mind.” Asi stepped forward, still snickering over the first comment.
    “Evan, will we be staying in the pack territory tonight, or heading back to the club?” I saw the indecision playing over Evan’s face. He needed to be at the club, since it was a newly acquired business, but he did not want to leave me behind just yet.
    “I can always stay with Ashley again. Then we’d be closer.”
    “Ah, little wolf, so now you’re reading minds?”
     

POSSIBILITIES
     
     
    “Ashley, are you sure it’s not a problem for me to stay here tonight?”
    “Seriously? I can’t believe you’re even second guessing that. Mi casa es your casa.”
    “Um, I’m pretty sure that’s not how it’s said.”
    “Well, I’m never going to be a linguist, so sue me!” She opened her closet up and started tossing things out. “Now, the real question is, what are you wearing tonight?”
    “Hmm, well, Evan didn’t seem to mind me in old sweatpants and bed head, so I’m thinking it really doesn’t matter.” I joked, stopping Ashley dead in her tracks, as she was about to toss another outfit out on the bed. Her normally pouty full lips were hanging agape.
    “You cannot be serious!”
    “What?” I questioned innocently.
    “Get over here, and find yourself something to wear.”
    “I brought some of my own jeans, since you’re short. I just need a top that’s going to look classy, yet flatter my figure.” I sorted through a few, and while they would have fit the bill on Ashley, they would have draped over my thin, barely-there-boob frame like a potato sack.
    “No! Not more boring, Jess clothes!” Ashley whined as I grabbed a t-shirt out of my bag instead. “What about hot, sultry Jess from last night? You know the one that rocked that dress like there was no tomorrow? I liked her style!”
    “Mmmhmm, her style got me in trouble, remember?”
    “Pssh, trouble my ass. You’re going to be mated to a Prince now instead of douchebag Zach. I’d say that dress got you out of trouble!”
    I sat down for a minute, taking it all in again. “I can’t believe that was last night. I mean, what the hell? I