Jace’s lips twitch, almost a smile. “I’d like that, actually.”
Of course he would. Traitor.
The walk to my mother’s house feels longer than usual, mostly because she insists on chatting the entire way, and Jace keeps giving polite answers that make her adore him more by the minute. I stay a few steps ahead, pretending to be interested in the trees lining the path.
“So,” my mother says, walking between us now. “How long have you been Beta, Jace?”
“Five years,” he answers. “Took over after my father retired.”
“Oh, your Handrix's boy! My condolences. He was such a good male. Always so polite.” She glances at me. “You could learn from him, Stevie.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m right here, Mom.”
Jace chuckles under his breath, and I shoot him a glare over my shoulder. “Don’t encourage her.”
He
