My Werewolf Mate is a Nerd

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Everyone was inside the pack house celebrating, but I had snuck out to the veranda on the back of my parent’s house.  I could hear the murmurs of voices and laughter drifting across the yard.  It had begun to lightly snow again.  I pulled the hood of my shawl up, lit a fire in the outdoor fireplace, sat on a bench near it, leaning back and closing my eyes. I heard footsteps approaching but didn’t open them.  It was my mate.

“May I sit with you? He asked.  I opened my eyes and saw him standing with his hands in his pockets looking cold. 

“Of course, I said, scooting closer to the arm rest to make room for him.  He sat down. I could feel him trembling, I figured it was from the cold, but hoped it was because of our close proximity.  He said nothing. We just sat in a comfortable silence.  Then slowly he moved his left hand towards mine and touched me with his pinky, as if he were afraid to hold hands.  Just that little touch sent shock waves through me.   The warmth of his body next to mine, made me feel like I was on fire.

I couldn’t take the silence anymore and turned to him “I’m sorry for everything when we were kids.  Aidan and I had a talk, well…I know I wasn’t very kind to you.  But I want you to know, I never intentionally meant to ignore or hurt you.  I was just always focused on the wrong thing…the wrong person.”  I felt like a weight was lifted. 

Joey stopped touching my hand with his finger and just looked out into the snow.  It took him a minute to respond.  “I resented you for ignoring me…I’m sorry I was an ass to you both times you came to my house.  I just wanted to make you feel like I felt.  I know I’m not your first choice in mates…But if you can be patient just a little longer, I hope you will see I am worthy.”

I looked at him.  Not worthy?  Is that how I made him feel?  I felt worse than I had before.  I blinked back tears.  “Joey?  Please look at me…” He slowly did.  When his eyes met mine, I felt a complete connection to him.  “I only want y-“

Kyle burst onto the porch with some pack kids chasing him and throwing snow at each other.  An errant snowball hit me right in the face before I could continue.

The cold from the snow in my face had me frozen in place.  I was in complete shock, till anger took over.   “ENOUGH!”  I roared, standing, scooping the snow off my face and chest.  “GET OUT OF HERE NOW!”  Kyle’s face looked shocked, but the other kids were terrified.  “RUN!”  they screamed then took off. 

I turned to look at Joey and saw that he was laughing so hard.  “Oh, you think this is funny, do you?”  I said, still angry at my brother.  Joey shook his head, “Yes…you have to admit, it’s a little funny.” 

“I’ll admit no such thing…” I said defiantly.  While he was still chuckling, I grabbed some of the snow that was stuck to my shawl and threw it at his face.  It hit him in the glasses and exploded.  “Now that’s funny.”  I said. 

Joey jumped up playfully grabbed me, I squirmed and tried to pull away from him, fearing more snow.  Instead, he pulled me down onto his lap and tickled me.  I squealed and squirmed some more.  He was stronger than he looked, I was losing, but didn’t mind.  We were laughing, connecting, having fun.  Until once again, we were interrupted.  This time by our moms. 

“Here they are.”  I heard Crystal say.  I jumped up, but regained my composure quickly.  I tried to smooth away my cold wet hair, with little success. 

“What happened to you?” my mother exclaimed.

“Joey! Did you do this?!” Crystal questioned.

“No.  Kyle and his friends hit me with a snowball.  Then Joey here thought it was hilarious.” I said, defending my mate.

My mom seemed unphased that her baby had caused her daughter to look a mess.  “Well, you need to get back to the house.  Its time for pictures” 

Crystal chimed in “Joey, we do have to go, I have to be up early tomorrow.  Tell Laney and Sarah good night.”

He stood up awkwardly, adjusted his pants when our mothers weren’t looking, but I had seen it.  He was just as excited for us to be touching as I was.  I was suddenly thankful that I hadn’t been born a boy.  I smirked and winked at him, making him turn beet red. 

My mother thanked them for coming then pulled me away before I could say goodbye properly or finish the thought I had before Kyle had interrupted.  All I could do is wave.