The Wolf in Sheep's Skin

Chapter 74

A chill went up my spine. What?

“The pack needs time to warm up to you again. They need to take it in stages. My idea was you’d take a step back from the shop, give them the space they need. Maeve and Quinn will keep working as usual. And I’ll make dresses to fill the racks and do the tailoring.”

“What about childcare?” I blurted out, searching for any reason this couldn’t happen. No! The shop is mine, I worked hard to get us here! I can’t just give it up!

“Keegan is capable, and if it does become too much, the pack provides free childcare.” She slumped her shoulders. “I don’t want to do this Gwen, but I think it’s our best option.”

I pursed my lips, every fiber of my being hating this. I’m being punished. Whether it was by Ansel, the pack, or my own family, I couldn’t tell. Are they actually mad at me for what I did, and this is their way of punishing me?

I huffed, looking at them. I could tell that wasn’t the case. There was no scent of anger or fear in the room. Just guilt and pain. My mom wouldn’t want to be back at the shop, away from my siblings if she didn’t feel it was necessary.

“It wouldn’t be permanent. Just until the pack has settled down after the ceremony and they’re more comfortable around you.”

I groaned, running my hands through my hair. Gravel crunched as someone pulled into the driveway. Lights shined through the windows, illuminating the kitchen. We all exchanged a concerned look as a car door slammed, and someone raced for the door.

The hair on the back of my neck rose, and I tensed, ready to fight. Whoever was coming to the door was stomping, like they were angry. My dad reached the door before I could, opening it as feet stomped up the patio stairs.

The door opened and a deep growl, threatening growl came from outside. My stomach clenched and my heart raced. What is he doing here?

“Jay?” My dad whispered, leaping out of the way. Jay rushed inside and I froze under his gaze.

He was p*ssed. His eyes were bright copper, searching the room. They paused on me before he curled his lips at my family. His brows were furrowed, and his expression was dark. Threatening, like he was a predator ready to pounce.

A shiver went up my spine. If he wasn’t my mate, I’d have been terrified. He rushed to me, wrapping his hand around my arm like he was ready to pull me out of the house. Whether it was in protection or anger with me, I couldn’t tell.

“Are you alright?” he growled, eyeing my family like they’d leap out and attack me.

“I’m fine. What’re you doing here?” Why are you so p*ssed? Did something happen?

He flinched and his grip on my arm loosened. “I sensed something was wrong, I was worried you were being hurt. But if you want me to leave, I’ll go.” He dropped his hand from me like I’d stung him.

“No!” I grabbed his wrist, and his eyes brightened. “Don’t leave. I only meant, what brought you here? How did you know I was here to begin with?” I gripped my hand tighter around his wrist, making sure he couldn’t leave. Seeing him so upset and concerned made my stomach twist, like I needed to search for danger.

“I don’t know. I sensed you were in pain, and I followed my instincts. I ended up here.” He narrowed his eyes at my family.

He could sense that? Was I that upset about the shop that he thought I was being hurt? I pulled his hand closer to me and patted it with my free hand.

“We were talking about the shop. I’m fine.” I gave him a smile, hoping it would calm him. He eyed me with suspicion but sighed. His eyes returned to green, with only a few flecks of copper remaining.

I slumped my shoulders, thinking about not working at the shop. What if the pack doesn’t warm up to me? What if they hate me forever, and I can’t work at the shop again? My face dropped and I glanced at the floor. Jay let out a low growl.

“It’s up to you, Gwen.” My mom whispered. “I’m not forcing you out. I’m asking you to help us decide what’s best for the shop, and our family. I know this isn’t easy, it’ll be hard on everyone.”

My body went cold. She’s asking? I could keep working.

But should I? She’s right. The pack won’t want to buy dresses from me. They’re upset with me, they may never get over it.

If I leave the shop, will they leave my family alone? I can’t encourage them to hate my family. If leaving the shop means it’s better for them, I have to.

“It’s for the best. We’ve already decided we’re staying in this pack. If me stepping away from the shop gives the family a better chance in the long run, that’s what important.” Even if it feels like I’m ripping out my heart.

I’d worked hard to grow my skill, to grow the shop. It had taken meticulous planning to move here, to build the shop. It was the first time we had a permanent building. And now I had to throw it away in order to save it.

My mom nodded and sighed. She looked tired, like the idea of having to work again was already draining. “It’s for the best. And it won’t be for long.”

“I’ll keep working on Genieve’s gown.” It’ll bring in revenue. Hopefully the pack will shop there if I’m not there. My heart clenched, knowing the alternative was that there’d be no customers at all.

“You’re not going to work at your store?” Jay’s voice was low, his eyes flickering over me.

I shook my head no.

“Good.” He nodded once. I shot my eyes up to his, venomous words pooling in my mouth.

“What, do you not want me working?” I spat out, tearing my hands away from his.

“You need to learn to control your wolf. Your old way of doing it didn’t work. Your eyes haven’t turned blue since the night you shifted.” His voice was soft, yet stern. I hated it, but I knew he spoke the truth.

“You don’t think I could do both?” I put my hands on my hips, glaring at him. He raised his brows and turned to my family.

“If you need anything, please let me know. I don’t want pack members to suffer, especially not my mate’s family. I know the store supported your family.”

My parents shuffled, and my father’s cheeks turned pink. He didn’t answer my question.

“Thank you. We should be fine, but we’ll keep your generous offer in mind.” He said and he rubbed his neck, mirroring where Jay’s mark was. “And it’s your family too. It’s a pleasure to have you join.” He flashed us a massive, toothy grin. Jay blushed beside me, and my own cheeks warmed.

“It’s an honor.” Jay did a little bow. It was odd seeing him bow to them, knowing he was above them, and much older. But seeing him give my family the proper sign of respect warmed my heart.

“We’ll have to have dinner sometime. Oh, or maybe we could go out? Is there anywhere we could go for a nice dinner?” My mom asked, quickly changing her mood. She fluttered like an with excitement. “We need to plan the ceremony, the decorations! Only if you’ll have me help, of course.”

She grinned at me, and I nodded. I knew it would make her happy, and I could use the help. Not that we’ll be having it soon. We haven’t even slept together yet.

“Perhaps we could all go get a drink one night? Or we could go to the town over?” Jay offered, raising a brow at me.

“Oh, that sounds fun!” My mom cheered and my dad laughed. I don’t drink. I looked up at Jay. His eyes twinkled, making my stomach flutter. It’s not about drinking. It about being with family. Celebrating.

“When should we go?”

We made plans, and my family continued to chat. I tried to ignore the ache in my stomach and enjoy the moment with my family. Soon our conversation died down, and it was getting rather late.

“So, are you grabbing your things tonight or are you coming back another time? We still have boxes from moving in.” My mom looked between us with a considerate expression. My gut twisted and I tensed.

Jay and I locked eyes, and he pinched his lips together, with his brows slightly raised. He waited, and I knew he was giving me an option.

“I’ll grab some things tonight and come back for the rest later.” I’m not going to let him have any doubt that I want to live with him.

“Let me go find the boxes.” She hurried out of the room.

“I’m curious to see what your room looks like.” Jay grinned, his voice turning gravely. A lump formed in my throat that I swallowed down. Maeve leaned against a counter and raised a brow at me. Quinn was next to her, looking oblivious.