Page 6 of Wrong Number, Right Gray Wolf

The father, who didn’t introduce himself, rambled on about running late, a flat tire, and his phone dying. He clutched Posy to his chest and thanked me for coming.

“Most people would have called 911 and let them deal with it.” But he wasn’t looking at me as he said it, as though he regretted that it was me and not someone else she’d called.

“So yeah, thanks.”

I winced because those words delivered with little emotion were like a punch to the chest. My fated mate not only didn’t like me, but I assumed there was another dad around somewhere. One who was his mate but not fated? Not every shifter had one and most matings were for life, whether the universe had a hand in them meeting or not.

My folks were one example, but fate was cruel to my omega dad because my alpha father had met his one and only and it wasn’t my dad. He’d disappeared without a word, and it was only through whispered gossip that Dad had discovered what had happened.

I refused to do that to another family. Besides, this guy wasn’t overjoyed that I was his mate, assuming that was why he was sporting that sour expression.

“Okay, well, I guess I’ll be going.” What else was there to say? ”Ummm, maybe make sure your phone’s charged and make sure her back-up rides don’t drop her and go next time.”

I might get a punch in the jaw for offering advice, but I couldn’t just leave. Perhaps I should call social services. I didn’t want to disrupt their lives, but there were so many stories on the news about people who should have, could have, or might have done something but it was too late.

The father narrowed his eyes, and in his headlights, I glimpsed his wolf in his gaze. It was almost as though he’d read my thoughts.

“How did you know where we lived?”

Now he was accusing me of something or nothing.

“A friend who’s a hacker in his spare time.” I couldn’t sugarcoat it because otherwise he might call the cops on me. “Sorry, no choice.”

“Okay.”

There was nothing else to say. Maybe I’d drive past this house on my way to and from work. And I had their phone number thanks to Harvey.

“Glad you’re safe, Posy.” I gave her a little wave.

“You like pancakes, so you could eat breakfast with us.” She put out her hand, but her dad was still holding her and it didn’t seem right to grab it.

“I tell you what. I’ll make myself pancakes tomorrow and you can think of me eating them while you have yours.” Her father gave a soft growl under his breath. “How about that?”

“Okay, Stephen.” She waved, and I gave a sort of wave back. Her dad was glaring at me, and I needed to leave. Me and my broken heart had to get out of there.

I got in the car, hoping the dad, my mate, wasn’t noting my license plate and calling 911. I had evidence because the calls to the landline were logged. But Harvey’s hacking might be hard to justify.

Driving home, I could barely see through my tears. Fate had given me hope but then taken it away.

He might be a good guy who just made a mistake. My beast was doing his best to console me.

Doesn’t matter. I’m not going to break up a family because my heart says he’s mine.

We’re here.

Huh?

Home.

I was parked on the street outside my apartment building. The car could stay out here tonight. I didn’t give a damn if thieves took a liking to it. Something precious had been stolen from me, and my life would never be the same.

Ummm, did you forget about the report?

Oh shit. I’d had it in my hand and then dumped it on the desk. I’d go in early before Remy was in the office and grab it. Reports, work, food, car, none of it was important now that my mate wasn’t mine and he didn’t even like me.

What was my life going to be like from this moment on?

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