Mistakenly Mated by Sonnet O'Dell

with jealousy—not just possessiveness but actual jealousy.
    “I am.”
    A little yellow Mazda pulled up behind them with music blaring from the speakers and the horn honked twice. Caleb looked over his shoulder to see two other men in the car, both wolves too, and the brunette he met at the bookstore.
    “That would be my ride.” Kerry stepped out onto the porch, closing the front door behind her.
    Caleb looked sadly between her and the flowers. Kerry crumpled; she took the flowers and inhaled their rich scent.
    “Thank you. They’re beautiful and you can come along if you want. I’m sure the guys won’t mind.” She raised her voice so her friends could hear and no one objected. “I don’t think there is room in Susan’s car but if you follow in yours.” Kerry scanned the small dirt track in front of her house and spotted a Benz—all German engineering and sleek silver curves.
    Paulie climbed out of the front seat. He eyed Caleb with a very territorial look. Kerry smiled at him to reassure him that she was okay and waved to Susan who was leaned back over her seat, talking to Luka. Luka was a silver wolf just like Paulie. He and Susan were promised. He was quiet and shy, which complimented Susan who was brash and loud to a tee. He didn’t speak much to anyone and when he did, he talked a little like Boomhower from King of the Hill .
    “Are you coming or what?” he called.
    Caleb looked at the man who stood waiting with one hand on the door and the other on the seat to pull it forward so Kerry could climb in back. He was roughly the same height as Caleb but he had a whip-thin build, like a runner. He was clad in blue jeans, work boots, and a white T-shirt which made his skin look really red in comparison.
    “Yeah, but I’m going to ride with Caleb. Don’t go too fast or we’ll lose you.”
    Paulie gave a dazzling white and ferocious smile. “So, this is Caleb?” Paulie did an assessment of him from head to toe and shrugged.
    “He gonna be able to keep up with us?” Paulie asked, focusing solely on Kerry.
    “Of course. Whatever makes you think he can’t?”
    Paulie gave Caleb another look. “I don’t know. He just looks so prim.”
    Caleb felt a growl start in the back of his throat. Kerry stepped forward, taking his hand.
    “You just wish you could look so good. Get your butt back in the car so we can get moving.”
    “Why, yes ma’am!” he said with a cheeky grin. Paulie slotted his wiry frame back into the little car. He slammed the door, leaning out of the open window to smack the roof. “Quit stalling or we’re gonna leave y’all behind.”
    Caleb led Kerry to his car, where he opened the door for her. Once she was in, he walked around the hood before climbing in behind the wheel and starting the car. The Mazda sped off down the driveway. Caleb slammed his foot on the gas to catch up.
    “These people are your friends?” asked Caleb, watching Paulie as he leaned right out the window his tongue lolling out like a dogs in the wind. “Yeah. Paulie and Susan and I grew up together; we all went to high school together. We’re close. Luka, however, is a new initiate. He’s Susan’s intended. They’ve got their ceremony month after next.”
    “And Paulie?” Caleb asked, trying not to grind his teeth as Paulie mooned them without falling out of the open car window. Kerry laughed.
    “His is next month. He’s all set to do the dance with Margery Wallis.” Caleb blinked.
    “I know Margery. She’s a year younger than me. Our families are friends. She’s so…stern and sensible.” Kerry smiled.
    “I’ve only met her once but those would be the words for her. Both my friends are really lucky, they have landed partners who compliment them. Paulie is brash, silly, and impulsive and he gets the sensible down-to-Earth girl who will keep him from getting too crazy. Susan is loud and in charge while Luka is quiet and likes taking orders. Margery won’t come out with us though.”
    “Where