taking a mate. I suppose we’ll be having a grand wedding soon?
In the near future. The day hasn’t been set, but I’ll make sure you receive an invitation.
The old wolf grinned. I never pass up the chance to attend a great feast in the merry company of good friends. I’m looking forward to it. Well, I’ll be going then. He shook his fur, dislodging the snow. Thank you again for receiving met. Good day, Quinn Alexander. Trent. John.
Good day, Alpha, said Quinn.
Once the wolf was out of their sight, Trent turned to Quinn. His brother was worried. Surprisingly, the Alpha took it well, but I don’t think his sister and niece will do the same. I heard Josephine Bishop has told people in Southland that it was only a matter of time before you agreed to the arrangement. I went downtown yesterday and an old friend asked me if the rumor was true.
Where did Josephine Bishop get that idea? said John. That woman is delusional.
She’s a renowned gold-digger. Rumor has it she left her mate for a younger, wealthier man. And when that man left her a year later, her mate wouldn’t take her back. Many said she had something to do with her mate’s death. She also had been on the lookout for a cash cow. It’s common knowledge. People in this city know who Josephine Bishop is. And now she’s pushing her daughter on Quinn so she can secure her future, said Trent.
Quinn pondered. Would she push her daughter to me if I were penniless? I know for sure Vanessa doesn’t care about my fortune or my social status. Vanessa is different.
We can see she isn’t a money grubbing kind of girl , said John. She’d make you a great wife.
Trent retracted his claws in and out, pawing on a patch of snow. Did you propose to her, yet? Should we be expecting a fantastic wedding in the near future?
Quinn snorted. Not even close. But she has to marry me if I get her pregnant, am I right?
Sly, said John.
I’m joking, said Quinn. The idea is very tempting, though.
Trent shook his head. Win her the old fashion way. She seems the only woman who hasn’t fawned over you. I guess, you’ve finally met your match, brother.
Quinn growled. She’ll be mine. Just you see.
* * *
While Quinn and his brothers were out all morning and afternoon, Vanessa spent time with Savannah. She was busy on her laptop when Quinn’s mom insisted she mustn’t do work while she was relaxing. Savannah suggested they go shopping.
The downtown area featured many high-end boutiques. Luxury designers like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Prada were among them. Vanessa felt as if she was walking down Fifth Avenue instead of through a small town in Colorado.
Savannah also insisted that Vanessa have a mini-makeover—something her own mother and sisters had wanted her to do for years, but she never agreed to. Savannah was so nice; she didn’t have the heart to refuse her. Not with the notion she was going to be her daughter-in-law soon.
Damn, Quinn. Somewhere deep in the recesses of her mind, she imagined Quinn laughing evilly for dragging her into this deception.
Savannah had her hairdresser cut Vanessa’s shoulder-length hair into a feminine bob style and colored it into a deep shade of mahogany that flattered her pale complexion. The makeover extended to a full mani and pedi and ended with a trip to Ralph Lauren boutique to pick up a preppy dress to complement her new look. By the time they walked out of the store, Vanessa felt like she was a totally different person. She hadn’t worn a dress in years, maybe since senior prom in high school.
Quinn’s expression was priceless when he saw her at home.
“What do you think, son?” Savannah beamed. “Doesn’t she look pretty? I know she’s a bit tomboy-ish, but I thought it might be a good thing if she gets in touch with her feminine side once in a while.”
“I commend your mom’s power of persuasion,” said Vanessa. “My mother and sisters have hounded me for years about getting a makeover, but they’d
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