Chapter 2

TWO

A lex Mercer was in the back room of his bookstore "Eclipse Bound," surrounded by stacks of books that smelled of age and whispers of secrets. He was attempting to categorize a new shipment of obscure texts when the bell above the front door chimed. He knew without looking up that it was Wes his best friend since childhood and fellow wolf shifter.

Wes's voice echoed from the front, tinged with amusement. "Hey, brooding beast, stop hiding with the dusty tomes. We've got a sunny day out there; it's not fitting for a dark character like you."

Alex emerged from the back room, offering a smirk. "The sun is overrated. It's just a massive incandescent bulb."

Wes leaned against the counter, his eyes scanning the bookstore with a sense of familiarity. "Your mom called me again. She's worried you're turning into a hermit."

Alex groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not you too. I get enough of that talk from her."

"Yeah, well, she's on a mission. Thinks it's high time you found a mate," Wes teased, his eyes lighting up with the prospect of ribbing his friend. "She says you're not getting any younger."

Alex raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his gaze. "And what did you tell her?"

"I said that finding a mate isn't like picking out a book. You can't just pluck one off the shelf." Wes laughed, knowing well the struggles of shifter mating rituals.

Alex chuckled, but there was a wistfulness in his eyes. "Sometimes, I wish it were that easy."

Wes's expression softened. "You'll find her, Alex. When the time is right."

Alex leaned against the bookshelf, letting out a sigh. "I know. But you haven't seen my mother lately. She's got this crazy idea that she can help. She's been talking to every eligible female in town, trying to play matchmaker. She's even joined a book club and now has co-conspirators giving her ideas."

Wes burst into laughter. "Your mom, the Love Guru. I'd pay to see that."

"Don't joke. She's serious. She's telling me she's going to set up a date for me soon," Alex admitted with a reluctant grimace.

"A date? This I have to see. Who's the unlucky lady?" Wes's grin was wide, clearly enjoying the turn of events.

Alex threw a softcover book at him, which Wes caught with ease. "That's the worst part—I don't know. Mom's keeping it a secret. Says I'll ‘scare her away' with my pessimism."

"Or your charm," Wes added dryly, "You're quite the catch. A tall, dark, and grumpy bookstore owner with a secret furry side."

"Very funny," Alex retorted, but he couldn't suppress a smile. Wes always had a way of lightening the mood. "Either way, I don't want my mother setting me up."

"I don't think Gillian cares what you want."

That was the truest statement he'd said so far. His mother couldn't care less what Alex wanted. She was determined to parade every single female in front of him in hopes that his wolf would acknowledge one of them as his mate.

His cell phone rang. "Speak of the devil."

"Alex, baby," his mother said with enthusiasm. The smile on her voice came through clearly. "I need your help."

"Hi, Mom. What's going on?"

"One of my book club ladies has a child looking for a rare fantasy first copy and I've sent them your way. The book is ‘The Eyes of the Dragon.' Do you have it?"

He watched Wes flirt with a customer and shook his head when the female typed her number into his friend's cell phone. "I know the book and I do."

"Great! Okay, honey, will you be over for dinner tomorrow?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"Why?" his mother asked with confusion. "Because it's our monthly elder dinner and you're reporting on the Hillside Pack problems."

Fuck. He'd forgotten all about the monthly elder dinner. The whole thing had been his idea so his father and other elders didn't feel like their input was not wanted. He'd ensured the aging members of the pack felt needed and useful in their later years.

"I'll be there."

"I'll make your favorite caramel apple pie," his mom said sweetly. "Talk later, honey, I have some shopping to do."

"Bye, Mom."

The customer walked out of the store and Wes grinned at him. "How's Gilly?"

"Great," he replied with a raised brow. "You know my store isn't a bar."

"I'm aware," Wes laughed. "But I have such a hard time turning away beautiful women who want to make me dinner."

Alex snorted and shook his head. "One day you'll find your mate and your whorish ways will come to an end."

"Until then, I suggest you embrace the ho life, brother."

Alex chuckled. "I don't think the ho life is for me. I don't have the clothes for it."

"Who said you need clothes," Wes gave a sheepish shrug. "I find nudity gets me the best results."

Alex gave a booming laugh. There was something to be said for good results.