Because the alternative of letting Jase go level ten alpha and cart her off to claim her would be an absolute disaster. There might be times when it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission, but we all agree wholeheartedly that this is not one of those situations, that it could do irreparable damage to Bailey, and Vivi firmly believes that’s not possible, it’d be a definite.
My mate is grimacing. “Mating should be a celebration. This isn’t that. Celebrating by the pack who’s happy for them and more importantly, both peopleinthe relationship celebrating because they’ve found their soulmate. This is supposed to be the happiest time of their lives, Rik.”
“Give it time,” I say.
He frowns. “This makes no sense whatsoever.”
“To you, it doesn’t. But believe me, it’s how it’s supposed to go.”
“You saying Fate wants them suffering like this? I have a hard time wrapping my head around that.”
“We suffered, and look at us now.”
His eyebrows fly up. “Are you telling me it might take seven years for the suffering to stop for them, too?”
“No, Riley. It means Jase is currently learning. So is Bailey.”
“But this is what Bailey wants,” he says. “Or wanted. Though her mind would be changed back if Jase got a chance to show her how he feels.”
“Thisis what Bailey and Jase both need, honey.”
“I don’t get it. And it’s pissin’ me off because of what we went through. I don’t want anyone in this pack going through that kind of pain.”
I’m melting now. My sweet, awesome soulmate…
“It’s not for you to get, Scooby Dooby,” I say, cupping his jaw with both hands.
He’s grimacing now, flexing that defined, stubbled jaw.
“I’m pissed on Jase’s behalf and thinkin’ now about living without you for seven years.”
I put my chin on his chest and gaze up into those gorgeous green eyes. “Riley. We’ve got this. It’s gonna work out. I don’t think it’ll take seven years.”
“How’s that?”
“Vivi is plugged in, so to speak. We’ve done our part and now we mostly wait.”
“But Dani’s the one that started this.”
“Yes, because she’s Bailey’s champion on this issue. We all are, but especially Dani. Trust me, Riley. Bailey needs this time. And Jase needs to learn things about his mate before he claims her. Jase needs this time to show Bailey what Bailey needs to learn about him and about their bond. Believe me, it’ll work out.”
“When?”
“When it works out,” I tell him.
“You don’t know when?”
“No.”
“Do you know if it’ll be soon?”
“No,” I say.
“What about Linc?”
“What about Linc?” I parrot.
“Linc’s gonna be on edge now about when he’ll get his turn.”