GRAVE DESIRES: FATED MATES

Squeaky

Roxie didn't pull away, but she wasn't about to kiss this man.

"You know the rules."

"I break a lot of rules, mouse."

"Not that one," Roxie said, "Promise me."

"I don't make promises I can't keep, Roxie."

Roxie frowned, but found herself being pulled closer to him. She rested her head on his chest as Suri watched. She didn't like what was happening—she was not a fan of Walker Wells. She ushered Andy and Pearl out of the room for supper and came back when all was settled.

"Oh, Mom!" Roxie eventually pulled away, leaving Walker empty-handed, "I got an invite to the ball!"

Suri's eyes lit up, her gaze darting to Walker's and back to her daughter's.

"Honey! I am so happy for you!" She hugged Roxie who was equally excited and scared, "Men come from all around the area so who knows who it will be!"

"Mom, has anyone ever been rejected?"

"Not really..." Her mom shook her head, "I had a friend who didn't love her mate for the first few months, but now they've been together for two decades and five children!"

"He must really like,-"

"Walker..." Roxie rolled her eyes, "Mom, are you ready? I'm starving."

"And I'm taking the two of you to dinner."

"Dressed like that?" Suri asked.

Roxie looked over at her mother, "Um, Walker's also taking me to prom, Mom."

Suri's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Why?"

"Mom..."

"No, I am asking Walker," Suri frowned, "Why? Why are you taking my daughter to prom? To anywhere?"

"I just want to," Walker said, his eyes turning golden, "Don't question why I do things."

"Walker..." Roxie took his hand and he immediately calmed down, "Please...don't..not today."

Suri had not gone to the cemetery—nor was she planning on it, but she knew her daughter had been—she went more often than Suri did.

"I don't need dinner," Suri said, "Be home at a decent hour, baby doll."

"Yes, ma'am..."

"If you'll excuse me, I need to finish up a few things around here and I will get a ride home," Suri said, "Take care of my daughter if you're so adamant on being this close to her right before she's mated, Mr. Wells."

"Mom.." Roxie was pulled in the opposite direction by Walker.

"Let her go," Walker said, leading them back out to the Jeep, "I know a perfect place for us to go."

"Walker.." Roxie paused, "Can I get out of this?"

"Not until I say you can," Walker balked as they sped out of the driveway, "And, yes, I know you need to get your car."

"You are so damn demanding," Roxie said, "Where do you want to eat?"

"You want Chinese."

"Stop doing that."

"I can't do it all the time," Walker shrugged, "You know we're at that age when all of our strengths are starting to come out."

"Chinese it is!" Roxie squealed, "I like it and I like the family who works there. They're so sweet."