I woke up practically pinned to my bed as Nancy was all but on top of me. Her head rested on my shoulder with her arm and leg draped over me making sure I had no chance of escape. Not that I wanted to but I did have to pee really bad. Stupid Spironolactone. I couldn't wait for my surgery and to finally be rid of them. Soon.

I let out a long breath that I didn't know I was holding. I needed to tell Nancy but ... how? I've gone through this so many times that you'd think I was a pro at coming out to people but every time was like the first time. Hoping the person didn't freak out and kill me. I didn't see Nancy doing that but still...

I got off lucky last night do to being injured. All we did was watch Netflix and fall asleep but our relationship took a major turn when she told Jake about us... fuck!

I couldn't let this depress me. I wouldn't. Slowly scooting Nancy's arm then leg off me I managed to free myself and sneak out of my bedroom.

Immediately stepping out Dobby damn near ruined everything by laying next to my door ensuring I'd trip on him as soon as I stepped out.

"Stupid dog! One night I don't let you in and you act like you're abused."

After going to the bathroom and relieving my poor bladder I made my way to the kitchen where I was pleased to see Joann making hash browns, eggs, and ham even if I did think it soon for her to be doing stuff. She could be awesome on occasion even if she drove me up the wall most of the time.

"You got back early last night."

She said with her back turned as I got a cup of coffee. She was in bed already so she still didn't know about what happened or Nancy being here.

"Umm yeah. A fight broke out so we closed early. You shouldn't be cooking. I was planning on making us something.

She turned around gasping when she saw me. "Oh my god! Are you alright?"

She tossed down the spatula she was holding and was now inspecting me.

"I'm fine, mom. In fact, it actually turned out pretty good actually. And nice way to avoid explaining why you're up. You should be resting.

She folded her arms across her chest raising a brow to me.

"Okay, don't ever call me that. And I'm sick of resting. I swear if I see another television commercial I'll scream! I'm actually going back to work and before you say anything, just know it's "restful ". All I basically do is sit on my ass. Now how the hell could it of turned out alright? You got a nasty gash on the side of your head."

"Well lets just say I hope you made enough for three." I said unable to stop myself from smiling. It was a bit soon for her to go back to work but I didn't wanna fight. Plus, I'm sure she is sick of laying around all day. I just don't want her to over do it.

Her mouth dropped open making me laugh as I took a sip of the coffee and made my way to the stove no longer trusting her ability to cook.

"Nancy?"

"Mmhmm She's still asleep." I nodded. The smile still plastered to my face. "She told her husband about us and well we connected."

"Damn I wish I had a boss who sent me home early to "connect" with me. Seriously, Luke, I'm worried about you. There's no telling what he will do now."

"I have told you not to fucking call me that, Joann! Get the fucking hint! The last thing I need right now is for her to hear you. I'm dealing with things the best that I can right now so either get my name right or keep your damn mouth shut!"

I snapped at her dropping the spatula to face her. Just when I was just putting it in the back of my mind she has to bring it up. How fucking hard can it be to call me Crystal? I had it legally changed for over a year now.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I shouldn't of gone off on her like that, she's gone through a lot. It's just that with Nancy was different than with the others. I-I need her. It's strange as we've not known each other that long but everyday that goes by I get more and more scared of losing her. I don't know what I'd do if I did. I don't even want to think about it. And that's one topic that could do it.

"I'm sorry. I'll be good in front of your girlfriend, I promise. I just hope, for her sake, she can handle your bitchiness."

"She's not my girlfriend. She's my mate."

I smiled at the memory of Nancy correcting me last night. It was already calming me down. "I'm sorry for snapping. It's just this is important to me."

"What is?"

We both turned to see Nancy just entering the living room. Joann raised an eyebrow while giving me a smirk at Nancy wearing my old Martina McBride shirt and tan shorts. With her messy hair she looked too damn hot.

"Ahhh Nothing! Just Crystal thinking she's our mom again and not just my sister. You should hear her every time I go on a date It's like I'm fifteen again. Who is he, where you going, what time will you be back, is he married? It's endless. But nevermind all that! I'm Joann by the way and you must be Nancy who she keeps talking about nonstop. It's nice to finally put a face to the name."

I swear, I'm going to kill her! Just as soon as she's better I'm going to wrap my hands around her scrawny little neck and squeeze. What the hell was she thinking saying that!? Is she trying to get Nancy to kill me? Just when I thought things were going good for us.

"Breakfast is ready!"

I blurted out while grabbing some plates hoping to shut Joann's mouth up before she sticks another foot in it. Really, was her not making my life miserable for a few hours that much to ask for?

"She told you..." Nancy glanced at me as she helped herself to some coffee. At least she didn't seem upset. I guess she probably expected it.

"Well I married Jake when I was only eighteen and only because of my father pushed it. I never loved him. He has taken what once meant everything to me and has completely ruined it. I'll never forgive him for that. You can rest assured that I have no intentions of giving her up. Not for for anyone and especially him."

I wanted nothing more for the floor to turn into quicksand and swallow me up. Will this nightmare ever end? I covered my face with my hand as I felt Nancy rub my back and Joann's shock stare between us at learning that Nancy is married to Jake.

"Wait! You're THAT Nancy? You dumped your ex-boyfriend for his wife?! I know he's a fucking asshole. I told you to never get involved with him, but this shit doesn't happen! How does this happen?"

"Really, Joann, I'm trying to figure it out myself but... can we just eat?"

I couldn't deal with this right now. My nerves were going through the roof and I'm sure I'm about five seconds from either a nervous breakdown, a panic attack, or both.

Nancy and I served ourselves while Joann sat in on a stool apparently trying to process all this. I wished her luck knowing she'll need it. I've given up trying to make sense of any of it and decided to go with it.

"Okay for the record you are divorcing that son of a bitch, right? I've seen the marks on Crystal so I can imagine what it was like for you but I'm not stupid. I know how women go back to guys like that so I want to know it's official. I mean, you're not just mad and going to forgive him as soon as he calls, or just trying to scare him, or some other crap. You two are done for good as in, "I've already got someone with a truck to help me collect my things and to kick his ass if necessary" right?"

Nancy looked at me with a combination of anger and concern. Why the hell didn't I see this coming? Joann meant well so I couldn't really be mad at her. Despite her many faults she's always tried to make sure I was okay. Still... she wasn't helping right now."

"Jake hurt you? When?"

She was seconds away from going all beast mode which was the last thing I needed right now in front of Joann. "It was nothing. I really don't want to get into it right now. Can we please just eat and have a pleasant morning?"

"Not until you answer the question. When you started working for me you were bleeding. I didn't buy the story of you tripping and then I heard you telling Linnea a different one. I want to know the truth."

I swear her eyes were penetrating making me paralyzed. There wasn't any chance of getting out of this even Joann was waiting for an answer.

"Yes! Okay? Are you happy now? I'm sorry I lied but I wasn't sure where we stood and I didn't want to cause anymore problems. He came by to ask questions like you told him and then said he was leaving you and we could be together. He pushed me into my car when I told him I wasn't interested. It's over, and really, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell him to come around here anymore. He-he changed. And you know what I mean. I've never been so scared!"

"He turned?!"

I was so worked up I couldn't even answer so I only nodded. I could tell Joann was trying to figure out what I meant but thankfully, she didn't push it. Nancy was pacing in circles mumbling something I couldn't make out. It was probably for the best.

"I can't stay. I'll see you tonight. And Joann... you can rest assured that I'm not taking him back. I've known several who have lost their mates and no matter how it happened, it wasn't good. There isn't a chance in hell i'm going to be one of them!"

She was practically grinding her teeth when she spoke but what threw me most of all was that I could feel her anger. It burned like a raging inferno no doubt fueled by regret. I could feel it like my own emotions and I wanted to tell her that it wasn't her fault and she had no reason to blame herself but she left before I could.

"Well damn it!"

I heard my sister say causing me to turn towards her. "I like her. I wanted so badly to hate her guts."

I didn't say anything. My mind was racing on what Nancy was going to do. Nothing good judging by the way she stormed out not even letting me give her a ride back. What was Jake going to do next? He was scary when things didn't go his way and now with what Nancy told him, he knew things were far from his way. I also never got a chance to ask Nancy what they had been doing last night but I'm sure it had to do with their pack. It was really the only thing I've known them to be together for. Ashley! Did she do something? She must have. Maybe I'll go see her when Joann goes to work.