Mate Not Wanted Read Online Free Page B

OK. I will say we’re going to be here for you. Whatever you need, we’re here.”
    Madison looked over at Lea who still wasn’t looking at Alec. “Lea?”
    Lea looked at them, pain in her brown eyes, tears showing in the corners. “I’m so sorry, Alec,” she sniffled. “I know what you’re going through, my gram is also ill.”
    The bottom of Madison’s world fell out all over again as memories of the hospital returned. The loud, obnoxious beeping of the machines that were hooked up to her father. His waxy countenance. The noxious smell of cleaning solution and medicine all around. So many people in white coats who could do nothing for him. Her mother looking so frail by her father’s bedside. It had taken everything in Madison not to run away from the claustrophobic space.
    She took in a shuddering breath to break the spell of the past. She reached out and took hold of Lea’s hand, trying to ignore the tremble that ran down her arm.
    “I’m here for you both.” Her throat tried to tighten and a lump began to form.
    Just how much had she missed over the last few months, while she helped her father with his business, while he got back on his feet after his heart attack? They were still taking things slow, but he was getting stronger and stronger each day and getting more back into the swing of things. He was even healthy enough to bark out orders and go out to the football matches. At last, Madison could go back to her life, whatever that was. Now that she had more time on her hands, she could give her support to her friends.
    “Things will be fine. Your gram is getting the best care the witches can offer. It won’t do for us to go moping. That’s negative energy that they don’t need. Now where is that waitress with our beer?”
    Madison looked away from her friends to wipe away some unshed tears. She spotted their server, who was engaged at another table. “I’m going to get us our drinks. You stay here and stop moping. Drool over the bachelors if you must. Just don’t tell me the details.”
    Madison released Lea’s hand and hoped that her suggestion would help. She knew that her own words were just platitudes and that there was nothing she could say that would truly drive away the worries that Lea and Alec were experiencing, but it was all she could offer them at the moment.
    The day had been a long one, and emotionally she was spent. Her well was just starting to fill up with energy again after her father—and now this. Part of her was angry at fate for hitting her friends during a time when she couldn’t do much to support them. Then she cursed herself for feeling sorry for herself when her friends needed her.
    Alec and Lea looked at each other, lascivious grins on their faces.
    “We can do that.” Alec turned the computer around to face their side of the table.
    Relief swept through Madison. Her play had worked. She only shook her head at them and headed up to the bar.
    She placed their orders and turned around to gaze out over the room. There wasn’t much of a crowd. The TV behind her told her that everyone was at the inaugural game of the first ever Elemental Football League. She had no clue what the difference was between regular soccer and this kind, except for the abilities of the players, but she wasn’t really interested in it. Not like her father. Or Pierce.
    Madison had heard rumors that there were some humans who wanted to make the switch for the challenge of playing against paranormals. Pierce would be over the moon at this development. She tried to ignore the bloom of heat in her stomach at the thought of Pierce. He was off limits.
    With a sigh, she turned to check the status of her order. The stench of sweat wafted toward her, making her stomach squeeze and her lunch try to make a break for it. Madison swallowed and tried not to breathe.
    “Oi, more beer over here!” the man next to her bellowed. The stench became more intense. A smell that was somewhere between rotten eggs