Busy

After Duke left, I took more time looking through the multiple dresses Levi packed in a pack for me, only to end up with black leggings and a red v-neck that hugged my curves. I normally wore loose fitting clothes—they were like armor. But I wanted them to like me. Thank you, L. With my arm looped in Andrius’, he led me downstairs. At the thought of meeting those closest to him, I was a mix of both excitement and nerves. They were pack. Family. I had grown up outside of my own, but we were so low on the chain and lived far from the packhouse it almost felt like we were rogues sometimes.

“They’ll love you.” Andrius must have noticed my worry.

“And if they don’t?” My voice was a whisper as my feet touched the landing.

“Then Duke can kill them for you.” He chuckled by my side, and I playfully slapped him. We walked through the main area, post the couches, and tables. I caught the aroma of a delicious meal and my mouth watered at the same time my stomach growled. Heads turned as we stepped through the doors that led to a dining table. It wasn’t full like I expected. Two people sat in front of the windows on the far wall. A woman with flames for hair and green eyes wore a black turtle neck and a tight fitted black leather vest. The man seated beside her had blonde shaved hair and hazel eyes. Duke sat on the opposite side, back faced to us.

All three of them got to their feet as we approached and Andrius groaned.

“Don’t be weird, you guys.” He rubbed his chin and I looked at him for an explanation. We came to a stop in front of them and the two of them walked around the table. “We aren’t like other packs. Let’s not pretend we are.” Andrius’ voice was kind, but firm.

“I’m confused,” I laughed nervously.

“Most packs wait to eat after their Alpha and Luna, but we don’t do that. It’s more relaxed here in the packhouse. We’re family. Everyone eats when they want to. No one has to wait for me to take the first bite,” Andrius explained.

“I like that.”

“But that’s not what’s happening right now.”

“Duke wanted us to make a good first impression.” The woman spoke first, her voice whimsical.

“Duke?” I could feel his eyes on me, but I didn’t look as I fought a smile. “As in the guy who came upstairs to his alpha’s room?”

The woman laughed. “That’s Duke in a nutshell.” Stepping forward, she gave me a hug.

“I’m Danny.” She introduced herself when we pulled apart.

“Amia.”

“Jace.” The blonde dipped his head and I mirrored the movement. He didn’t try to shake my hand or hug me like Danny and I wondered if a certain Beta had warned him of what Andrius said earlier. My gaze snapped to Duke as he stepped toward me. He offered me his hand, palm up, and I took it. He dropped his head to my hand and I wondered if he was going to ignore Andrius’ warning when he pressed his forehead to my hand. Speechless, I stared down at him until he straightened and stepped back.

Andrius’ hand was on my hip as he led me to the head of the table. I was too stunned by Duke to notice the seat I’d sat in was at the head of the table. Before I could panic, he dropped into the seat beside me. Everyone followed and started filling their plates. My gaze ran over the various foods spread out and covering almost every inch.

“The Deltas aren’t joining today. They wanted to, but someone….” Danny shot Duke a glare before continuing, “sent them all out on missions before the sun rose. I don’t know why when he cooked a feast.”

“You cooked?” I asked as I turned to look at the beta.

“Yes, Luna.” Pink touched each one of his cheeks and I smiled.

“Everything looks amazing.” I was touched.

“Thank you. Eat up. Wouldn’t want anything to get cold,” Duke teased.

Jace started scooping a plate but placed it in front of Danny. Then he grabbed another and started filling it before he stabbed a sausage and bit into the end. When I turned to look at Andrius he was watching me. I looked down as he placed a smorgasbord of food before me.

“That’s… a lot,” I laughed.

“After the last twenty-four hours, you need as much food as possible.”

Before I could tell him I probably wouldn’t even be able to eat half of this, he attacked a pile of bacon. I grabbed a slice of buttered toast and scooped scrambled eggs on top. Bringing it to my lips my eyes locked with Duke’s baby blues. His hair hung off one side of his forehead. Breaking eye contact, I bit into my food. There was something pulling between the two of us. I had felt it earlier in the room and was a little worried it might be the mate bond. But from what I know, it’s instant and there are no doubts when you find them. I wouldn’t know for sure until my birthday. In two days.

Would Levi be back by then? I hoped so. I didn’t want to spend another birthday without him. Before I could start spiraling at the thought of him not being here, Danny leaned forward.

“Has he given you a tour yet?” She glanced between me and Andrius.

“No, not yet.”

“I can give you—”

“We haven’t even been here one whole day. If anyone is showing her around it’s me,” Andrius cut in.

“Would you like some company?” Danny asked, completely ignoring her alpha. It made me smile.

“Yes, I would.”

“I doubt he’ll show her everything. We can always take her out, can’t we?” Duke interrupted. My eyes darted to his again.

“Very true. Alphas are busy. We’ll have you all to ourselves soon enough,” Danny teased.