Family

Andrius huffed and I couldn’t help but smile. I’ve never had a group of people I could hang out with, and definitely not one that were willing to fight over my time. I had Liz, but I didn’t have Levi until recently. Adding more people—long term people gave me that sickly warm feeling in my chest and I blinked quickly to stop myself from tearing up. I’d been so worried they wouldn’t like me.

“I don’t have anything… too serious until Friday,” Andrius grumbled before he lifted his cup of orange juice to his lips. I was reminded of the meeting with his appointed chosen mate and her dad. That means no one will know who I am until after he clears that up. That should make me feel weird, feel small, but I only sit straighter in my seat. I’m glad I’m here. I wanted everyone to know I’m the woman by his side. Everyone at the table knew about her, but now I’m sitting by Andrius. Did they know of me? Were any of them close to her?

“What of the vampire issue? Did you find anything out?” Focusing on Duke, he leaned forward, his elbows on the table. The conversation turned serious and I tensed at the mention of our mortal enemies. Not because I was afraid, but because I was reminded that the war had reached here too. How would they react to Levi? Was it possible they would accept him?

“Nothing you don’t already know. We’ve already agreed to help Alpha Brett. Make sure you reach out to Beta Dom and get an update on that… solider.” At the mention of Alpha Brett, I stiffened. I had only met Dylan’s dad once, on what I would call the worst night of my life. I didn’t know how to feel about Andrius and my… soon to be pack going to their aid when it meant we were working against vampires. Andrius sounded weird, but when I looked at him, he was smiling at me. I made a mental note to ask him about that later. Why hadn’t he mentioned Levi? I’d rather tell them now then later.

“What is… this pack’s stance on the war?”

Four sets of eyes focus on me, but I don’t waiver. I held my head high and met each one. The only one with a touch of madness in them was Jace. He leaned forward a little too quickly and bumped into the table. Hazel eyes flashed yellow, he blinked and it was gone. Danny pushed him back with a perfectly manicured hand before flashing me a polite smile.

“We want it to be over. We’ve lost members to their kind. The sooner it ends, the better.” She nodded and glanced at Andrius.

“There is some… animosity when it comes to the vamps. I don’t particularly like them, but I also don’t dislike them.” My attention snapped to baby blues as Duke stared at me with an intensity that said he knew something. Just how much was he privy to? Another question I’d have to ask when Andrius and I were alone again.

“And what about you?” A strained voice asked. Hazel eyes bore into mine. Even though he’d only said one word when he was introducing himself, it wasn’t hard to guess how Jace felt about them. I could see it in the way his shoulders had stiffened and the way he grit his teeth since I brought up the war. Once again, I had everyone’s full attention, but I wouldn’t cower. No matter how badly I wanted to. It felt weird being at the head of the table, but it was also reassuring.

“I’m sorry your pack has… suffered. Vampires have never hurt me or my family, so I have no issue with them.” My answer was careful and in no way gave anything away. Jace’s eyebrows furrowed and I took a slow steadying breath. I jumped when Andrius reached over and squeezed my hand. I shot him a grateful look and he winked.

“What I’m hearing is you don’t hate them,” Jace murmured. His voice was quiet. If I wasn’t a wolf, I wouldn’t have heard him.

“No, I don’t. I…” I glanced at Andrius and he nodded. “I know one and he’s important to me.”

Jace sucked his teeth, making a sound of disapproval.

“You’re friends with a bloodsucker?” He spat the last word. I’d heard it often from Andrius, but the way Jace said it made it sound vile.

“Yes.”

The silence was deafening. No one breathed. His chair scraped against the floor as he scooted back. Standing to his feet, he bowed his head.

“Alpha. Luna. I’ve lost my appetite, and I must excuse myself.” Jace’s words failed to contain the disgust, disappointment, and anger he felt. There was nothing he could do to contain his emotions, but I found his ability to remain respectful admirable. These guys are important and will be in my life.

“Of course,” I rasped, but when Jace remained standing, his head bowed, I looked at Andrius.

“You may go,” Andrius sighed. Jace lifted his chin, turned his head, his hazel eyes met mine.

“Yes, Alpha. I mean no disrespect, Luna… but vampires are a danger to my family. They are a stain upon the world and with the new mutations… they need to be eradicated.” With one final dip of his chin, he left. He walked through the doors and when I looked back, Danny gave me an apologetic smile.

“Don’t worry about him. I promise you he’s a great man. He’s just… been through a lot. I hope we didn’t scare you away.”

“No, not at all. I… understand my outlook isn’t… normal.” My tone was light but my heart felt heavy. How could I live here if Levi couldn’t?

“He’s the only one at this table who doesn’t know yet,” Andrius murmured.

“About?”

“Levi. But… you can see why,” he chuckled.

I hummed. And then I looked between Danny and Duke.

“And… how do you feel about that?”

“It’s none of my business who Andrius takes as his mate, or mates,” Danny started, but stopped when Andrius snorted. “I’ve made it my business, but it isn’t up to me. Never has been.”

“It’ll be chaotic. He will not be accepted right away, if ever. If Andy can make it clear to the pack that he is untouchable, most will listen.” Duke’s confident tone was calming and my shoulders relaxed. His baby blues reassured me and when he smiled, his dimple reminded me of a crescent moon. I couldn’t help but smile back.