Three weeks had passed since Callum and Maddox had left to follow Mitch. Though Fredrica and Maddox spoke on the phone often, Alyssa knew it was hard on Fredrica to have her mate so far away. She felt guilty for her role in what had transpired, and part of her wished she’d broken the asshole’s neck so they would all be done with this mess.
Drew had unknowingly piled more guilt on her shoulders when he told her of Callum’s plans to search out his mate. Now he was delayed because of her, and she wondered if he’d missed his chance at finding his mated female. She didn’t want to be responsible for that.
To distract herself, she’d turned her focus to becoming an active part of the pack. Having a permanent home had opened her up to additional needs. She no longer needed to worry about being able to pack quickly and leave rapidly, which gave her a chance to expand her wardrobe. All her clothing no longer required to fit into one suitcase, so she’d gone shopping with several of the female pack members.
Though Drew had given her the freedom to change whatever she wanted in his home, she hadn’t felt the need, aside from adding her grooming products to the bathroom and her clothing in the closet. Since meeting him, they rarely spent time at her apartment. Though it seemed fast, and she wasn’t ready to give up her independence, she didn’t see the point of paying rent for a place she didn’t use.
She loved being part of the pack. Going on runs with the others had given her a sense of community that she’d never felt before. They had all made her feel special. She and Drew had double dates with several of the mated pairs. She’d hung out with the women for shopping, a wine and paint night, and movie nights, and they had even invited her to a charity event for Wildlings. The featured event was axe throwing, something she’d never imagined doing but was very much looking forward to.
For the first time in her life, she was making real connections, real friends. She laughed more than ever before. She was settling in and loving every moment.
Fredrica had spent one afternoon with her at the gallery and had instantly hit it off with Zelda. Birds of a feather, Alyssa thought, as they sat around Drew’s kitchen table playing rummy. Each week, they had gathered for a card game, and Alyssa was enjoying the consistency of their get-togethers and the company. As she scanned the table, she listened to Zelda’s chatter and prepared her next play.
Across the table from them, Fredrica impatiently tapped her cards with her pointer finger while Mason popped a handful of Chicago mix popcorn in his mouth. Drew had temporarily installed Mason as pack beta while Callum was off, chasing Mitch. If all went well, Mason would continue the position while Callum made the pilgrimage for his mate. So far, Alyssa enjoyed his company. He was easygoing and funny, often staying with her in the evenings when Drew had to work late, though Alyssa knew that was babysitting duty. He was there to protect her in case Mitch returned.
“Whose turn is it?” Fredrica’s finger paused in its tapping.
All the players glanced at each other, then exclaimed, “Zelda!” before bursting into laughter.
“Is it really?” The gallery owner asked as though it wasn’t a common occurrence when it seemed she needed to be prompted at every other turn. Though her stories were worth the wait, they lengthened each game dramatically.
Zelda examined her cards, discarded them, and play resumed. “When does that mega hunk of yours get back into town?”
Fredrica sighed, her gaze glued to her cards. “I’m not sure.”
“Next time he leaves, you’re going with him?”
“On tour, yes.” Fredrica beamed as she laid down four cards on the table, then added one to an existing meld. Alyssa wasn’t sure if the smile was because of the victorious hand she played or her plans with Maddox.
“That’ll be exciting,” Alyssa commented.
“A tour bus chock-full of hot rocker dudes,” Mason wiggled his eyebrows. “Definitely exciting.”
Fredrica elbowed him and rolled her eyes.
“I’d let that man of yours beat on my drum all day.” Zelda’s casual comment had everyone laughing all over again.
It was three hands later when Drew came home. There had been a shipping mix-up at the factory, and he’d had to stay late. Though Mason had been planning to come by for cards, Alyssa was pretty sure that Drew’s delay was why Mason had shown up in the early evening with dinner for her.
She didn’t particularly like having someone watching over her all the time, but she loved it, and it showed just how much Drew valued her.
Her mate came around the table and dropped his hands on her shoulders before leaning down and brushing his lips over hers.
“Have you eaten yet?” She asked. When he shook his head, she directed him to the fridge, where there was leftover chicken and salad from the meal Mason had delivered. Drew looked tired as he crossed to the refrigerator.
When Zelda’s phone rang, she glanced at the screen and groaned. “Ah, this new employee. He’s incompetent, I swear.”
Mason piped up, “But he sure is easy on the eyes.”
“I didn’t hire him for his resume, but I’m paying for it now.” Zelda stood up, but before leaving the room to take the call, she leaned closer to Mason. “Keep your paws off my employees.”
Fredrica, who had been taking a sip of water, spewed it across the table. Zelda didn’t understand the implication of the word paws, but the remaining players all had a good laugh. Mason shook his head. “Fine, keep your new employee to yourself. Besides, I like my men competent. Toss in some broody behavior for good measure, and I’m all in.”
Fredrica tapped the table. “Wrong game, silly. We’re not playing poker.”
“That’s not the type of all-in he’s referring to,” Zelda declared before lifting her phone to her ear and leaving the room.
This time, it was Alyssa who choked on her water. She watched Zelda hovering in the next room, scolding her employee. The things that came out of that woman’s mouth.
“What’s up, boss?” Mason’s question pulled Alyssa’s attention back to the kitchen.
Drew swallowed a bite of chicken, his gaze on the hallway. “Not yet,” he replied.
Whatever he had to say was pack business and not to be discussed in front of an outsider. Alyssa immediately tensed. Fredrica twisted in her seat, abandoning the napkin she’d been using to soak up her earlier spill. “Is Maddox okay?”
“Yes.” Drew nodded. When Fredrica sighed in relief, Drew said rather pointedly, “So is your brother, by the way.”
Sagging in her seat, Fredrica looked across at Alyssa. “I swear mating screws up your priorities. I’m still getting used to it. That man has my head in a fog.”
“Sexual bliss will do that.” Mason agreed before getting up to add more popcorn to the now empty bowl.
“Worth it,” Fredrica mouthed to Alyssa, which tossed them both into a fit of laughter.
“What did I miss?” Mason asked when he returned to the table.
Neither answered as Zelda breezed back in, collecting her purse. “I have to get back to the gallery. He’s messed up an entire wall.” She glanced at Alyssa. “I have someone interested in your apartment. I know you said you weren’t sure about moving out just yet, but I wanted you to know since you haven’t slept in it for weeks.” She winked. “And I don’t blame you one bit.”
Sheepishly, Alyssa glanced at Drew. His smile was wide as he shrugged. “Whenever you’re ready. It’s an open invitation.”
“It’s a safe bet, Alyssa.” Zelda nodded at her. “It’s okay to be happy.”
Rounding the table, Alyssa hugged her and whispered, “I’ll let you know soon.”
Seconds later, Zelda was gone. When the front door shut, all eyes turned to Drew. He set aside the salad container and joined them at the table. “Mitch is dead.”
Everyone was silent. Question after question floated through her mind. Who did it? How were they coping? Neither Maddox nor Callum seemed bloodthirsty, and she doubted they’d ever taken a human, or shifter’s, life before.
“What happened?” Mason’s question was solemn.
Drew’s gaze rose to hers. “You said Mitch was an online gambler?”
“Yes.”
“Seems he enjoyed casinos as well. He tried to cheat one in New York. Turns out the security team at the casino are shifters. Mitch didn’t stand a chance. The boys are on their way back now.”
“Good.” Fredrica looked relieved.
“Is it bad that I don’t feel bad about it?” Alyssa cringed.
“The man tried to rape you,” Mason said, prompting Drew’s fists to clench. “I think you get a pass on this one.”
“His death was a forgone conclusion. The second he put his hands on you ensured that.”
“That’s sweet.” Alyssa chuckled. “In a morbid sort of way.”
“The important thing,” Fredrica jumped in, “is that he can’t hurt you or anyone else now.”
More often than she’d like to admit, she wondered about any potential victims Mitch may have left behind. Now, at least, justice had been served.
“They’ll be home tonight?” Fredrica’s tone was hopeful.
“Yes, but late.”
Before he finished his statement, Fredrica was already out of her seat. She barely waved on her way out the door, her platinum hair swinging at her enthusiastic pace. “Later!”
Shaking his head, Mason rose as well. “Well, I suppose I should head out, too.” He reached over to Drew and shook his hand. “It’ll be nice to have Callum back.”
Drew held his beta’s hand longer than necessary as he studied him. “Actually, Callum won’t be here long. He’s feeling the mating pull and will take some time off.” He looked at Alyssa, and she realized he was silently asking for her approval of Mason. She gave a nod. “You mind staying on as beta for a while?”
Mason’s smile grew. “Yeah. For sure. I’m up for the challenge.” Mason piled up the cards and returned them to the box before heading for the door.
Alyssa cleared the table, but she could feel Drew’s gaze watching her every movement. When she set the bowl Mason had been eating out of onto the counter behind him, Drew pulled her into his arms. His big hands settled on her denim-clad ass. “So you’re thinking of moving in?”
She could feel the blush staining her cheeks. Zelda giving him the news hadn’t been in her plans. “I was thinking about it.” Drawing a circle on his chest with her finger, she glanced up. “I practically live here anyway.”
Drew emitted a low growl. “Makes sense to make it official. No point in having a place you don’t use.”
“Are you sure?”
“Sure that I want you permanently in my home and my life? You shouldn’t have to ask. I’ve made it clear that I want you in every possible way.”
Her arms snaked up and around his neck, her fingers tangling in the hair there. “I want you too. However, I can have you.”
“You’ve got it. All of me. Forever. Whenever you’re ready.”
She knew he was alluding to imprinting. He hadn’t pushed her regarding their mating bond, but she knew he thought of it often. She did too. Seeing how connected the other pairs were and listening to them talk about their mating stories and how they came together made her long to cement their bond. Her past was dark and dirty and left her scarred. Faster than she expected, Drew had healed her. She felt complete and loved.
She saw how Fredrica missed Maddox. She’d seen the strength of their bond. She’d felt the acceptance of the pack. Before she could decide about moving, imprinting, and the future, he lifted her chin and looked down at her. “I love you.”
She put a few inches of space between them. “What?”
A smile ghosted across his face. “Don’t say anything. Just let me love the strong, independent, creative you.”
His lips settled over hers. She gave her all to the kiss, and soon, he swept her into his arms. Tonight, she’d let him love her; tomorrow, she’d move the rest of her things in, and after that, she’d ask him to solidify their union because she loved him too.