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The place where she was staying was enormous. Jasper and Gabe had to have some serious bank to afford a place like this. The three-story brick manor was almost like something out of a fairytale, or at least it would’ve been if it weren’t surrounded by other equally fancy homes in a gated community.
I was the last in line behind my parents, Sidney, and Allie, and when Nicky finally came into view, I squeezed her tightly.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” I whispered in her ear. “This place is crazy fancy. What if I break something?”
That got the laugh out of her I’d been hoping for. Things always felt lighter if you could get a laugh. That in itself was reassuring.
Nicky introduced us to the rest of the pack. “Mom, Dad, this is the pack I’m dating. You already know Jasper and Gabe. This is Tony, Hana, and Billie.”
Mom’s eyes widened. “All of them? Nicola, that’s so many.”
Dad elbowed her. “What she means is that she’s very pleased so many people have taken an interest in making our daughter happy.”
Dad gravitated to Gabe and Mom gravitated to Hana, who had apparently taught one of her fitness classes in the past. While Sidney and Allie hogged up Nicky, I focused in on Jasper.
“Your place is so nice,” I commented.
“That’s all thanks to Billie,” Jasper said, gesturing to the black-and-purple-haired beta hovering next to Nicky. “They’re the big money in the pack. Also, the one who helped fund the start-up of my bakery.”
“That’s so cool. I’d love to have a bakery.”
Jasper raised a questioning red eyebrow. “Would you?”
“I mean, in theory. I don’t know anything about running a bakery. I’m just going off the vibes.”
Jasper snorted. “What do you like to bake?”
“All sorts of things. Breads, cakes, cookies. I’m in charge of the desserts and buns for family meals and holidays.”
“If it’s something you’re truly interested in, I’d be more than happy to help you out,” said Jasper. “I have wild dreams of someday opening the second location of my bakery.”
“What are the odds of that happening?”
“If I say it out loud around Billie, the odds are pretty high. But I like where I’m at right now and my staff is great. It won’t be soon if I do go that way, but if you wanted to look into the schooling for it, at the very least the food safety certification, then I could train you on a lot of the rest.”
“That would be amazing. Is there anything I can help with for dinner?”
“It’s all handled. We’ve been cooking most of the day. The pack really wanted to make a good impression.”
“I’d say they’re succeeding.”
Mom looked considerably more relaxed than when we had arrived, and Dad was talking Gabe’s ear off.
“I’m really glad Nicky has all of you.”
Jasper’s cheeks flushed pink. “We’re pretty glad to have her too. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Getting the acceptance of families isn’t always easy. I’m glad you think we’re good enough for your sister.”
“I feel like anyone would be hard-pressed not to think the lot of you were pretty cool, but you’re welcome anyway. I like you, in a strictly platonic, you’re-dating-my-sister kind of way,” I said with a laugh.
Jasper snorted again. “Likewise. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water is fine.” I took in the details of their ridiculously big kitchen. I’d probably cook all day too if I had a kitchen like that.
“It’s as big as the kitchen I have at the bakery,” Jasper said when he caught me staring. “Definitely one of my favorite spaces in the pack house. Which, I guess, is fortunate, since I’m easily the best cook out of everyone.”
