“Yes, I do.” She pours hot chocolate and hands me a mug that smells weak. The chocolate is sweet, but lacks depth. “It’s good, Tess. Thank you.”
“I make large batches for the kids every campfire we have.”
“After much discussion,” Damien’s lips flatline on that last word, “I’ve been informed it is in the best interest of the males of our pack to increase our chocolate budget for our females.” He holds out a beer for Garrett. “I’ve been told it’s anecessity.”
“She’s wrapped you around her little finger, Damien.”
He grins. “I get more than her little finger, cousin. Here, drink.”
“What if I want hot chocolate?”
“That’s reserved for the females. Need to keep them happy. You… you’re Angelina’s problem.”
“But I’m not thirsty.”
“Did I ask if you were thirsty? Drink. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
Garrett glares at him, then accepts the beer, opens it, but just holds it. He looks unusually tense and I wonder if that’s because of what we did in the woods or because he’s here among his pack.
Oh, God… Damien’s comment. We probably smell like sex!
I breathe in deeply. To my relief, I don’t smell Garrett on me. Thank god. I don’t think either of us is ready to make our personal business public, especially Garrett. He needs time to process it all.
It was just a random comment. Damien’s his cousin, probably just ribbing Garrett about us sitting together. Nothing more.
I clink my hot chocolate gently against his beer. “Cheers. And thanks for bringing me tonight.”
“No problem.”
When I snuggle in against his side, his arm curves around me. That makes my wolf howl with delight, more than sex did. A public declaration, even one as simple as putting his arm around me, is more than either of us expected. Despite how relaxed his body feels as he holds me, his expression hasn’t changed.
“You okay?” I ask.
He nods towards the alpha. “Damien’s acting… odd.”
“How so?”
“He brought beer. I’ve never seen him drink in public.”
“He’s taking the night off. Just like you.”
“An alpha’s never off-duty.”
I sneak a glance. “I’m not so sure about that. He and Tess are looking pretty cozy over there.” With Tess settled between Damien’s legs, he wraps an arm around her middle and drinks with the other.
Garrett draws a knee up and leans back on one hand. “Could just be me. Not used to being surrounded by so many shifters for no reason.”
“There’s a reason. Relax, and you’ll figure it out.” I let my hand fall to his thigh.
His hand covers mine. “At least it’s a nice night out. Mid-forties, no rain. Perfect for the celebration.”
I squeeze his thigh. “It’s me, Garrett. You don’t need to make small talk. Just be yourself.”
“I’m acclimating.” That grin returns. “It helps having the perfect companion.”
“I’m far from perfect.”
“You’re hardly an impartial judge.” His hand slides to my thigh, and inches his way up my leg. “I, however, am a fantastic judge.”
