Puck snorted. “Oh, really? A shame Dahlia wasted all that money making us take self-defense lessons when we left for college.”
Felix snuck Demarien a smile. “It’s a perfect way for you to break the ice with golden boy.”
Demarien smiled softly. “He looked good, didn’t he?”
Felix nodded. “As handsome as always.”
“The scars surprised me,” Milo admitted, wincing. “Your golden boy was always the most handsome alpha in town. It’s strange to see flaws.”
Demarien narrowed his eyes and glared at Milo. “He’s not flawed at all. Those scars are part of him, and he’s perfect, which means they’re perfect. That’s all there is to it. His looks aren’t even the best thing about him anyway.”
Demarien made a face as he remembered hiding in the school bathroom to avoid Doug Marsh’s mocking insults. Doug Marsh - AKA The Asshole. Freshman year had been horrible until Boone had come along to be his protector.
Milo leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You love the golden boy.”
Demarien shoved Milo away and pulled Felix into his side when a large, unfamiliar alpha passed them, making his friend nervous.
“Boone walked me to every class that year so that The Asshole wouldn’t bother me,” Demarien said. “He even kickedMarsh’s butt when he cornered me at that last football game. Boone Harding is much more than just a pretty face.”
Milo kissed his cheek again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply your alpha was anything less than perfect.”
“He’s not my alpha,” Demarien grumbled.
Fortunately, they reached the restaurant before any of his jerky friends could tease him again. A familiar figure leaned against the wall next to the door, arms crossed.
“Sorry, we’re late, Dad.” Demarien hurried forward and hugged the older alpha. His dad’s familiar scent surrounded him, and Demarien snuggled his face against Joe Watts’s chest. “I know you’re busy, so we’ll make it quick.”
“Forget quick.” Joe’s strong arms tightened around him. “I’ve missed you, son. Seeing you twice a year isn’t enough. I can’t believe you’re finally home.” He looked over Demarien’s shoulder. “You’re all home.”
“Hey, Mr. Watts.” Milo smiled widely and opened the door. “Thanks for meeting us for lunch. I’ve missed Sammie’s since we moved to Portland.”
Puck groaned as he sniffed the air. “No one makes maple salmon like Sammie.”
Milo headed toward their favorite booth in the far corner next to the windows overlooking the bay. “I’m so hungry. We’re all getting salmon, right? It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, which will help our babies’ developing brains and nervous systems.”
“You evensoundlike someone who runs,” Puck said, giving Milo a disgusted look. “Keep your healthy living away from us.”
Felix snickered and slid into the booth, cozening up to the window and watching the fishing boats in the bay. “What are you going to do when you can’t go running anymore, Milo?”
“You could take up knitting,” Puck said, smirking.
Demarien ignored his friends and took the spot across from Felix. Sammie’s had been their favorite hangout when they werekids. Felix liked watching the storms roll in the bay, Demarien loved the food, Milo loved the prices, and Puck loved Sammie.
“Well, look who’s back.” Sammie came to stand next to their table, her hands on her narrow hips. The older woman’s hair was still bright red and currently styled in a neat bun atop her head.
“Sammie, my love,” Puck held his arms up. “Hold me.”
Sammie chuckled and leaned down to hug Puck. “Joe has been telling everyone who will listen about you boys coming home.” Her eyes narrowed, and she gently smacked Puck’s shoulder. “What the hell took you so long?”
Puck gasped, clutching his heart dramatically. “You’ve been pining for me, haven’t you?”
Sammie rolled her eyes. “I’ve survived.”
Puck gave her a pitiful look. “I guess you don’t love me anymore. We’ll have to start going to Wilma-Jean’s.”
Sammie growled. “Don’t you dare go to that silly little chatterbox’s two-bit diner. You’d die of food poisoning, then I’d feel guilty.”
Demarien hid his smile. Sammie and Wilma-Jean were sisters and extremely competitive. His dad had told him the two women had always been close, even back when they were kids. Wilma-Jean had been a protective big sister, doting on Sammie.
