Zayden wanted to freeze this moment forever: confessions, love, awkwardness, and togetherness. This right here was what gave meaning to life, and he was so thankful none of them had given up before meeting Sonnet.
They all crashed into each other, trying to be the first to hold Sonnet, and yet at the same time, their hands were also holding each other. They didn’t just love Sonnet. They loved each other, too.
Zayden loved his boys.
Zayden patted Kai on the back and squeezed Jude’s shoulder. He nodded at Felix before narrowing in on Sonnet. “Are we all ready to face the music?”
Kai started humming the soundtrack from a horror film, which made them all laugh.
“It won’t be so bad,” Sonnet laughed. “But maybe after this we can order a pizza? I’ve been to a few high-stakes parties before because of my mom, and they don’t always have good food.”
“Agreed!” Jude shouted.
Everyone got into the car Maddox had hired to drive them, and in it, Maddox called to give one last speech and pep talk about how this evening should play out. They’d take pictures with the paparazzi. After answering a few questionsvery vaguely, they’d spend the evening interacting with everyone at the gala, making their donation and speech, before leaving. Maddox was specifically talking to Sonnet, helping her understand what he needed from her and preparing her for the evening.
Zayden kept watching Sonnet as they approached the event. When she saw all the paparazzi, she inhaled sharply before a slow, shy smile settled on her perfect, perky lips.
How much would he give to be back home right now, kissing and cuddling.
If you don’t stop thinking about our mate like that, we’re not going to last the next ten minutes.
Zayden smirked as the driver pulled up to the chaotic steps to the event. He got out first, holding open the door, letting each of his men out one by one until revealing her.
Sonnet looked only at him as she flipped back her hair and accepted his hand, stepping out of the car like a goddess. Every camera was flashing, but none of their lights could compare to how she sparkled.
Sonnet wrapped one arm around him, and the other around Kai, with Felix and Jude trailing right behind. This is it. The perfect united front to quell the rumors and settle the debate on whether their pack was coming to a chaotic end. Here they were, together, smiling, relaxed, and above all, completely enamored by their soon-to-be mate.
Everyone was shouting at them, each reporter wanting to be the first to be answered and get the scoop. Zayden waited until they were far up the steps to pause, and they all posed, giving at least 50 paparazzi a perfect shot. Zayden couldn’t help butnotice how Sonnet seemed to be enjoying it, playfully flipping her hair around, her confidence growing with every picture taken.
Zayden nuzzled her. “You’re doing so good, sweetheart.”
“Do I look good?”
Kai softly placed his hands on her waist. “Too good. Is it too late to call back the car?”
“Unfortunately,” Zayden growled.
After answering a few questions, hardly leaving the paparazzi satisfied, Zayden led his pack inside with the hope that this reveal was enough to rewrite everything that had been said about them. They had revealed that Sonnet was their Link match, that the canceled concert was to tend to their pack, and that their month away was also time spent carefully growing their bond. Kai answered the last question, stating loudly and proudly that the rumors of their pack divorcing were false and that there was nowhere he’d rather be.
Jude almost shed a tear at Kai’s pride but hid it well as they integrated into the party where everything was much more reserved and well-mannered. There were a few professional photographers and a few other famous people he recognized, such as Gianni, a rising pop star dominating his homeland in Italy and now taking over the spotlight here in America.
Zayden nodded at Gianni before Jude led them over to the well-dressed table with small hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
“Crap, Sonnet was right. We’re going to need to buy a pizza after,” Jude groaned, popping a beet and feta bruschetta into his mouth before cringing “Ugh.”
Sonnet giggled. “Felix seems to be enjoying it.”
And he was. Felix loved these types of delicacies and was trying his best to look neat while eating baked oysters, a piece offig flatbread, and a spicy sweet potato crostini. Zayden skipped the overly fancy finger foods and grabbed a glass of whiskey.
Sonnet was enjoying herself by feeding Jude and Kai a piece of everything on the table, and they narrowed down things they enjoyed. Jude became less grouchy after that.
“Do you mind if I steal you away so you can walk the room with me?” Zayden asked, offering his hand, which she happily accepted.
“Now, tell me, what does walk around the room mean?”
“It’s my way of being able to show you off, while maintaining a good attitude by conversing with others in the room,” Zayden admitted matter-of-factly, before leaning down to her ear. “Although I’m mainly focused on showing off my omega.”
“I think I like being shown off.”
