“We’re courting,” he replies with a smirk. “That’s what courting alphas do.”
“Right, yeah.” I regain my composure. “Of course.”
Because of how my spontaneous bonding with Adler happened, we obviously skipped past the courting stage, so I didn’t get the full experience. It seems Orin is wanting to correct that. It shouldn’t surprise me, considering he’s a guy who likes to play by the rules, but I’m still taken aback by his thoughtfulness.
I stifle a gasp when I open the velvet box to find a gorgeous necklace sitting on a pale blue cushion. It has a delicate silverchain with a malachite heart hanging on it. The heart itself has a small golden sun engraved into it. It’s without a doubt the most beautiful necklace I’ve ever seen.
“I know the locket may not be your usual style, but it was my mothers,” he explains. “She left it to me after she passed.”
“This was your mom’s?” My mouth goes dry, my hands shakily closing the box. “I-I can’t accept a gift like this. It’s too much.”
“You can and will.” Orin takes the box from me, opening it again. “She died a long time ago. I’m sure she would have wanted you to have it. She once told me that if I could find a woman as strong minded as myself, I’d be a very happy man.” He grins. “She would’ve liked you.”
I tilt my head. “Do you really think so?”
“She was a proud, hot-blooded Italian woman.” Orin’s voice softens as he strokes the necklace chain. “She was never afraid to say what she thought. She also worked harder than anyone I’ve ever known. Something she instilled in me, I guess.”
“She sounds great, Orin,” I say. “I wish I could have met her.”
There’s sadness hiding behind his smile. “Me too.”
When he holds the gift out to me again, I carefully take the locket out, admiring it up close. “It really is stunning.”
“I made a few upgrades.” Orin points to it. “Why don’t you open it?”
After undoing the clasp, I discover that underneath the smooth silver case lies a filigree golden layer, embossed with an intricate floral pattern. At first, I think it’s just a cute design, but then I realize the pattern is ornately etched to form the initials of each alpha in the pack. And it smells…
I bring it to my nose, unable to stop myself. I can pick apart their individual scents: Adler’s zesty citrus, Luca’s calming pine, Drax’s clean peaches, all under the overpowering note of Orin’s spicy cinnamon and rum.
“A scent locket,” I murmur, realization hitting me.
You can get scent jewelry of all kinds. A scent is deposited on either a scrap of fabric, a scent-absorbent rock, gem or similar, then made into a wearable piece. Knowing that it’s been made from a family heirloom makes it even more unique.
“We can refresh the scent whenever needed,” Orin says. “Faye told me about her gram’s Everlast spray when we were at their house, and it’s been working amazingly well.”
“It’s perfect.” My voice comes out a little choked. I can’t believe he went to this amount of effort for me. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“May I?”
I nod, our fingers brushing as he takes the necklace from me. A delicious chill runs down my spine as I turn my head, and he fastens the chain around my neck. The metal feels like it’s warming my chest as it falls into position.
“Thank you so much.” I stroke the metal heart. “It’s amazing.”
“It’s been layered in a special coating, so it’s sweat resistant and waterproof too,” he says. “I know how much you enjoy hot yoga and volleyball.”
He seems to have considered everything, making me feel ridiculously special, but also even more curious to learn more about him.
“I love it,” I confirm. “I’ll never want to take it off.”
His breath tickles my earlobe as he leans in, “And we’ll always be with you wherever you are.”
Usually, I’d make a jokey remark about him sounding like a stalker, but I stay silent, sensing how big of a deal this is. I knew that Adler was serious about making our relationship work but receiving this from the pack leader only confirms that they’re all in. I didn’t realize I needed this affirmation from Orin, but beinggifted this precious family heirloom makes all my worries about our date disappear. It shows how serious he is about us.
“Look.” He clears his throat, pointing out the window. “Looks like we’re here.”
We park on an unassuming street. No one else is around. I can’t see any signage or lights, and there’s definitely no music blaring.
“Are you sure we’re in the right place?” I’m skeptical.
