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“One of the packs that just graduated high school reached out wanting to buy the row of townhomes,” Lizzy explained. “We’re outgrowing them anyway, so we reached out to the guys. Most of us made the decision with our mate—except you two, apparently.” She flashed Teagan and Jesse an amused smile.
“Shut up.” Teagan smacked Jesse on the arm. “Dammit, Kettle!”
“Language,” Ebony reminded her.
Teagan flipped her the bird, and laughter erupted around the room. “This is going to be so darn awesome! Are the houses by each other?” Her gaze went around the table.
“Not next door like this, but they’re all really close. Each of our backyards will share a wall with someone else’s from the pack—and we’ll put gates between them, or ladders or something,” Ford explained.
I about snorted at the idea of us as adults climbing up and down ladders to get to someone else’s house.
“It’ll be perfect,” Teagan declared.
“It’s going to be awesome,” June agreed.
I felt the same way, surprisingly enough.
Lizzy nudged me with her elbow and a grin. “We’re going to be backyard neighbors, Sabby. Better get to work filling that uterus—I heard you promise Tea you would.”
I snorted.
“She definitely promised,” Tea added.
We chatted a bit longer about the homes, and the townhouse was so full of energy it was almost tangible.
I noticed Ryder sitting off to the corner of the table, quiet, and leaned over to Lizzy. “Is he moving too?” I murmured.
She nodded. “Del and Rocco designed an extra master suite near the back of their house, with its own entrance. He’ll move in with them when it’s ready; he didn’t want to buy a home and have it sitting empty when…” she trailed off, her expression growing sad.
I nodded, mine growing serious too.
The mood in the house was still excited, though I saw Ryder brushing them off when a few people asked how he was doing. He didn’t talk much, as far as I’d seen, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he had been like before Lisa.
Had he been playful, like Rocco, his brother? Or more of the silent, serious type?
It was heartbreaking to think that we’d probably never find out, but I resolved to ask Dax when we got home.
I cleaned up with the other ladies, washing the dishes and storing the leftovers and whatnot. No one seemed in a hurry to leave, hanging around and chatting even after the cleaning was done.
My phone started to ring almost as soon as I sat down, so I stood up and tugged it from my leggings’ pocket, lifting it to my ear as I headed away from the group of people so I didn’t have a million ears listening in. The corner where Ryder was still sitting was the emptiest part of the house’s lower level, so I headed toward him
Char’s goofy caller ID picture was on the screen, so I didn’t pause before answering. She never called; she always texted.
“Hey, what’s up?” I checked.
“Hey girl,” she said, a bit out of breath. “Sorry, I didn’t have anyone else to call. I was out on a date and it went to hell. Now I’m hiding in a gas station bathroom. Not my best decision—I’m a fucking salty heifer.”
I snorted. “Do you need me to pick you up?”
“If you can. Unless you’re at a pack thing? It sounds loud there. Don’t worry about it; I can sneak out and walk.”
“Charly.” I rolled my eyes. “I’ll head over now. Text me your location.”
“Alright, sending it now.” There was a loud, cracking noise from her side of the call. “Shit, I think he’s trying to break the door down. This guy’s a freak, Sab. Awful decision on my part. Pray for me, and drive fast.”
She hung up, leaving me gawking down at my phone.
“I can get there faster,” Ryder growled at me, already striding toward the back door. He was right next to me—must’ve been listening in. “I’ve got my bike. Which gas station?”
