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“Thanks, they’re my favorites.” I grinned, closing my door and joining them.
Callum turned to Leven. “And why is she still in that fucking closet?”
“She’s stubborn,” he said and gave a pointed look at me.
“He’s not wrong. I have my choice of rooms upstairs but haven’t had a chance to get my stuff cleaned up and moved. I’ll do it eventually. It’s not so bad now that I’m not being forced in there,” I explained. We’d talked about it a few days ago, but it sounded like more work than necessary at the moment.
“Women are confusing,” Leven grumbled, walking away to leave us.
“Ready?” Callum asked, offering his arm. I wrapped my arm at his elbow and leaned into him. He’d been busy the last few days and I’d missed his presence. Apparently he’d taken a bit more time to get ready tonight, a spicy cologne filled my senses and his hair was still shaggy, but there was an obvious attempt to tame it. Even his clothes were crisp and clean, not his usual casual jeans and tees.
“Yeah, let’s go,” I said.
“How have things been with Leven?” he asked when we were outside and the door closed behind us.
I raised my eyebrows. Was he really asking about my relationship with another man?
He chuckled at my expression and explained. “Listen. Nyx and I talked about how you wanted no strings attached and we didn’t hold any jealousy about it. We both want you Vanya, that’s the bottom line.” My heart warmed at that. The fact they checked in with each other and made sure that things were going to be smooth made me feel so much better. I’d been afraid of harming their pack bond. “And Leven is working on getting there.”
“He has been nicer, honestly. It’s a bit strange to adjust to but he’s been what I assume is his normal level of grump,” I admitted. We’d actually fallen into a rhythm of cooking and eating together, helping Garren in the garden, and keeping the massive house clean. I’d even helped him fix up Garren’s wing a bit. It was the oldest in the house and some of the fixtures needed a little TLC. He’d been careful with me in a way I hadn’t expected. It was the small touches, going out of his way to get to know me better, it truly felt like he’d let go of his hang-ups and was trying to show he was seeing me as more than an intruder. He’d apologized again as well. It wasn’t perfect between us, but it was a good start.
“I’m glad,” Callum said. “Now we can focus on us tonight. Good food, drinks, music, and then the midnight run.”
“I’m excited, it’s been a long time since I’ve done a full moon run like this,” I said. “My old pack had them when I was a kid, but as we got older it turned into a free for all. Everyone just kind of went out when they wanted, it was solitary and lacked heart.”
“That’s so sad. We’re at our best on full moons, that pack bond grows stronger and even our wolves do.” He shook his head, blond hair falling in front of his eyes. “That’s the exact reason I make such a big deal of these. Ours were always my dad lording over the festivities. Like a dictator, not a wolf laughing or talking out of turn. It was like a fucking funeral and did nothing to strengthen our pack.”
“Gross,” I agreed, wrinkling my nose at the thought. It was crazy how every one of the pack members here I’d spoken to had different packs before this, and nearly all had their major red flags.
Music filled the air, and I could smell the barbecue already cooking. I’d meant to get here sooner and help, but Emma insisted I take this off since I’d done so much prep. I had a feeling our alpha here had something to do with it but for once I didn’t argue. Nyx was already here, sitting by the fire pit. He was strumming lazily on an acoustic guitar, fingers moving fluidly over it like he was made to play. Without noticing our approach, he started singing, his smoky voice filling the pavilion and despite being on a date, I was captivated. About halfway through his song, he noticed me. His lips tipped into a mischievous smile; the same one he wore the first time I met him. He knew exactly what he was doing and I was here for the sly competition between the guys.
“He’s good,” Callum griped, pulling me toward the drink table. “Come on, little wolf. You’re mine tonight.”
“Aw, is someone jealous?” I teased. He gave me a mocking glare before grabbing two beers from the ice bucket.
“No, I’m just annoyed at his damn talent. He hooks people in with that fucking voice and knows exactly what he’s doing with it,” he argued.
“He really does.” I laughed. “It got me for a second there.”
“I mean, same, but we’re ignoring it now,” he joked, handing me a beer and leading us over to a table. “I do have to do my usual speech but then I’m yours.”
“Oooh, going to get all alpha on me. That’s sexy,” I teased. He huffed out a surprised laugh and shook his head.
“Glad you get turned on by my dorky speeches, little wolf.”
“What can I say? I’m a sucker for a man of authority,” I said in mock innocence. “You going to order me around when we get back to your place tonight?”
His eyes darkened and he let out a low growl. “You fucking bet I will. I didn’t know this was on the table, but damn I’m really glad it is.”
“I don’t usually sleep around on first dates, but then again I’ve never been on one.” I laughed. “So you get this first on both accounts.”
“Damn, I’m a lucky man,” he husked, taking a drink of his cool beer to calm himself down. I definitely noticed him adjusting himself as discreetly as possible in his seat and I loved that I had that kind of effect on him. But even if I was excited for tonight, I was more excited for the run. I wasn’t kidding when I said we hadn’t had this, but I remembered that energy from when I was a kid. There’s something about running around with all of the other pack members, our power and energy enhanced in the moonlight, giving us all a boost. We were stronger, healed faster, and more powerful overall after these full moons.
“There you guys are,” Emma said, coming over and giving me a hug. “I’m glad you’re here. Most of the other women are older or not as social. Oh shit, you’re on a date aren’t you.” She winced and backed away from the hug, giving Callum an apologetic smile.
“You can keep her company during the speech,” he promised, giving her a wink. Callum clinked his beer to mine before standing and walking up to the front of the pavilion and letting out a sharp whistle. Emma settled into the chair next to me.
“Just wait. Every time he does these, there’s some pack member who captures his attention for no less than twenty minutes,” she warned. I glanced around at the growing crowd. The community had seemed so small that it took me by surprise to see so many wolves out tonight, from the elders to the kids, no one was left out. The crowd was easily nearing thirty, still small as far as packs go but it was fitting for ours.
