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Luna's eyebrows shut up. "Wow, classy."
"Thora lost a bet; it used to be her room before she claimed one of the bigger bedrooms near the gardens. It’s a mystery whyshe didn't take the lamp shade with her," Mercedes chuckled.
"Don't worry," Luna replied, more life in her voice than I'd heard yet as she managed an almost-smile at Mercedes. "I'll take good care of him."
Mercedes beamed, delighted. "You want me to show you where the red room is, or are you okay with Priest?"
Luna glanced at me, and I stood straighter under her assessment. "I'm fine with this guy. He's—"
Astrid went racing down the hall with a purr, Giant tearing after her, and I laughed—but inside I was dying for Luna to finish her sentence. I waswhat?
"New omega?" Mercedes asked, that warmth in her voice making her brown eyes sparkle.
"My sister," Luna answered, scratching the back of her neck. "Giant's her mate. Oh, and she's in heat so…"
"Say no more," Mercedes laughed, her eyes creased. "Omega here, and I know exactly what that's like. My first heat…" She shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself and giving a theatrical wince. "Thank god Winner, my mate, found me. It was hell. Your sister's lucky to have Giant; he's a good man." She leaned closer and whispered, "And a total softie and romantic. He'll take care of her."
Luna nodded, her shoulders relaxed like she'd been a little worried.
"I'll let you get settled in," Mercedes offered, taking a step back, her skirt whooshing. "If you're up to it, we're having a barbecue in the garden this Saturday. We'll all be there, so if you're not good with alphas there'll be a buffer. And burgers and booze; lots andlotsof booze."
Luna smiled. "You had me at booze; count me in."
Mercedes smiled brighter, gave me a matching smile, and walked backwards in the direction of the bar. "Take care, Luna. Nice to meet you. And I better see you at the barbecue too, Priest, you could do with a few quarter pounders in you, skinny man."
I rolled my eyes, but a flush of warmth moved down my chest. Mercedes was as much my family as her mate, and it felt like being fussed over by an aunt or older sister.
"I guess I could be persuaded," I replied, as if there was even achanceI wouldn't be out in the garden with the rest of my family.
"Good," Mercedes said firmly. She gave Luna another smile, and ducked into the big bar room.
Luna shook her head and resumed walking, and I fell into step alongside her.
"This is not the vibe I was expecting. I'll be honest, I only came here for guards and a fence but … it's nice? The building's bright and not claustrophobic, and I'm pretty sure that woman just adopted me."
I laughed, a weight sliding off my chest. "Welcome to the family, Luna."
I wanted to blurt that I was her mate, and she was a real, tangible part of the Alpha Knights' big, welcoming family, but I trapped that truth under my tongue. She'd been through enough; she didn't need a bond forced on her, too.
Luna shoved her hands into her pockets of her red wool and gave me an inscrutable look. "Why are you being so nice, anyway?"
"I'm a vicar," I offered.
She blinked and straightened, her smile faint but genuine when it graced her lips. "Right. I keep forgetting that because you're so…"
"Tattooed and motorcycle-riding?" I offered.
Luna nodded, but I swore she muttered, "Handsome," under her breath, and I preened, my chest puffed out, pride forging through my blood like amber.
"The red room's this way," I said, reaching out to guide her down an interconnecting hallway but not touching her, just hovering over her arm.
I was lucky she let me stay close to her.
I hoped, deep down, she knew I was safe, and I'd do anything to care for her, as her alpha, as hermate.
But I knew I was just deluding myself. She had no clue what I really was to her.
6
