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“Rory.”
“You’ll have to introduce me to her,” he said.
I couldn’t suppress the growl that rose in my throat, and he flashed me a knowing grin. “No completed mate bond?”
“Not yet. We’re getting there.”
He nodded, and we reached the den.
It tookan hour or two for our handful of men to arrange and decorate the den the way the women had instructed us to. When we were finally done, it was nearly time for the tournament to start.
Brightly colored shorts and fuzzy leaves were passed out. Though I did so a bit disgruntled, I accepted the clothes and changed into them quickly, tossing the long, fluffy red leaf over one shoulder.
Valko threw his own fuzzy leaf back in the pile a few of our other packmates had made, snorting when he saw me. I figured the flamboyant leaf would make Aurora smile, so mine stayed on my shoulder.
Ivaylo walked in dressed in the same brightly-colored shorts Valko and I had on, as well as a large, colorful hat made of a combination of fabric, paint, and leaves.
“The women are excited. Put your damn boas on,” the alpha grumbled at all of us, tossing a hand toward the pile of fuzzy leaves.
Apparently, the women called them boas.
The guys, including Valko, made a show of reluctantly throwing the things over one shoulder, like I had.
“You know the rules, bastards. Don’t touch the women unless they touch you first, or unless they belong to you.” He glanced over at Worren. “Permanently. Unless they belong to youpermanently.”
“Don’t look at me. Rok’s the one with the uncertain female.” Worren tossed a hand in my direction.
“We’re fated,” I growled back, fists clenching at my sides.
“The rule applies to him too. No mark on your shoulder, no touching the woman unless she touches you first. While this is going on, at least. I don’t give a damn what you do after it ends, as long as the women are in favor of it.” Ivaylo tossed one end of his boa over his opposite shoulder. “And veil, guys,askbefore you bring the women food if they haven’t requested it.”
A few of the men at the back of the group grumbled at that rule. I assumed there was some kind of a story behind it, but wasn’t curious enough to ask.
“Just don’t do anything that would piss off your future mate if she finds out about it,” the alpha finally said. “Now, act like I haven’t just lectured you. Ezra will bring the women in soon.”
A few chuckles went through the group, and everyone spread out, making themselves comfortable. Some took seats at the tables we set up and started a game of cards, while a few others got to work in the kitchen.
Ivaylo strode over to me and Valko, and said in a low voice, “Sorry, Rok. You know I favor fate, but the last thing we need is to start a riot over who’s allowed to touch an unclaimed woman. I’m sure your female will come straight to you, anyway.”
Veil, I hoped so.
I lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “I would’ve made the same announcement.”
“Us horny unmated males need rules, after all,” Valko drawled, earning a snort from Ivaylo and a grin from me.
“You’ll find your female soon enough,” Ivaylo said, smacking him on the arm.
“She’ll be worth the wait,” I added.
Ivaylo’s grin widened. “Or she’ll be a pain in your ass that you simply wouldn’t be willing to live without.”
Valko adjusted the furry boa on his shoulder. “That sounds more likely, with my luck.”
All of us turned our heads when Ezra called out behind us, “Welcome to Casino Night!” Her arms were spread wide, and she was clearly talking to the women with her. Three of them hadn’t been there during the last casino night, including Aurora, and looked around with smiles on their faces.
My gaze moved slowly down my mate’s body. She had on a bright pink shirt and brighter pink boa, with her lips stained the same color. I knew she’d chosen it to match her hair, and loved the way her entire face lit up with her smile. The odd hat on her head was a mess of different pink shades as well, and only succeeded at making her look even more adorable.
Her gaze caught on mine, and her smile stretched wider, her face pinkening to match the rest of her a little better.
