Page 95 of Claimed

“Sure,” Mason agrees, seeming amused. “Whatever you want, wildberry.”

“Hi Amie, nice to meet you,” I say. “I’m so sorry for what my brother did to Mason. The guns…”

“You don’t need to apologize for your brother, girlfriend,” Amie asserts, then demands, “Give me your number.” She pulls out her phone. “I’ll make plans and text you the details.”

I clear my throat. “I… don’t have my phone and I don’t remember the number, it’s only a disposable, but I’ll, I’ll…”

“Phone’s at Joel’s, Blossom,” Grey replies. “But screen’s got a huge crack. I’ll get you a new one. Girls, you can text her on my line until I get that sorted.”

Both women smile and agree before Amie grabs her sister’s hand and says, “Ooh, food. Let’s go check out some food.”

“Blergh,” Ivy grumbles. “We’re both pregnant and she has a love for food and I’m having trouble tolerating it.”

“Congratulations to you both,” I say.

“Thanks. Later!” Ivy waves.

Amie says and does the same.

“Text me so I can put you in my phone, Grey? You have my number?” Amie asks.

“I’ll get ‘em from Bailey.” Grey says.

***

I don’t want to ask when we’ll get to go back to the house, but I’m hoping it’s soon. This night has been a lot.

Once I get a chance to decompress and process all of it, I know I’ll be excited about what the future could hold with a village this large. I can’t help but think of the girls back home. I would love to regale them with tales of what this pack is like, what the village is like, and how there’s this awesome party space and everyone here works together to bring food and shower someone with gifts. I’d love to watch hope fill their eyes that a life like this is possible.

Some of the gifts Erica opened are expensive. Some of them are handmade. There have been happy faces of all ages here, though the few children who came were here just to say hello and have birthday cake, it seems, and then they left.

Grey said there are a lot more kids in the pack than those who came by, and that there are family parties as well asadults onlyparties, depending on the occasion. I’m in awe of seeing so many healthy, happy faces of all ages.

He has been good about sticking close, but so many have been coming over to greet him and obviously also to meet me that it’smade me feel a little claustrophobic. He’s got so much respect, it seems. He’s well loved. I know if I wasn’t so nervous and out of my element that I’d feel nothing but pride being on his arm.

“I need the restroom,” I say softly as Atticus and Lucy Savage leave our table. They’re Riley Savage’s parents and they were both very friendly.

“Need me to walk you there?” he asks with affection, squeezing my leg.

“I think I’ll try to do this all by myself,” I say. “Try not to break my ankles, that is…”

He looks concerned.

I wave it off. “A joke,” I say. “I’m fine; back in a minute.”

He squeezes my hand with affection and kisses my throat before I walk toward the nearest restroom, which is down the hall at the back of the space.

“Come dance with us when you get back,” Erica, the birthday girl, calls to me.

Her cheeks are flushed, and she looks like she’s having a lot of fun. Even if I knew how to dance, I couldn’t while wearing these shoes. The balls of my feet feel like they’re on fire and I’ve got blisters forming on the back of both heels. But I like the idea of dancing with friends. The girls on the dance floor look like they’re having fun.

Once I’m in the restroom and have used the facilities, I take a minute alone in the stall to take a few deep breaths.

This wasn’t so bad. I’ve faced everyone I’ve wronged, and nobody seems to be holding a grudge. The man named Lorenzo told me he hears I make special treats, and I can make up for the pie incident by making him some of those.

I felt beyond awkward but appreciated the effort he made. The other two alphas that got the herb both came over to greet us and seem like they’re holding no ill will. Even Finnegan said hello and gave me a smile. It seemed a little forced, but I suspected he’s trying to make up for upsetting Grey. And maybe he was just nervous about coming near Grey after upsetting him.

I’m glad I came, because I’ve seen what’s possible here. It hasn’t even been the entire pack here tonight. I’m filled with so much hope for my people back home. I’m excited about the possibilities, though terrified of what might have to happen to get us there. I’m also hopeful for me.

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