Page 59 of Destined Mate

Jerome’s eyes sparkled with an inner glow, and his smile was warm and genuine, reflecting pure happiness. The sight of him was so overwhelming that Wesley’s heart twisted in his chest, a mix of awe and emotion, because now, finally, he could call Jerome his own.

Wesley truly believed that everything happened for a reason—even if you didn’t know what those reasons were at first.

They showered and dressed, then headed downstairs.

The pack house was bustling with life as everyone made their way toward the large dining area. Sounds of shuffling feet, clattering dishes, and muted voices could be heard inside the common area well before they reached it.

Wesley pulled out a chair for Jerome, who smiled shyly as he sat down. “Stay here while I fix you a plate.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

Morning light flooded through the windows, casting golden streaks across Jerome’s hair and illuminating his face like haloed magic. He looked more beautiful than ever.

Several wolves glanced up from their breakfast and smiled at Wesley’s actions. Several greeted them too, but no one launched into questions right yet, thank goodness.

One wolf sneered, though, and Wesley planned to get to the bottom of that before the day was out.

“So, what are we having today?” Wesley asked as he joined the buffet line.

“So many choices, Alpha,” Marcia said as she motioned for Wesley to cut in front of her.

“You don’t have to—”

“Alphas eat first,” Marcia said. “Besides, Jerome looks hungry. I’m sure you don’t want to make your mate wait.”

“Huh. That was very slick,” Wesley said, getting in the front of the line.

“She absolutely is,” Henry agreed. He stood next to Lakisha. “I heard the kitchen wanted to do something nice since our alpha and omega officially mated last night.”

“That wasn’t necessary, but we certainly appreciate it. I’ll make sure to personally thank the cook and the kitchen staff,” Wesley said as he picked up a plate.

“Why don’t you fix Jerome’s plate while you tell me what you want on yours?” Marcia asked.

“Damn, I have no idea what he likes to eat,” Wesley muttered.

“Don’t worry, the kitchen fixed his favorite foods,” Marcia said. “You’re good no matter what you pick. Actually, your best bet would be to get a little bit of everything.”

“Excellent idea. Thank you.”

Wesley smelled eggs, bacon, waffles, hash browns, sausage, fresh fruit, and a half a dozen other yummy things. As he moved through the line, he noticed off in the kitchen area several pack members bustled around preparing more food. Nobody seemed like they were anywhere near done with breakfast, even though some were already on second servings.

“Mmm. Is that bacon I smell?” Duncan asked as he moved down the opposite buffet line.

“And coffee,” Keith added, while Theo nodded enthusiastically by his side.

Wesley noticed someone had brought Jerome a cup of coffee and then happily patted him on the back. He didn’t mind someone else had done that for his mate.

It didn’t trigger any jealousy because that was a concerned pack member showing their affection for Jerome. That was how it should be. And speaking of happy pack members, there was a lot of laughter among them.

More and more pack members offered congratulations to him and Jerome.

There was still some tension, but Wesley didn’t feel through the pack bonds that it was aimed at him. More like it was what the pack had gone through the previous week, which was understandable, and hopefully, time would help dispel that.

The older werewolf who had such a look of distaste on his face left just as Wesley brought Jerome’s plate to him. He also noticed the wolf didn’t speak to him or Jerome when practically half the pack had stopped by and checked on his mate.

“Who was that older looking wolf in the white button down who just left?” Wesley asked Jerome softly as he placed Jerome’s plate in front of him.

Marcia put Wesley’s down next to Jerome’s. “Thank you, Marcia.”

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