Page 33 of Silas

Aspen comes over and places her baked goods on the table next to mine. She shrugs, “It’s the least that we could do. We wanted to help in the best way that we could. Since we didn’t have any items to add to the yard sale, we baked instead. We don’t want to lose our newest bestie, so here are dozens of cookies, muffins, and mini pies.”

Hazel places her tray of treats on the other table. She claps her hands together, “Where do you want us? We came to help run it as well, but you gotta tell us where to go.”

“Perfect, if you three can man the cash registers, that would be amazing. I want to tally the products that are purchased to keep a running score on where we are on our goal.”

We all busy ourselves with finalizing the last details before opening. The girls set out their baggies of cookies with theirpricing stickers around the cash boxes and ensure their cash boxes have plenty of change. I walk around, checking off my list to ensure everything is ready to go.

I catch a whiff of crisp air, spruce, and musk right before Silas runs his hand across my lower back. He nuzzles my neck before placing a gentle kiss on my temple. “I brought you a peppermint hot cocoa.” He hands me a steaming cup.

Grabbing the cup, I feel the warmth seep in through my gloves. I take that first sip of pure bliss in a cup and my soul warms immediately. “Thank you, this is exactly what I needed.”

“You’re welcome Little Wolf. Are you guys ready for the opening?”

I flip over my clipboard and check over it once again. “Yep, we are ready. Fingers crossed this works. Did you see what the girls brought to sell? That is so sweet of them.”

He nods his head, “I saw that. They are great friends. I am glad that you have them, not that I am surprised. Of all the ladies in our town, I can easily see you guys being friends.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You guys all have a lot more in common than you think. Things I am sure you will find out when you get to know each other more. You have to remember that I grew up here, there isn’t anyone I don’t know unless they are new here.”

I giggle, thinking of how much he has to learn about me. “Fair enough. Alright, let’s get this show on the road.” I turn to head back to the registers so I can open the yard sale.

The entire community showed up in full force for our yard sale. I am still blown away by the people of this town coming out to help each other. I never experienced this in New York City, not once in my life. Looking around, I see not just shopping, but people chatting as neighbors and friends. A heartwarming scene. I look down at my clipboard to the tracker I made to track our goal, knowing that an hour ago we hit our goal and we still have a couple of hours to go.

When I glance back up, Gail is making her way to me. Her warm smile graces her face right before she reaches me. “Just the woman I was looking for. You are doing amazing with your first event. It’s so well laid out and everyone is chirping about how well organized it is, especially on such a short notice.”

I feel the blush creep across my cheeks, “I, uh, thank you.”

“No need to be bashful Nova, you did amazing. I knew when I met you that our goddess chose well. You will be an amazing Luna, I can’t wait to see what you do with this pack.”

My eyebrows shoot up, what does she mean when she met me she knew? “Don’t look so surprised, young lady. One day you will understand.” She taps my hands. “Today isn’t that day. Celebrate in achieving the goal and cherish the beginning of your relationships. Especially with Silas, he meant well but went about it all wrong. When he asks, just say yes.” With that, she winks and disappears into the crowd.

I am still sitting here reeling from what she said when Silas walks up. “There you are! I heard we hit our goal!”

I shake my head slightly to clear it of what Gail just said. I look at Silas, “Yeah, we actually hit it about an hour ago. Everything from here on out is just bonus money.”

A beautiful smile spreads across his face, I don’t think I will ever get used to how beautiful his smile is. “That’s wonderful. Have you decided what you will do with the extra money?”

I shake my head, “I haven’t fully decided yet but I would like to donate it to the school to help with the education of our youth.”

Nodding his head, “Spoken like a true Luna. I think that is a great idea.” He grabs my clipboard from my hands and places it on the table next to us. “Listen, I wanted to ask you for a redo on our first date. I know I fucked that one up and I want a chance to make it up to you.”

I lean closer to him, “Will it end with another run through the woods?”

His eyebrow arches, “Do you want it to end with a run through the woods?”

I lean close to his ear, “Not only do I want you to chase me through the woods, I want you to claim me in the woods. Claim me the way it should have been done the first time. Do you think you can handle that, Alpha?” I run my hand down his chest and feel him shiver under my touch.

His chest rumbles with a low growl, “Be careful, Little Wolf, you don’t know what you are asking for.”

My hand travels south towards the growing bulge. “Oh, I know exactly what I am asking for.” I graze the bulge like a whisper of a touch.

He snatches my hand by the wrist and brings it to his mouth. He bites gently on my wrist and I feel myself flush with arousal. “Do you know what tomorrow night is?”

Breathing out a soft moan, my chest heaves. “The full moon.” He moves his mouth down my arm, planting gentle kisses with a scratch of his canines.

“Do you know what that means for mates? Hmm, did Gail cover that in Wolf 101, or did she leave that one for me?” He looks at me with an eyebrow arched, mischief glinting in his eye.

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