I wink at her. “Right.”
I wait for Elden and Jace to return to the kitchen and for them to continue their work, with Emilia’s help. “There is something hot about men cooking,” Janice mutters.
“I agree,” I say. “I wasn’t aware it would be that attractive.”
“Are you taking notes?” Vincent elbows Calvin.
“Not necessary. I have a formidable memory,” the latter replies.
Vincent looks annoyed at Calvin’s usual aloofness, but he wouldn’t be Vincent if he didn’t recover well.
Janice pulls me into a hug. “Congratulations,” she whispers.
I squeeze her in return. “Thank you!”
“I need to hear all the details later.”
“Even the dirty ones?” I ask innocently. “It’s all or nothing.”
“Well, then I’ll take it all,” Janice answers promptly. “No seriously, I am so happy for you.”
I touch my neck, smiling at her. “Thank you.”
We both turn to watch Elden and Jace, how they move around the kitchen to cook for us. Both of them had a massive growth spurt recently. Elden’s shoulders are so broad, his arms have gotten thicker, and he easily towers over most other pack members. With Jace it’s similar. He has a broad build, his hair is longer now, almost on the wild side.
“When did that happen?” I ask quietly.
“Beats me,” Janice whispers, similarly stunned.
Only a couple of weeks ago, they were still looking like boys, but now they are looking more and more like actual alphas. I bet in a couple of months Elden will look pretty intimidating to others. “The alpha gene is amazing.”
“Yeah, it’s fascinating. Sure, they work a lot for it, but the genetics enhance it further.”
“Hello, ladies,” Samuel interrupts us. He and Geneva finally come inside to greet us, both of them wishing me a happy birthday. Meanwhile, Elden has tied his hair back to have it out of his face, and Jace’s gaze falls onto his neck. “Goddess!” Jace blurts out. “I didn’t notice! Fuck, you marked each other!”
“How did you not notice it?” Samuel asks in disbelief.
“It was the first thing that stuck out to us,” Geneva chuckles.
“Well, he was distracted by a long-legged beauty with full hair and intriguing blue eyes,” Vincent grins.
“And who’s that?” Calvin asks.
Vincent looks confused. “What do you mean?”
“It’s not specific enough,” he says.
“What?” Vincent exclaims. “It only fits one person!”
“Two actually,” Calvin points out. “The young alpha has long legs too, full hair and blue eyes, and in general he would be considered attractive.”
Vincent stares at him, completely flabbergasted, while Elden pretends to be flustered, brushing through his hair. “Please, Jace,” he says. “I am a promised man.”
Janice and I burst into laughter, both at Jace’s shocked expression and Vincent’s annoyed one. “Man,” Vincent frowns. “Tell me you are not being serious, Calv.”
“Of course I am not being serious,” Calvin sneers. “I can’t believe you fell for that! I am not that clueless.”
Vincent looks scandalized at first before he breaks into laughter, smacking Calvin’s shoulder. “Who knew you had it in you to tease someone!”