Page 52 of Drew

Alyssa tore her gaze off his superb ass and grinned. “A full shower for two. Then I want food.”

“Mmm,” he murmured, bending to kiss her. “How about we order it now, so it’s here by the time we’re done?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Her words came out huskier than she’d planned. She couldn’t believe she got to keep this man all to herself.

An hour later, they were at the kitchen table, their plates full of lo mein, orange chicken, and egg rolls. As they ate, Alyssa noticed Drew was quieter than she’d expected. “What’s wrong?”

He glanced up from his plate. “Nothing.”

She pointed her fork toward him. “Don’t shut me out. Especially after tonight.”

“I’m not.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m really not. It’s just…I’m worried about Callum.”

After returning a few days ago, Callum had finished up some business at Master’s Grilling and planned out his trip. During their time at the spa, Fredrica had opened up about him leaving. She was worried about him, and after everything Drew had told her about Thatcher’s pack, it sounded like they all had good reason to worry.

“His cousin will keep him safe, right?” Alyssa believed Callum was capable, but this Thatcher character sounded like bad news. Elliot, Callum’s cousin, believed his father had died at the hands of the alpha, but they had passed it off as a hate crime committed by another pack. It was appalling to Alyssa when she’d learned that Thatcher’s pack was at war with a neighboring one. They fought for territory and caused all kinds of trouble for each other. A death at their hands apparently wouldn’t be all that strange. Yet Elliot and his family didn’t believe it.

“Elliot seems to think it’s safe enough for him there, but I don’t trust it. I don’t like him going up there. Especially not with their Curusm so close. I want him home before that damn thing happens.”

“Me too.” Alyssa shuddered as she thought about the mating ritual Drew had described to her.

They released naked females from a cave and allowed a group of males to chase them down a hill until the women were all claimed one by one. If a male caught her, he had the right to imprint on her. Apparently, nowadays, it was done safely and consensually. Alyssa still didn’t like the premise. The idea of being imprinted on surrounded by others was appalling. According to Drew, a few hundred years ago, they used to kidnap mortal women and force them to participate. During their rape, the male would bite and change them. It made Alyssa sick. According to Callum’s cousin, that sort of thing didn’t happen anymore. Nowadays, women chose and even wanted to be there.

Lack of choice in her life partner was not appealing to Alyssa, but she supposed these women were a product of the pack that had raised them, and each one likely believed that was the best fate for them.

That alone terrified Alyssa. Callum shouldn’t be surrounded by people like that. She completely understood Drew’s worry, yet she tried to put him at ease.

“Maybe he’s going there for a reason. Fate brought us together just when I needed you.” She hated to think what would have happened if Mitch had attacked her before she knew he was a shifter. “Maybe fate is at it again.”

He pushed around a hunk of chicken on his plate. “I hope so.”

Changing the subject, Alyssa said, “I know we moved all my stuff the other day, but I just wanted you to know that my lease with Zelda runs out next week. We officially live together. I hope you don’t mind.”

“I hope you don’t mind that you’re never allowed to leave.” He smiled. “Your nomad days are over. From now on, when you travel, we travel. When you move, we move. From now on, I’m your home.”

Tears shone in her eyes again, and her voice wobbled. “I’m finally home.”