Page 116 of Alpha Gray

I nod. “That’s Deke’s.” He’s disappeared back into the kitchen to grab something else for the meal.

Theo looks around and I flick my head at the empty seat beside me.

He pauses for a moment, awkwardly looking from the empty chair to Brooke seated on the other side of it. Then he makes his way over, pulls it out, and it seems like he hesitates again before sinking down into it. His eyes meet Brooke’s, then dart away.

I don’t have a chance to give the strange exchange a second thought, because Deke’s returned from the kitchen, taking his seat and clearing his throat to yield the floor to me.

I clear my throat, too, picking up the glass sitting in front of my plate and raising it up. Holly found some fancy-ass wine to serve up with the meal that she claims ‘pairs well’ with the chicken.

“Thanks for coming tonight,” I boom, looking around at the faces seated around the table. “I hope we can make a habit of this, get together more often. And a big thanks to Holly for cooking all this food, I can’t wait to dig in. Cheers.”

It isn’t the most eloquent speech, but the others say ‘cheers’ and clink their glasses, nonetheless.

The meal is as delicious as it smells, and throughout the evening I’m continually struck by how fucking good this feels, how happy I am. Two months ago, I never would’ve dreamed that I’d be here now, laughing around the dinner table with my mate by my side, surrounded by friends that are like family.

I know there are still challenges to come, but I’ve never been more ready to face them, never been surer that I’ll persevere through them. Fallon and I will get through them together; having her by my side only makes me stronger, better. The shadow pack’s still out there, but I’m more confident than ever that when they come, we’ll be ready.

I’d take on a hundred crazy alphas for that leggy blonde that takes my breath away with every glance. Fallon has given me renewed purpose, a future.

And honestly?I can’t wait.

THE END