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“Really?”
Julian had held his arms up and I’d gone over to sit next to him again, cuddling close. We’d buckled in when the captain had announced the descent. This time I was relaxed enough I barely registered the bump onto the tarmac.
As the plane slowly stopped, the guys stood, grabbed our suitcases and went to the door, opening it easily. They wouldn’t allow me to carry my luggage. When we went down the stairs, I noticed a large SUV waiting a little ways away.
“There’s Noah.” Elias moved quickly, excited to see his friend.
I moved slower with Julian as we approached the SUV. I was wary of meeting the new alpha but I knew that if my men trusted him, it would be okay.
Noah got out of the driver's seat and walked toward Elias. “Elias! You guys! It sure is good to see you!” His voice was accented, deep, and if I wasn’t head over heels for my guys, I might have been tempted. He wore a black cowboy hat that he took off as he hugged Elias. They slapped each other on the back laughing as they exchanged hellos.
“It’s alright, baby girl.” Julian pushed me gently forward as we approached.
Noah pulled back from Elias and Simon to turn toward us. His smile was big as our gazes met. “This must be Alena.” He held out his hand. When I took it, he bowed, pressing his lips to my hand. “It is an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance. It’s amazing to see my friends finally have a full pack and with smiles on their faces.”
Giggling, I pulled my hand back. “It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m really excited to experience everything at your ranch.”
“Fantastic.” His white teeth flashed in the light. “Come on. I’m sure you guys are hungry after your flight. Lucas has been cooking up a storm for you five. You’ll be our only guests for the week.”
“Is that really okay?” I glanced at Julian as we followed Noah to the SUV.
Noah just laughed. “More than okay. Your boys are paying a premium for it.”
I huffed as I glared at them. “They are, are they?”
“Nothing but the best for my pack.” Elias shrugged nonchalantly with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “It’s better this way, anyway. We don’t have to deal with others.” He shuddered. “I don’t do well with others.”
“Thought that was Xavier?”
“I’m not the only one that doesn’t like being around people all the time, Princess.” He winked at me. “Even our fearless leader needs to recharge his perfect CEO batteries.”
I laughed as Noah opened the back door to the SUV and helped me inside. “You guys work with the public.”
Elias got into the front seat as the rest of us piled into the back seats. Xavier took the very back while I sat between Simon and Julian.
“We might work with the public, doesn’t mean we have to like people.” Simon chuckled and took my hand. “Don’t worry. We come to visit once a year and it’s always just us.”
My shoulders relaxed. “Oh, okay, good.”
“It’s something we look forward to, too.” Noah looked in the rear-view mirror as he started the car. “It gives us a chance to relax and just hang out with friends that we don’t get to see very often.”
I looked around as we began the drive. It was so different from the Washington landscape and yet the same. It was beautiful. The guys talked shop as we rode along. Simon rubbed his thumb along the top of my hand and I rested my head on his shoulder.
I hadn’t realized I’d fallen asleep until Julian was gently shaking me awake. “Hey, baby girl. We’re here.”
Blinking slowly, I sat up from Simon’s chest that I’d moved to rest my head on and looked around. We’d pulled up through a large gate that said ‘Second Chance Ranch’. The driveway was long and ended at a large three-story house. All the lights were on. The door opened as the SUV turned off.
There were multiple smaller cabins along the way up the driveway, with small porches, white shutters and soft yellow paint. They had red and purple flowers peeking out of garden beds along the front. It was a perfect miniature version of the ranch out before us.
Two betas walked out. They weren’t as large as Noah, but each one had a cowboy hat on. The smaller beta’s hat was bright green, and I had to fight back a giggle of delight at the man. The larger of the two crossed his arms as we all got out of the car.
“Well, damn. She’s a lot prettier than you said she was!” The shorter beta moved forward, his eyes bright. “Hello, darling, I’m Lucas!” He pulled me into his arms in a crushing hug. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Lucas.” I looked him up and down. “I really like your hat.”
“Why thank you.” He laughed and titled the hat backward. “I love it. It annoys James here to no end.” He winked. “It’s great to see you guys.” He hugged each guy with a slap on the back. “Dinner is ready.”
The other beta stepped forward and shook everyone's hand. He was gentle when he shook mine but he didn’t speak much. He was a beta, but he had this vibe that was coming off of him that screamed alpha.
