“Charlotte, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I scold her as I take all the shit she was carrying out to the living room.
“Sorry, damn. It’s just chips.”
“It’s just chips,” I parrot in her tone. She rolls her eyes and sits on the couch. “You do look pretty though, Mrs. Claus.”
“Shut up,” she groans, lying back. “You look like that hot lady in Who-ville that the Grinch was in love with.”
“I’m glad that’s the vibe I’m giving off. It’s exactly the look I was going for.”
“Yes, because your daddy is going to be here.”
“Oh, shut up, Charlotte.”
“That’s right, he finger banged and ghosted. Wait, no. You told him you didn’t want anything, and now you’re wishing you’d run into him sooner. He’ll be here tonight.”
“I know that, and I’m not thinking that.”
“Mmhmm.”
“Plus, Owen is coming.”
She arches an eyebrow at me before rolling her eyes. “That’s right, your super hot Beta buffer. I’m sure this will go splendidly.”
“He’s not a Beta buffer. I like Owen.”
“Do you like Owen because he’s safe?” My heart sinks when she says that, and it’s at that moment that I know it’s not true. I don’t see Owen in that light at all.
“Actually, I really like talking to Owen. He’s peaceful.”
“Hmm.” Charlotte clicks her tongue like she’s about to say something else. But her Alphas all come barging through the door first.
“Katie is with my mom,” Anders says, leaning down and kissing Charlotte.
“I’m so happy they’re here,” Charlotte says, and I smile. They wanted to be here for when the twins were born. Knowing what she lost, to have Anders’ family here has been helpful, even if it isn’t permanent.
“When is everyone getting here?” Eli asks.
I’m sitting next to Charlotte, and I watch her soften next to her Alphas. Is it weird to want to provide that calmness to someone, but another part of me wants to receive it as well? Not the coddling that Charlotte gets, but just someone to tell me that it’s going to be okay. I sigh to myself. Things have been okay lately. I haven’t wanted to quit work fifty times this week, and I feel at peace. Though some feelings have been lingering, despite my best efforts.
I pour myself a glass of champagne, turn on the music, and make sure all the lights are on. Different hockey players, wives, and various neighbors start making their way to the house. Low conversation is taking place all throughout the lower level.
I keep watching the door and wonder who I’m wanting to show up more, Alexi or Owen. I shake my head. Obviously Owen, this will be great for him. He needs friends, and everyone is going to love him. In no way shape or form am I attracted to the blond-haired, blue-eyed Beta who is so calming and easy to talk to. I’m also absolutely not remembering Alexi’s hands on me, nope, not even a little bit.
As the front door opens and I see the person’s height, I know that it’s Alexi. I down the rest of my champagne and go into the kitchen. I feel bad that I won’t be front and center when Owen gets here, but he’ll find me.
I switch to a Coke; I’ve got to have my wits about me. I say this to myself as I’m huddled in a corner with a plate of cheese and my soda. I’m opening the pantry door to restock the crackers when the door shuts behind me, and I jump.
“Fuck.”
“Good seeing you too, Piper,” Alexi says with a huge smile on his face. “Are you hiding from me?”
“No, I’m just getting crackers.”
He points to the shelf on the opposite side I’m looking in. “Those crackers.”
“Right,” I say, grabbing the crackers close to my chest.
“You look very pretty tonight,” he says. My heart absolutely does not beat faster. In fact, I don’t feel affected at all. We’re just friends. A friend who happens to touch my vagina so good that I can’t think straight.
