“Go where?” We all turn as Dante saunters through the back door and begins piling food on a plate. “I’m starved.”
“Some dumb River Moon Pack,” Grandpa Alejandro adds unhelpfully, making Tatum snicker.
“I agree. Some dumb pack Alpha heir is dating Heaven.”
“Good luck to him. Must be hard work,” Ahren says slyly, making Skyla cackle.
“You’re hard work. Go find yourself a luna, old man,” Allie says, coming to my defence.
“I think it’s nice you’re dating, and Heaven is a mature, sensible girl. She knows what’s right for her,” Aunty Delsanra says, faltering.
I look down. She thought Sienna was, too, I guess.
“Let’s eat. Now don’t embarrass the girl anymore,”Jaddati says.
“We aren’t. I’m not doing anything tomorrow; I’ll go with you,” Grandpa Alejandro says, making Allie, Skyla, and me stare at him, horrified.
“No, Dad, you won’t,” Skyla says. “That’s… traumatising for life.”
“Yeah, besides, you won’t like him even if you go,” Royce adds. After what happened with Sienna, Grandpa Alejandro said some choice words to Royce, too, and although he remained calm, Skyla got extremely angry and argued with her father.
“Facts,” Allie says. “I mean, you’re a good boy, and Dad even complains about you.”
“Your father complains about everyone,” Aunty Kiara says.
“That’s true, too,” I agree. “The food is very nice.”
“Winona prepped the chicken,” Aunty Kiara says. “It’s really delicious.”
“Thank you,” Winona says, blushing. She’s cute.
“So, Holden… like Hold-on, what kind of name is that?” Tatum remarks.
“Really?” I say, raising an eyebrow. “Stop picking on him when you don’t even know him.”
“Ok, enough, both of you. Heaven can date whoever she wants,” Mama says firmly.
“Thanks.”
She smiles at me, but she’s hurt. I don’t need to be an empath to know that. I’ll talk to her tonight.
After dinner, everyonesits and talks, and the moment I see Mama go inside to take a call, I follow. Once she’s off the phone, I’ll talk to her.
“No, we’re not putting anyone below a level five, that’s my order.”
She’s probably talking to someone from the Coven. I can’t hear the other person.
“Alright, I’ll consider it, but she might die on the front line over her ego.” Mama hangs up and turns to me. “Hey, everything ok?”
“For the most part, yes. But I realised I should have told you about Holden before everyone else,” I say, tossing my hair over my shoulder.
Mama slips her phone into her back pocket.
“You owe me nothing, baby girl,” she says softly. “I know you know what is best for you.” She walks over to me and cups my face, kissing my forehead.
“But in case you are worried, I’m not rushing things, and if I ever decide to go there… I’ll be sure to talk to you first,” I say smoothly.
Mama smiles. “That’s my girl.” She pulls me into her arms. “So, is there a party tomorrow, or are you going to surprise him?”
