“Spoil sport,” Sabs mutters under her breath.
Calder has moved all the desks out to create a big open space. There’s a balloon arch spelling out “50th Anniversary,” and a projector aimed at the ceiling playing a slideshow of photos showing pastTheValley Voiceissues and ex-reporters from over the years. Upbeat music plays in the background, and servers circle the floor, offering colorful drinks that have “TVV” sprinkled on top of the foam in edible glitter.
“There you are!” Devon greets us, sweeping over in his long, black trench coat. He grabs a tray filled with drinks and offers them to us. “You need to try these. They’re so good.”
I take a sip—a punchy hit of pineapple and rum, countered with a hint of coconut and possibly rhubarb.
“How did Calder afford all this?” I muse.
“Who cares?” Devon gleefully raises his glass. “It’s time to celebrate.”
“Hell yes!” Sabs grabs a drink, clinking glasses with each of us. “And your eyeliner is on point, Devon. I can never get mine so flicky without my hand wobbling.”
“Thanks.” Devon grins proudly. “It takes a lot of practice.”
While they discuss makeup application techniques, I spot the Valen Pack beside the snack table with Faye and the Silverwood Pack. Riven loiters awkwardly, holding a plate in one hand while rocking on his heels while Laz bounds over to speak to him. Despite their differing personalities, the two of them struck a new friendship at our recent Mario Kart tournament. Laz promised to take him to some secret arcade club on campus soon, which Riven’s super pumped about. Next to them, Ezra and Faye are talking animatedly about something—likely plant-related—while the rest of her alphas chat to Hale, who looks particularly handsome in a pressed shirt. Meanwhile Calder fusses around the food, muttering to himself.
As if he can detect me, Hale’s head turns, a dazzling grin tilting his lips when he sees me. His smile makes my heart somersault. For an omega who didn’t want to find a scent match or pack, I sure lucked out.
“Wait until I tell the book club that I’ve been here.” Delilah bounces on the balls of her feet. “Did you know that half of them applied to work for the paper when they arrived, but were rejected?”
“It’s a competitive gig.” I shrug. “We might have some openings next semester, though.”
“Maybe you could put in a good word for them with the editor.” Delilah nudges me as Calder rushes over to greet us.
“It’s good to see you both.” His tailored gray tee and dark pants are perfectly smart-casual. “Thanks for the catering recommendation, Delilah.”
“No problem,” she replies. “I’m only sorry I couldn’t do it myself because I love baking for occasions, I’ve been swamped with assignments lately.”
“You already do enough by keeping the Stellas fed with all of the baking you do,” he tells her. “Ezra won’t stop raving about the lavender shortbread you made last week.”
“Oh, it’s nothing.” She flicks her wrist casually before her gaze rests on the snack table. “I’ll be right back. I can’t wait to see what dips they’ve paired with the mini pretzels.”
Calder kisses my cheek. “You look stunning this evening.”
“Have you forgotten our agreement already?” I suck my teeth.
Although we agreed to keep our relationship strictly professional in the office, his lips grazing my cheek catapults a tremble of longing through me.
He holds his arms up guiltily then smirks. “How can I resist when you turn up looking like that?”
“You’ve got to try harder.” I bump him playfully, knowing I can’t stay mad at that gorgeous face for long.
“What do you think of the party?” He motions to the space. “Not bad, huh?”
“You’ve done a great job.” I nod, impressed. “Although we may need more food.” I eye the snacks. There are two complete packs in the room who I know can empty kitchen cupboards in minutes. A few of the reporters are starting to look a little glassy-eyed too. “Especially with how good the cocktails are.”
“Don’t worry.” Calder squeezes my arm. “Mei will be coming up soon. I got her to make wok boxes for everyone, so you have nothing to worry about. This is your time to celebrate too, remember?”
Begrudgingly, I sigh. He has a point, and it’s taken a lot of self-control not to meddle in his plans.
“But before we celebrate…” Calder’s eyes scan the room. “I have a special announcement to make now that everyone’s here.”
He clears his throat then coughs loudly, but he doesn’t attract any attention.
I roll my eyes then open my purse to grab a pen. I chime it against my glass and call out, “Listen up, everyone!”
He grins when a hush falls over the room. “You just can’t resist helping, can you?”
