August took note of the way Steve’s face brightened at the prospect of playing tag, and he wondered if Steve had enjoyed being chased around his and Ryker’s territory back before they made friends more than he was supposed to.
That would explain why he’d kept coming back for more. That, and the fact that he’d been lonely and missing the company of his pack.
They descended the stairs and ran into William and a group of unfamiliar wolves in the main foyer. August had a moment of disorientation where his nose and wolf told him that he was in the presence of his pack, but his conscious mind registered the people present as strangers.
They were all betas, the lot of them clustering behind William and looking at him and August with curious expressions.
Awkward introductions were made, and August did his best to make a good impression on the betas of his new pack.
“Hi,” August said, after Steve had introduced him and Ryker. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too,” they chorused. One of them – Mary, if August remembered correctly – bounded over to Steve and gave him a hug like she just couldn’t hold herself back a second longer.
“It’s good to have you back!”
Steve grinned, lifting her up in a playful bearhug before setting her back down on her feet. “It’s good to be back. I missed you guys.”
“Did Marcus tell you we’re playing tag?” the guy standing next to William asked, his voice eager.
He couldn’t be older than sixteen.
“He did,” Steve said. He looked at Mary. “Is your brother here?”
She nodded, and Steve grinned. It was an expression that promised a great deal of violence, and if it had been anything other than tag they were talking about, August would have been worried that there was strife in the pack.
Mary’s brother must be an alpha.
All of a sudden, Steve’s excitement dimmed. He turned to Marcus. “Do you think Dad will join in?”
Marcus shook his head.
“Dad’s sitting this one out,” he said, making both Steve and William frown.
“He is?” William asked. “Why?”
“He said it would be good practice for me,” Marcus said. He shrugged, like it didn’t make sense to him either. “He’s going to supervise the preparations for the bonfire later tonight.”
“That sucks,” William grumbled, though Steve looked secretly relieved that he wouldn’t have to deal with his father.
“It is what it is,” Marcus said. “But enough loitering. Let’s go outside.”
He opened the door, a cold blast of air swooping into the foyer, and led the way outside. August zipped up his suit and put on his hat and gloves, walking behind William and following Marcus out onto the driveway.
A group of about fifty people were already crowded around the bronze wolf statue, all of whom turned to look at him, Ryker and Steve as they walked out of the house.
After spending a decade in a pack with just him and Ryker, the attention was a little overwhelming.
“Everyone, I’d like to introduce my little brother’s mates,” Marcus called, his voice carrying across the driveway. He walked up to Ryker and grabbed his shoulder. “Ryker Sterling and August Schaffer. Today, we’re going to welcome them into our pack and celebrate the bond they’ve formed with my little brother.”
Everyone started to clap and cheer, and August was startled by how moved he was by their genuine joy and good cheer.
Marcus looked at Ryker, his expectant expression indicating that Ryker should say something.
“Thank you for the warm welcome,” Ryker said, nodding at the crowd with a charming grin. “August and I look forward to getting to know you all.”
When he didn’t say anything else, Marcus rolled his eyes good-naturedly and turned back to the crowd.
“Is everyone ready?”
