“You’re most welcome,” Monty said. “But for what?”
“The rare day we decide to go out, you provide the best possible entertainment. This is gold.”
I chuckled. “We figured we might as well get it over with.”
Oliver’s mouth slowly stretched into a wide smile, but Frey was still frowning.
“What the fuck is happening?” Barclay asked in a flat tone.
“I told you all I was going to have Laurel as my mate,” Monty said. “None of you believed me.”
Barclay pointed at the bar. “Then why did you just plant one on Jordy?”
“He’s mine too.” The way Monty said it, lightly yet surely, had me turning all gooey on the inside. I must have had the dopiest grin on my face.
Calvin bumped his shoulder against mine. “This is so much fun.”
Frey turned his head to Oliver. “This is a prank, right?”
Oliver’s smile only got brighter. “I think they’re serious.”
“You bet your ass we’re serious,” Monty replied.
But Barclay was shaking his head. “No fucking way. It’s a prank.”
Monty groaned next to me. “Fine. Sure. I’m just kidding. Let’s see how long I can keep the charade up, huh?”
I noticed Hunter gazing at me with intensity, as if trying to say something important. I understood.
Jordy arrived with a tray of beers, and I gestured for him to come closer. He set the tray onto the table and went to stand behind the bench, placing one hand on Monty’s shoulder and the other on mine.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“Just clarifying things for your friends here,” I said. I gave Hunter a small nod, and then I looked from Barclay to Frey with as much gravity as I could muster. “I’ve heard the bears have great respect for fated bonds. Monty, Jordy, and I are mated. I love them both very much, and I was hoping their friends would be happy for us.”
“But…” Barclay began, but when I glared at him, he quieted.
Frey narrowed his eyes, then his lips twitched. “So, Montgomery, it seems we owe you a few rounds for all the ribbing, huh?”
Monty snorted. “I’m enjoying the payback already.”
Barclay blinked at me a few times, then glanced at Calvin. “You knew. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Calvin shrugged, his expression the picture of innocence. “I wanted to see your face when you found out for yourself. Totally worth it.”
Jordy bent over to kiss the top of my head, then caressed Monty’s neck gently.
“Be nice to my men, guys. Remember who pours your beers.” He winked and sauntered off.
Frey lifted his palms up. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
I must have missed Monty ordering our food because the ribs suddenly landed in front of us. Sedric brought two more plates with sides and toppings, and we dug in.
As minutes went by, the noise at the pub went back to a normal level, with people chatting and minding their own business. Monty fielded a barrage of questions from his friends about our living arrangements and future plans. It didn’t getunpleasant or weird, though. Nobody asked anything overly personal, and the occasional teasing remarks were always kind.
With my belly full, a fresh beer in front of me, my best friend next to me, and my alphas by my side, I felt at home even in a public space. It was a new feeling for me, and I loved it.
Calvin and Barclay had to leave to pick up their kid and put him to bed. Barrett and Chickie joined the table instead, and Jordy took a break to sit with us for a bit.
