Lars muttered something under his breath. “As long as you don’t hurt my sister. I guess you’re part of the family now.” He said it sobegrudgingly I had to laugh. I couldn’t blame him—I was sure I’d feel just as protective if I had a sister—but winning over my omega’s brother felt like a genuine victory.
“I appreciate the invite. We’d love to—”
A shrill scream broke the air and my body tensed, ready to spring into action, until I realized Stanley had made the noise. I cocked my head at the scene playing out before us. Summer was running around the field, waving Stanley’s clipboard in her hand as he chased her and the other three omegas cheered her on.
Lars shook his head, but he was smiling. “I’ll see you Friday.” And with that, he strode over to his omega, threw her over his shoulder, and headed toward the lighthouse while Lucy and Ivy booed him for spoiling their fun.
“Summer better be careful or Stanley’s going to write a new town ordinance that prohibits the stealing of clipboards.” My heart skipped a beat as Leo joined me.
His curls fell down his forehead and I brushed them to the side. He pressed a kiss to my palm before entwining our fingers.
“Lucy’s moms invited us over tomorrow for dinner and said to bring my family, too,” he said. “I have a feeling our parents are entering some sort of competition for who can be the most hospitable.”
I grinned. “We’re the real winners in that competition.”
We’d had our first big family dinner at the Azad house last week, and it had been pure chaos…and completely wonderful. It was everything I’d wished I’d had growing up—loving parents, loud siblings, warmth, hugs, and endless good food. We’d all ended up in their backyard, where Lucy had explained her precise technique for roasting the perfect marshmallow, resulting in all of us presenting copious marshmallows to her for judging. Honestly, it was impressive how she’d managed to get an endless supply of s’mores without lifting a finger.
“Lars invited us to get dinner with his and Ivy’s pack while the girls are having their movie night.”
“Look at you.” Leo grinned and nudged my side. “Making friends all around town.”
I snorted, but our bond meant I couldn’t hide my warm, syrupy feelings.
Leo briefly let go of my hand to adjust his hold on his cane.
“How’s your knee? Are you in pain?”
He pulled me close and kissed the corner of my mouth. “I’m fine.” His lips skimmed my cheek until they brushed the shell of my ear. “Are you jealous I’m not using the cane you got me?” His voice was low and sultry, making my cock twitch.
I gripped the back of his neck, making sure my thumb rubbed the bond mark I’d put there. His pupils dilated and breath hitched.
“Am I interrupting?” Wilder’s voice jolted us back to reality.
“Where have you been?” I asked.
“You seriously don’t want to know.” He shook his head. “Blossom is hanging out with Felix. Are we ready to go?”
“I have something I want to show you all,” I said.
I tugged on my bond with Lucy and she spun around, eyes scanning until she spotted the three of us. She skipped over, her floral skirt catching in the wind with each bounce.
“Hey!” She half crashed into me with a wide smile. “You ready to go?”
Leo tugged her into his arms. “King has something to show us, apparently.”
“Oohhh, what is it?”
“It’s a surprise,” I responded.
Lucy jutted her lip out in a pout. “Or you could tell me now.”
I shook my head. “I’m going to grab my car.” We weren’t going far at all, but the fastest way to get there was walking along the beach, and I didn’t want the sand aggravating Leo’s leg. “I’ll pick you all up at the road in a minute.” I gripped Lucy’s chin and gave her a hard kiss. “Behave.” I did the same to Leo. “You, too.”
Lucy leaned against Wilder and he wrapped his arms around her waist. “He didn’t tell you to behave,” she said. “So it’s your job to cause all the chaos.”
I shook my head but couldn’t stop my smile.
I’d smiled more the past couple of weeks than in my entire life.
