RILEY.
Nadia and I walkedhand in hand as we headed to the pack grounds, where a long table was set up under hundreds of lights. I never really cared about what a place looked like when we held parties or gatherings, but I do now. The setting was perfect—simple, cozy, and yet elegant.
And the most important thing was that the people that Nadia wanted to be here were all there.
At the far end of the long table, at its head, was former Beta Felix, and on his right was his mate Katya, and sitting next to her was Nicole, the former Gamma Female. Beside her was supposed to be Anya, but she was not in her seat yet.
My mother was to the left of Felix, and beside her was Leandro. The two chairs beside Leandro were for my sisters.
They still haven’t arrived. They had to take the later flight since they had to attend make-up classes today due to a disturbance in Atlanta that canceled all classes a few weeks back. And instead of Leandro picking them up, I had asked my Beta to take them with him instead. Dominic was still in the neutral city, cramming to buy a gift for his Luna.
He thought I was joking when I said I wanted a gift for Nadia from everyone, including him. He bargained and told me he was busy the last few days and would just buy her on another day—but I meant to keep my word. No gifts, no entrance, not even for my right hand and my most trusted man.
I would be sitting at the other end of the table with Nadia on my right. Beside her would be Katarina and Sophia. Next to them would be Trent and then the twins. On my left would be my Beta, and beside him would be Alpha Darvin and Caleb.
Ironically, Caleb would be sitting nextto my Gamma, Sebastian, and Jenny. Dawson was supposed to sit beside Anya, but with the revelation of Anya being Caleb’s mate, they would probably rearrange themselves later.
“Luna Nadia!” My head snapped to the left as I heard Darvin’s voice. He was approaching us, a glass of whisky in his hand and a wide smile on his lips.
Nadia’s body jolted up at his voice, and before I could sense what she was about to do, she moved closer to Darvin and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
“Alpha Darvin, it’s good to see you again.” Darvin was taken aback by her actions because they were probably never close. I just let out a sigh. Nadia was never the one who could keep her emotions intact. Her eyes never lied.
Darvin’s gaze shifted to me and I just nodded my head, letting him know that Nadia already knew of his ordeal.
Nadia confessed what Katarina told her, and she asked if I knew. And I told her I did. I found out a few days after Aeon’s visit when I asked him what the deal was between him and Aeon. I didn’t tell her because I didn’t want her to worry about Katarina until Katarina found it out herself.
His shoulders relaxed as his hand flew to Nadia’s back, tapping it gently. “Happy Birthday, Luna Nadia. And congratulations on your pregnancy! I’m glad you are thriving in this pack.”
“Of course she is. I know how to look after my female.” I chuckled.
“That’s good to hear, considering you don’t even know how to take care of yourself.” Darvin chuckled back as Nadia let him go.
“I think that’s my responsibility, Alpha Darvin. To take care of this moody Alpha.”
“And you’re doing good at it. I’m glad someone could tame Riley.”
“Tame? I’m not a dog.” I spat at him, chuckling.
“Enough, you two—I’m starving.” Nadia clasped my hand with hers and tugged me towards the ground where our table was set up, with Darvin following us. “We can continue your conversation at the table.”
Everyone at the table stood up from their seats, and those who were away from it moved closer as they welcomed Nadia and me.
We didn’t have anything fancy tonight, just a simple dinner for people close to Nadia’s heart. I originally wanted to spend Nadia’s birthday with just the two of us, but the plan changed so I could have a reason to invite my mother back to the territory without too much pressure on me and herand because Nadia wanted her here.
Everyone greeted Nadia and me before we all took our seats. Some seats were still vacant.
Dominic, Caleb, Anya, and the twins were not yet around.
My gaze was drawn to Dawson, who rose from his chair and walked to the opposite side, slumping into the empty seat meant for one of the twins before leaning his arms over the two empty chairs beside him.
“Those are the twins’ and Trent’s seats, Dawson. Go back to the other side.” I snorted a laugh as I shook my head. Dawson, despite us being the same age, still acts like a hormonal teenager. “Where the fuck is Trent anyway?”
“He went with Gamma Joshua to train new warriors from another pack but he’s arriving home today. So maybe he’ll come tonight or maybe not.” He answered in a bored tone. “And since he’s not yet here and Anya is not my mate, and Sofia here is under eighteen, I will try my luck with the twins. Who knows…”
He was not able to finish his words because Leandro started coughing and choking from his drink.
I couldn’t stop the smirk that formed on my lips. “Fuck off. Don’t you fucking flirt with them or I’ll cut off your dick.”
