“I’ve noticed. And yes, I’m sure. We’re good for each other. I’m starting to believe in myself again. And you… Oh, Garrett, I wish you could see how much everyone here loves you, how much they need you, how much theymissyou.”
“I haven’t left them.”
“You isolate yourself when you’re not on missions. Yes, you do what your alpha asks—anything for the good of the pack—but that’s it. You’re absent from their lives, the day-to-day joy and support.”
“I’ve been around, haven’t I?”
“You’ve pulled away from them in a way that no one else can replace. Not your retrieval skills.You. Your inner strength. Your wit. Your heart…All the things that make you Garrett.”
Her words—and those of my packmates—are still rattling around in my head when she grabs my hand and leads me up the trail.
She sees more in me than is actually there. Doesn’t she?
Laughter and voices caught up in casual chatter filter to us through the trees. I’m starting to think this isn’t a good idea, not after we just?—
“Come on, we have seats with your alpha and his mate.”
“Damien? You want to sit with Damien?”
“I’m still working on my confidence, Garrett. Don’t make me second guess myself.”
“I wonder what has her so excited that she’s not only willing for us to sit with Damien and Tess, but she’s the one suggesting it.”
My wolf bites me, telling me to stop overthinking everything and go with our female, to trust in her.
Our female…
You’re getting ahead of yourself, wolf, I warn, but I can’t scold him. Not when I feel as he does.
CHAPTER THIRTY
ANGEL
Tess scoots over on the huge blanket spread out in the grassy hill facing the lake. The rise of the hill gives everyone a clear view of the shore and the platform decorated by mini-Christmas trees on either side.
“This is an easier spot for large gatherings, given the hill’s slope,” Tess says as I sit next to her, with Garrett on my other side. “Most mating ceremonies happen here. The mating run goes down that path into the woods.” A huge grin crosses her face as she points it out.
“Fond memories?”
“Definitely.” She leans forward, to glance at Garrett. “Maybe you’ll see for yourself one day.”
“Shh,” I whisper. “I think we’re in a good place. Don’t ruin it.”
“I see that. You got him to attend the festivities. No one’s been able to do that in years. And we’ve all tried.”
I don’t know if he’s listening to us, or not, but his hand settles on my lower back, making me hyper-aware of him. I’m temptedto suggest we leave, go for a walk in private, but he needs to be here. To reconnect with his pack.
“Where’s Damien?” Garrett asks as a group of twelve kids—all under ten years and dressed as reindeer—step up onto the platform.
“Right here,” a deep voice says, making me jump. I never heard him approach. That’s the level of training I hope to achieve. Being able to sneak up on a person unheard. It’s what I need.
The massive alpha is holding three beers. He offers one to me.
“No thanks. I’m more of a hot chocolate person.”
“Ooh, I forgot I brought some.” Tess digs into a large, quilted bag and produces a thermos and two mugs. “For us!”
“You come prepared.”
