“Agghh!” Sarah stamped her foot.
We returned to Gage’s house to check the kitchen, which I hadn’t seen yet. It was a mighty impressive looking one, with modern equipment. “We get that from the human world,” Maeve told me.
I guess it made sense. They were a small town that was almost like a big extended family. I’m sure plenty of them cooked for themselves, but when a big event came, they needed something that could feed so many people.
An older gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair and a bushy gray mustache was chopping herbs on a chopping block. He waved at me.
“This is Max, our pack’s head chef,” Gage said. “Best cook in the realm.”
“Those kebabs were really good,” I said.
He nodded. “Glad you enjoyed them. They’re a favorite, so they’ll be plenty more to come. Say, what were you thinking for your cake?”
“My cake?” My brain took a moment to connect the dots.
“Yeah, you want a traditional yellow cake? I was thinking that since you’re being wed to our pack’s alpha, it should be something traditional yet grand. But I don’t think people will protest too much if we go with something more chocolaty. I can do a mean angel food too. Really light and moist.”
I wiped my hand over my face. These people were relentless.
“I wish I could have a wedding cake.” Sarah sighed.
“What if Max made you a wedding cake without you getting married?” I suggested.
She hesitated, looking at me skeptically. “What if he—what?”
“Could you make her a cute little wedding cake?” I asked Max. “A miniature one with a cake topper of her choosing?”
He clapped his hand to his chest as if wounded that I’d even asked. “Of course I could.”
Sarah nodded slowly to herself. “That…that would be pretty awesome, actually. My own wedding cake. For practice. Just like the humans do. Paul and I are going to marry human style. What flavor would it be?”
“You choose,” Max said kindly. “And I will have it ready for you by dinner tonight.”
“Thank you, Max. I would like chocolate with two wolves as a cake topper.” A smile slowly spread across Sarah’s face. And she hugged me. Maeve’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I’m sorry I’m being crabby,” Sarah whispered in my ear. “It’s that time of the month.”
“Girl, I feel you,” I told her. “I am a monster around then, too.”
Sarah giggled. “I’m a monster all the time because I’m a shifter. Can I be your flower girl?” She released me and stepped back. Maeve stared at me as if I’d just worked a magic spell.
“If I were getting married, you definitely could.”
Before I could say anything else, an explosion of fire flared up on the counter. “Sorry!” Max called out. “I was just trying to flambé a crème brûlée.”
The door to the kitchen flew open, and a group of children swarmed through, followed by their mother. I could tell because they were all chubby-cheeked redheads, who I assumed were related to Samantha.
“The alpha heir’s mate! The alpha heir’s mate!” they chanted happily. The next thing I knew, I was surrounded.
“Ooh, you’re the lucky girl! Tell me your secrets!” the woman giggled. “My sister hasn’t met her mate yet and she wants to know. Also, how was last night in your bedchamber?” At my appalled look, she laughed louder. “Oh, there’s no such thing as a secret here!”
“Leave her be. She’s mine!” Sarah grabbed my arm and started to pull me. “I outrank you!” The woman grabbed my other arm. “You have to tell me everything!” she repeated.
“Let go of the alpha’s mate!” Gage growled, but they ignored him and several children clung to each leg. I staggered back.
“Guys! Calm down!” I cried out and tried not to laugh. I’d never been so desirable, apparently.
“Unhand her!” A voice boomed through the room, and I spun around to see Killian standing there in the doorway. Everyone backed away immediately.
