Page 66 of A Farmer’s Guide To Gamers

“Damn straight,” Dad said before they dove into compiling the pizzas.

“Drink, dear sister?” Ari asked, holding out a hard lemonade to me. I took one and he offered the next to Aiden, who declined.

“No thank you,” he said politely. My brother gave him a smile and moved onto the others, playing the good host even though it was our parents’ house only now.

“So, Ari, how goes the art world?” Dean asked. “I hear you’ve got a gallery up there in the city.”

Something passed across his face and he shrugged. “Business is good. The art world is just a bit… petty and competitive for my blood. At least there it is. I never really understood why we treat each other like that. Every artist has their own unique style that stands out.”

“Who’s ass do I need to kick?” I asked. He laughed and twisted off the cap to his lemonade, taking a swig then shaking his head.

“No one. There’s just this infuriating influencer artist who is quick to accuse anyone and everyone of copying… including me. He’s fresh out of university, new on the scene, and has made nearly everyone in the area despise him. But his viewers love him and if his art makes the latest showcases, then there’s bound to be enough buyers to make us all happy.”

“Can I see some of your work?” Aiden asked, surprising me. Even Ari who had just met him assumed he was too shy to speak much.

“Yeah, of course,” Ari said quickly. He pulled out his phone and brought something up before handing it over. We were close enough I could see the latest pieces right along with him. I always thought my brother’s art was beautiful, but he’d taken it to new levels this year.

He worked with all kinds of media, but lately he’d really taken a deep dive into working with charcoal. Sometimes he does metal sculptures as well, depending on his inspiration at the time.

The sketches he was showing Aiden looked gorgeous. Flowing lines of a dancer and another showing details of flowers that I recognized from his balcony back in the city.

Aiden and he started talking about different art things that I couldn’t follow, along with my packmate pulling out his phone to show him some of his own pieces as well.

That’s when Drew came over and introduced himself to Kai and Jack before saying hello to Dean. Every part of him looked so put together that the rest of us appeared to be underdressed even though he was only in slacks and a button-up shirt.

“Where’s your pack at?” I looked around, trying to see if I could see Issac, Lucas, or Elizabeth.

“They ran to the store to get more drinks because, apparently, our parents had people over yesterday and went through what they had here already. I’m sure they’ll be back any minute.”

“Oh, honey, did you tell them we needed club soda? I found this new recipe I want to try,” Mom called out after overhearing Drew.

“I did, Mom. I reminded them twice as they left because I know you’re excited.”

“What drink?” Kai asked, genuine curiosity lighting up his face.

“Oh, there was some fancy color changing cocktail that I saw online that I just had to try!” Mom started gushing and urged Kai to come help her in the kitchen.

My beta tried to pull me with him but Jack wrapped an arm around my waist and caught me from leaving him and Dean. Jack shot Kai a smile before glancing down at me, as if checking in that this was okay.

Oh, my uncertain alpha, I loved how adorable he could be.

I snuggled into his side, loving as his scent amped up a bit at my action. Kai shot him a look but kept his smile on his face for Mom. I just knew they’d get along well.

The fact my pack had come to a family dinner and slotted right into place was yet another sign this was fate. I couldn’t have had a pack that was trying to charm my parents. Mom would humble them real quick.

But my pack was simply themselves. Kai was naturally charming and sweet. Dean they were used to and it was like seeing an old friend again. Aiden was clearly shy but made an effort to connect on something he knew well. Jack was awkward as usual but he owned it with sweet smiles and little jokes.

“Have you run into any more trouble?” Drew asked. Thankfully, my pack knew what he was talking about.

“No, thank god,” I admitted. “I think he might have gotten the hint for once. It’s been quiet since the last time. I did practically run from him, though. It must have driven the ‘we’re over’ into his small brain.”

Jack chuckled. “Don’t worry. We’re keeping her safe.”

“They are,” I agreed. The door opened and Lucas, Isaac, and Elizabeth walked in with their arms full of soda and supplies. Mom shouted out a cheer and rushed them into the kitchen so she and Kai could make the drinks. Now the air was starting to fill with the scent of cheesy, savory pizza.

Jack’s arms wrapped around me and he leaned his head on my shoulder. “You guys had me worried. Your family isn’t that wild.”

I laughed softly. “They are definitely still wild. But they’re also amazing and loving and fiercely loyal. They would have torn apart anyone who wasn’t good enough for me.”