CHAPTER 172-PUNCHBOWL PICNIC

-RAINA’S POV-

Theo couldn't wait to bite into the smoked rabbit fast enough. Shimmying and wiggling his butt, he did the tasty food dance as he chomped on it. When he started rocking, you knew it was knocking down that drool from his mouth.

Thaines, in his glory, gnawed on a large barbecue rib bone like a feral pup.

"Bah ha ha!" I couldn't help but laugh as he snapped at Benji's hand when he tried to grab it.

Glancing around, I saw everyone in a shining light. Free-spirited and merry. There was no longer a secrecy barrier separating us. This fun funky time was rather refreshing.

"So, what's up with you cooking an entire butcher shop today, Vee? I mean, it's great, don't get me wrong, but there's so much food!" Penn exclaimed with her lilac eyes sweeping across the delicious feast as she masticated a grilled pork chop.

Venus beamed while chewing and twirling her napkin. "There's no such thing as too much food here. Leftovers will go back to the pack house kitchen and won't last long. Mom's barbeque is always in demand."

Stuffing her mouth with roasted potato wedges, Penn frowned and reasoned, "Won't it be too cold for them, then? It's always best right off the grill.”

"We are wolves. We have the longest belly in history and never have to worry about turning into an oversized dog." Azara chimed in with a smirk and pointed a finger at Thaines as a reference, who didn't care. Theo licked sauce from the corner of her mouth before they engaged in a tongue play.

“I keep forgetting that I'm the only human here.” Penn shrugged, but that last part was more to herself.

It was nice that she still thought of me as a wolf.

“Nonsense,” Theo interjected, with his crispy baked drumstick waving in the air. “Rumors have it that you're one badass witch.”

Penn blushed, and her gaze drifted to Devin as though she wanted him to add his commentary. The Beta pretended to be oblivious and packed more barbecue ribs on his plate.

My heart nearly leaped out of my chest as I felt Valen's large muscly hand going under my blouse and gliding up to surreptitiously cup my breast.

Snapping my attention to him with stern eyes, I muttered to his ears only, "We can’t misbehave in front of our friends."

“But you’re the only fruit at this picnic.” He pouted, adorably with eyes feasting on me like I was the last supper. “The way you react to me is so cute. I got carried away."

Softening my eyes, I shook my head.

Instead, Valen squeezed my leg and surprised me with, “You are barely eating. Have more."

Suddenly, I was painfully aware of just how close he was now. I nodded, not trusting my voice, and gave a small smile before turning back to my plate. I caught the trace of a smirk on his handsome face. He knew exactly the effect he was having on me!

Underneath, he’d be trying to coax me to sneak away from the group to probably do a sequel of our lovemaking. He seemed agitated.

I swigged the rest of my drink and wanted to get up for a refill, but Valen simply chuckled, shaking his head as he did the honors, refilling my cup from the beer cans near him.

"You look pretty far away there." Valen noticed. He raised a brow, uttering words low and drowsed with concern. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, just thinking," I trailed off.

"If there are too many people, we can escape the bunch," he suggested, sweet and tenderly, just as I had suspected. “I bet you could use a private snuggle.” He nibbled on the tip of my ear before awarding me his eyes again.

I put a hand on his large arm and, with a sad smile, shook my head.

Valen cocked his head. "What's wrong then?"

"Nothing, it was just a moment," I replied.

Valen kept observing me, clearly wanting more of an explanation.

It made me cave, so I opened up and asked, "Why do I feel like it’s wrong to enjoy myself while many of our people are mourning?"

A little line creased between his dark brows, and he frowned at my words. His concern deepened.

"I just don't want them to think that we take their grief lightly," I added, morosely.

“It's not like that. They depend on us to stay optimistic. We are their hope, and we have to be strong so that they can use our strength to face each day and survive. One way of maintaining a healthy mind frame is to take a break every now and then or you’ll outdo yourself to death. You are a strong and selfless queen, both in form and soul. You’ve done amazing around here. No one should reproach you for wanting that downtime that you deserve." His words were soft, his brows narrowed, and his emeralds paled. “Let’s not forget that even Selene takes vacations.” He rolled his eyes.

Chuckling at the memory, I furrowed myself into his chest more.

Valen lifted my hand from his leg, holding it. His thumb caressed the back of it. He still seemed a little unsure that his pep talk perked up my spirit, but another warm smile from me eased him slightly.

I glanced at the jovial faces of the others, noticing that Theo and Thaines were feeding Azara pulled pork sliders.

Playfully, Penn stole a deep-fried chicken wing stuffed with sautéed collard greens and rice from Devin’s plate, and he blinked curiously at her as she took a bite. When he frowned at her, she batted her eyes and poked the other half into his mouth, which he accepted. Peaches eyed them with green jealousy while guzzling beer from the can.

Venus and Zack were arguing about something. Heidi and Isaac kissed more than they ate. Benji looked worried about something as he picked at his food, staring off at the cut-up subs.

I grab Valen's hand in need of those sparks. "Sorry, my mood is probably a killer.”

"Your feelings are justified," he dismissed. "We could make s'mores or something." He held up the pack. “I know it'll cheer you up. Toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and Graham crackers?”

By this point, my face contorted in disbelief. “You remember everything, don't you?" I kissed him.

“So, no girlfriend?” Penn's words reached my ears. My goddess, she was blatantly flirting with my cousin.

“I don't need one.” Devin made a funny face when he caught my eyes on them. "What?” He saw the s’mores that Valen waved. “Fine, I'll go make the fire."

“I'll help.” Penn offered to gather wood with Devin.

Devin knitted his brows at the eager witch and scoffed, folding his arms. “I change my mind.”

“Maybe we could do that later.” I quipped, postponing the s'mores.

Peaches laughed at Penn's disappointment. Zack was the second to crack at their cat-and-mouse game, followed by everyone else. I poked Devin in the ribs, and he burst out laughing too.

Valen folded his muscular legs in an ‘X’ and lifted me to sit on them. His arms wrapped around me with a tight grip, holding me as close as it was physically possible. His wolf peeked out to me through his dilated orbs, waiting for me and him to bond in harmony.

Curling a finger, I shoved his wavy black hair out of his face as the gentle breeze passed us by. I kissed his forehead before settling down and resting my back against his large, bulky chest.

He placed his chin on the top of my head, fiddling with strands of my burgundy hair. I did my best to pretend that I was not turned on, acting like my heart was not beating fast, and my body wasn’t ablaze with excitement and anticipation for his touch, kiss, and those heated emeralds to burn me with passion.

In an attempt to distract myself, I panned my gaze at Venus as Zack made her laugh out loud. Looking from one person to the next, I observed them as we ate. It's been a while since we were just us. Idling and carefree. Their giddying laughter was such a sweet sound.

“You found us!” Penn exclaimed exuberantly to an average-height, full-figured girl who trudged between the oak trees.

The stranger had short bright copper hair with cute front pigtails and wore tight, grey-striped exercise leggings and a low-cut blue top, revealing her black bra. Glee lightened her round bisque face.

Pressing a hand on Devin’s left shoulder, Penn rose to her feet to call the girl over with both hands.

“Who is she?” Azara’s auburn eyes swung to the witch, while Thaines’ finger twirled her hair, kissing it. Theo interlaced his fingers into hers, settling their hand on her thigh.

“She's Sloanne, the witch in training for Vaheed. Marlena invited her to start training with me.” Penn explained, excitedly.

She wanted to say other things but then Zack growled. Startled, Sloanne halted like a trapped bunny, going totally stiff and her champagne eyes bulged.

Pinning his sacramento green eyes on Sloanne, Zack sniffed the cool air and his chest puffed. He flew up and lurched over to her, growling.

Could it be?

"Eek!" As Sloanne’s small mouth with heavy lower lip trembled, she held up her palm, and leafy vines from the trees wrapped Zack up like a burrito off the ground.

Dang! That blew up fast.

Zack thrashed in the vines. “Mine!”

Oh wow! I tapped Valen’s pectoral for him to see what was unfolding with the Delta. Valen couldn’t care less. He took up a caprese skewer and put it at my mouth. This man kept forgetting I have a small stomach now. I bit into it anyway, chewing slowly.

Mates. Zack found his other half. Awesome!

Valen and I exchanged pleased looks. He kissed my chewing cheeks and wrapped his arms around me.

Venus scowled, not liking it one bit. I gently rubbed her shoulder, comforting her. She'll meet her soulmate soon.

Panicking, Sloanne didn't know what to do. Penn rushed over to her. She hid behind Penn, peeking out trepidatiously at the flipping wolf.

“He won't hurt you.” Penn exhorted, laughing. “Wolves have mates and this one is yours. Aww, you lucky girl!”

Yaaas! It cheered my heart.

“But I'm not a wolf. I am human and cannot feel your bond,” Sloanne replied in bewilderment without taking her eyes from him. “Relationships aren’t possible for me.” Sensing everyone’s penetrating eyes on her, she elaborated, “My wiccan obeisance of celibacy is linked to my gnosis and divine connection. I am forbidden to break my chastity vows.”

“Oh no,” Venus gasped, sorrowfully eyeing Zack’s heartbreaking reaction.

Yikes! We need a do-over.

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