Ponder

Emily POV

Hannah and I return to our mates, and my heart seemed to be trying to leave my body when I saw Easton’s face light up in a smile when he saw me coming back. I never thought I’d see anyone look at me like that in my life.

He doesn’t waste any time sliding his arm around my waist and Kyra pranced and preened at the display before gloating, ‘It just feels so natural and right. Mate is already enamored!’ ‘Like we’re not?’ I chuckle back. I’ll admit it, I’m enjoying the fact that he seemed to inadvertently pull me close as soon as I returned. I noticed Easton doesn’t even have to touch me to leave a trail of sparks on my body. I can feel them a couple inches away.

I don’t want to do anything other than stay tucked in his side and breathe in his delectable scent right now. Everything is so perfect in this moment. He’s so tall that even though I’m wearing high heels, he’s still about six inches taller than me. I think of how the moon goddess had the perfect mate for me all along. Being 5’10” I’m taller than all the women in my family. Most men in my pack would not want a mate as tall as me.

I’m curious as to where and how Hannah has heard all of these rumors about Easton. She seemed to have a lot to say about someone that we’ve never seen so much as a picture of.

I don’t know why I started having a mini freak out hearing that women in Silver Springs aren’t allowed to work or do anything without their mates approval. This might be the South, but being that backwards is rare down here. Plus you can’t have one of the largest and most successful packs around by forcing women to stay home. If a pack that prominent had such misogynistic and controlling tendencies, that information would spread around here like wildfire.

The womanizer statements have me more worried than anything. I mean, it’s not unusual for high ranking males to indulge in their carnal desires before they’re mated. And there’s definitely not a shortage of she-wolves throwing themselves at those ranked males either.

‘Stop thinking about it. He found us now so none of that matters anyway.’ Kyra grumbles in my mind. ‘It does matter if it means I have to constantly look over my shoulder for delirious ex-lovers that are plotting against me.’ I huff back.

I didn’t realize I had zoned out into my own brain until Hannah forced a mindlink. ‘EMILY! What are you thinking about? We’re talking to you!’

I quickly blink my eyes and offer a quick apology to the group, “Sorry. What were y’all saying?” Easton and Ryan chuckle softly. Hannah looks annoyed, but she’ll be ok. Easton looks at me with sparkling eyes and smiles before answering. “The food was put out. We were asking if you two wanted to go inside and eat before leaving.”

Now I know I was extremely zoned out if I didn’t hear them discussing food. “Yeah, let’s go eat. We have some logistics to discuss and food always helps.” I reply back. I don’t miss Hannah’s mini glare at me as we all turn to go inside.

The food at these types of galas is usually served buffet style so everyone can eat at their own leisure. We head to the buffet and start making our plates. I just get fried chicken fingers, mashed potatoes and a few different vegetables. I know the steaks are going to be more cooked than I like, and I’m not in the mood for fish or pork. We head off to find a table.

As soon as I set my plate on the table, Easton is pulling out my chair for me. I sit down and see Ryan has done the same for Hannah, but the guys are still standing. Easton gently places a hand on my shoulder and says, “We are gonna go grab us some drinks real quick. What do you want to drink?”

“Jack and coke, please.” I reply. He leans down to quickly kiss my cheek before going to the bar.

I notice Hannah and the guys have nearly twice as much on their plates as me, and I look at Hannah because I’ll know she’s about to bring it up.

“Em, you didn’t get enough protein on your plate. You have a snack sized meal.” She frowns as she scolds me. She knows I never eat a lot at one time. I just laugh and reply, “I’m not starving, Hannah. I won’t eat more than this right now and I can always get more food.” She sighs and replies, “You’re right. Plus if you eat too much I know you’ll be in a food coma.”

She’s right. If I ate as much as she has on her plate I’ll want to go straight to sleep. Kyra giggles and snorts, ‘yeah there’s no sleeping tonight. We have to claim that fine specimen of a mate all night long.’ ‘Kyra, we have plenty of time for that! We barely even know him!’ I look up and see the guys are coming back with our drinks.

They sit down as they place our drinks beside our plates. Hannah wastes absolutely zero time and asks, “So are we going to your pack tonight? We can grab a bag and have the rest sent later.” I forget how to breathe and just look at her, bewildered. I’m surprised she hasn’t already tried to take Ryan somewhere and mate and mark him. Ryan just grins at her and says, “I have no problem with that.”

Easton gives him a pointed look and says, “We can wait a few days or we can leave in the morning.”

“Were y’all originally planning to stay tonight?” I ask. Silver Springs is only a three hour drive from Blue Moon, so I know they were most likely planning to go back tonight.

“No, but we can stay at a hotel.” Easton answers. “That’s not necessary.” I tell him. “We have plenty of space at the pack house. I’ll have them get rooms ready for you.” I quickly mindlink the lead omega, ‘Mary, can you please get two guest rooms ready for some visitors from Silver Springs? They will likely be staying a couple of days.’

‘Soundproof rooms, please.’ Kyra adds right before Mary replies. ‘Of course, sweetheart. Is one of the visitors for you by chance?’ I smile. Mary has always treated me more like a daughter than my own parents. ‘Yes, Mary. Hannah and I both met our mates tonight. I haven’t let anyone else know yet though.’ I can hear her joy as she replies, ‘Congratulations, sweetheart! I’m so happy for you. Both of you, but especially you.’ ‘Thank you.’ I reply before closing the link.

“There, two rooms will be ready for y’all at the pack house by the time we return.” I announce. “Your parents won’t mind?” Easton asks. “Of course not. We have guests rooms for a reason.” I reply. “I guess it’s settled then.” Ryan exclaims as he smirks at Hannah.