Pepper glanced at me, and our eyes locked. But I kept my feet rooted to the ground. He said new mates of the pack. We’re not of the pack. She blinked and glared up at him.
Ansel must have something else planned. I could smell she was hurt, and I knew she wanted to be included.
I let go of her hand, wrapped my arm around her waist, pulled her close, and planted a kiss on her forehead. She smiled at me, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
The couples climbed up the stairs to the patio and lined up behind Ansel. The sky had turned an inky blue, and the moon was above us, illuminating the people on the patio. They shuffled, their faces were pink and red, and they all radiated excitement. Their happiness made me smile. Even if I wasn’t up there with them, I could still feel their joy.
They went t
