Chapter 17 Stink Eye
1904 Words
PHOENIX
Standing here with the boys, having a whiskey and shooting the s**t felt so damn good! Despite the entire Realm being in the process of boarding up and loved ones potentially saying goodbye forever to their homes and businesses, the conversation was good and the company even better.
“We’ll rebuild and we’ll be great again before you know it,” I heard Mr. Cook proclaim.
“Chance, I want to introduce you to someone. Mr. Cook, this is my future brother-in-law and wife’s Beta, Chance Flanagan. He enjoys making jewelry.”
“Ah, did you inherit the metal manipulation gene?”
“No, sir, I’m not immediately related to the Goldbergs.”
“A real craftsman, then. Very pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise, Mr. Cook. Perhaps we can collaborate in the future.”
“I would be honored! I do have some miscellaneous stones I’m not sure how to proceed with, but if you’ll excuse me for now, I see my niece, and if I’m not mistaken, your ladies are on their way down. Please take my card, Mr. Flanagan.”
After bidding farewell to Mr. Cook, Chance and I turned at the same time. I heard his subtle gasp along with mine.
“Are you ready to be blessed with the powers of a Beta and a Betrothal, Chance?”
“Will it really be that different?”
“Let’s walk and talk. We shouldn’t keep a lady waiting. When the Alpha title was given to me, I myself didn’t feel any different, but I was ten times stronger and faster. Elder Brown told me I’d only get out of it what I put into it. I imagine he’ll say the same to you.”
I spotted Conrad and whistled for him. “Come on cowboy! I wish I could have seen those two yayhoos that day, but I heard many times how well you handled them.”
Chance laughed. “I was so unsure what to do. Doesn’t seem like it’s been almost a month ago.”
“Eh, you were an inch shorter then.”
I knew when Chance’s eyes met my sister’s by his second intake of breath. I couldn’t be sure the MateBond would be there for Chance and Phoebe—I’d been surprised before—but attraction definitely was.
“So what do we do, now?” He asked.
“Pin the corsage—I’ll go first if you need a demo—offer your arm, mingle and try to have fun until it’s time to find our seats.”
“That’s easy enough.”
{~>*•*tell them, though. We would have to show them, or they wouldn’t truly believe in themselves.
::I’m here.:: Morianne MindLinked. ::On the roof. I didn’t want to give everyone a heart attack.::
::Good call. Are the others here?::
::They’re being escorted from the Lobby.::
::Fashionably late, as usual.::
::Of course. I will wait for them and meet you soon.::
{~>*•*what was that for?’ look.
“What?? They were looking,” I grinned mischievously and was rewarded with the perfect smile.
I spotted my parents and Uncle Calvin near the grills. Phoebe hadn’t officially met my mother yet.
“Are you ready to meet my mom?”
“I don’t think I have a choice. She’s just spotted us.”
Sure enough, mom was coming towards us with a box in her hands.
“Hi, mom. This is Phoebe. Phoebe, this is my mom, Sarah.”
“It’s so wonderful to finally meet you. I’ve seen you from a distance, of course, but you’re even more beautiful up close.”
“Thank you, Sarah. It’s great to meet you, too.”
“I have something I want to give you. I know there’s a gift table, but—,” Mom started to drag Phoebe away. I stretched my legs to keep up.
“This is sentimental. It’s a photo album of Chance growing up. I didn’t want it to get lost in the shuffle.”
Oh, Mother. I tried not to act embarrassed, but I knew mom had photos of me when I was going through my diaper refusal stage. Phoebe’s eyes were lit up at this most personal gift. Mom definitely knew how to win my fiancé over.
“Mom,” I hissed as Phoebe flipped through the pages, powerless to stop her. “Please tell me you didn’t—.”
“No. I understand the situation.”
“Thank you.”
“Sarah, this is very thoughtful. Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome. I see your mother making her way towards us.”
Phoebe waved Stella down. I noticed a small box in her hands, too. “Hey, kids. Just who I was looking for. Sarah, good to see you again. Chance, I have a little gift for you.”
“For me?”
“Yes, for you. These are Celtic cuff links that belonged to my great grandfather Pierce,” she explained as I opened the box.
“They’re very nice, Stella. Look at the little Tree of Life etched in,” mom said as she caught a look at the little gold links.
I lifted one out and held it up. “Wow, such great detail! Thank you very much.”
“May I?” She asked and I held my arms out so she could attach them. “I’ll put the ones you were wearing in the box.”
“Thank you, Stella. Phoebe, I want to say hi to dad and Calvin before we have to take our seats.”
“Khane is running a little late. The guests Byrdie has been expecting arrived and he went to escort them. It will probably be another 15 minutes.”
“I see Parker and Kaya at the far grills, I’d like to say hi to them,” Phoebe pointed.
“Ok. You see where dad is, right?”
“Yes.”
“Ok. If I haven’t joined you when you’re done, meet me there.”
I watched until Parker noticed Phoebe and made my way to dad. My arm felt cold where she had been. I’d have to be careful not to take this whole Protector thing too seriously and smother her.
{~>*•*your friend, Phoebe?” Stink Eye didn’t bother acknowledging Kaya.
“Chance is my fiancé and my sister-in-law’s new Beta. I’m not sure who taught you your manners, but I think you might want to acknowledge an Alpha son’s fiancé.” I nodded towards Kaya.
Stink Eye’s mouth started to open, but clenched instead. I felt arms encircle me from behind.
“Did I hear my name?” Chance asked.
“Stin—Stephanie wanted to know who you were and I was reminding her of her manners.”
“Oh. Well, we’re being summoned. Come on Parker. Kaya.”
I linked arms with Chance and Kaya and Kaya with Parker. We didn’t say goodbye as the four of us walked away.
- Writer
