Page 53 of Noah

“The Alphas and the dominants want or perhaps need to feel needed. They thrive on looking after their people, making them happy, and keeping them safe. The submissive, the quiet beasts who don’t feel the need to assert themselves need that protection, need to look after their people emotionally.”

The Jeep hit a bump. “Are you going to the dance tonight?” she asked Finley.

“Yes, I’m taking the Jeep back. I’ll have a quick shower, then slip into my party shoes.”

Adrienne choked on a laugh. “You might find your mate tonight then.” Noah’s hand tightened on hers.

Finley chuckled. “I plan to dance with all the females.”

“You really love dancing?”

“We all do. We like gatherings. We have a big birthday party for all of us that lasts a full weekend. We mingle, play games, and exchange gifts.”

“Really! How lovely.”

“Yeah. It was such a hit that we started doing human holidays too. We do a big Christmas ball with decorations, festive activities, and stalls. I like the food.”

“The food?”

Finley enthused, bobbed on his seat, nodding fast. “Mounds of food, so many different choices. Festive spiced flavours of ginger, cinnamon, apple, and nutmeg. Fruits and nuts, festive cookies, gingerbread, and pastries.”

“Christmas to me is golden roasties,” she said caught up in his enthusiasm. “Oh, with sage and red onion stuffing.”

“Really? Red onion stuffing?” He sounded intrigued. “I’ll add that to the list of foods I want to try.”

“You really love your food.”

“We didn’t get a lot of variety before…” He doesn’t mention when, but it was clear what he meant. Finley quickly continued, “At Christmas we all bring something. The restaurant cooks the main meats, though we all bring a dish.” Finley gave her a toothy grin. “They’re not always edible but it’s fun to try.”

Adrienne laughed at him while Noah constantly stroked her skin.

The Jeep stopped in front of a grassy field filled with lanterns, and wooden chairs dotted around a pop-up wooden dancefloor. A table with drinks and cups was set up near the sound system.

Noah slid out of the Jeep. Sliding his hand into hers and helping her out.

He was so thoughtful, careful, and considerate with her.

Sometimes she was sure she imagined his feral side, but then he did things that reminded him. He was a complicated being.

“Thanks, Finley.” She shut the door and turned to talk to him. “We’ll see you on the dancefloor.”

Finley waved at them with a good-natured laugh, then drove off whistling a happy tune.

Adrienne had a feeling that not much dampened Finley’s spirits.

They got drinks, made polite small-talk, and watched the comings and goings of bodies moving around the dancefloor.

There was a constant stream of people arriving by Jeep or foot. The low chatter of people in conversation was a constant background noise along with the music.

The sky was just beginning to darken, the lanterns casting a soft glow on the mock dancefloor and Noah still stood motionless, awkward as he stared at people on the dancefloor.

His face was stiff, and she thought, no that won’t do.

Tugging him gently so he took a stumbling step, she finally got him on the dancefloor.

Noah stayed stiff but the music didn’t allow for statues.

She put extra sway into her hips, pleased when he swirled her. Smiling at him when she finally saw the ice thaw as they moved together.

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