Page 48 of Drew

She loved being part of the pack. Going on runs with the others had given her a sense of community that she’d never felt before. They had all made her feel special. She and Drew had double dates with several of the mated pairs. She’d hung out with the women for shopping, a wine and paint night, and movie nights, and they had even invited her to a charity event for Wildlings. The featured event was axe throwing, something she’d never imagined doing but was very much looking forward to.

For the first time in her life, she was making real connections, real friends. She laughed more than ever before. She was settling in and loving every moment.

Fredrica had spent one afternoon with her at the gallery and had instantly hit it off with Zelda. Birds of a feather, Alyssa thought, as they sat around Drew’s kitchen table playing rummy. Each week, they had gathered for a card game, and Alyssa was enjoying the consistency of their get-togethers and the company. As she scanned the table, she listened to Zelda’s chatter and prepared her next play.

Across the table from them, Fredrica impatiently tapped her cards with her pointer finger while Mason popped a handful of Chicago mix popcorn in his mouth. Drew had temporarily installed Mason as pack beta while Callum was off, chasing Mitch. If all went well, Mason would continue the position while Callum made the pilgrimage for his mate. So far, Alyssa enjoyed his company. He was easygoing and funny, often staying with her in the evenings when Drew had to work late, though Alyssa knew that was babysitting duty. He was there to protect her in case Mitch returned.

“Whose turn is it?” Fredrica’s finger paused in its tapping.

All the players glanced at each other, then exclaimed, “Zelda!” before bursting into laughter.

“Is it really?” The gallery owner asked as though it wasn’t a common occurrence when it seemed she needed to be prompted at every other turn. Though her stories were worth the wait, they lengthened each game dramatically.

Zelda examined her cards, discarded them, and play resumed. “When does that mega hunk of yours get back into town?”

Fredrica sighed, her gaze glued to her cards. “I’m not sure.”

“Next time he leaves, you’re going with him?”

“On tour, yes.” Fredrica beamed as she laid down four cards on the table, then added one to an existing meld. Alyssa wasn’t sure if the smile was because of the victorious hand she played or her plans with Maddox.

“That’ll be exciting,” Alyssa commented.

“A tour bus chock-full of hot rocker dudes,” Mason wiggled his eyebrows. “Definitely exciting.”

Fredrica elbowed him and rolled her eyes.

“I’d let that man of yours beat on my drum all day.” Zelda’s casual comment had everyone laughing all over again.

It was three hands later when Drew came home. There had been a shipping mix-up at the factory, and he’d had to stay late. Though Mason had been planning to come by for cards, Alyssa was pretty sure that Drew’s delay was why Mason had shown up in the early evening with dinner for her.

She didn’t particularly like having someone watching over her all the time, but she loved it, and it showed just how much Drew valued her.

Her mate came around the table and dropped his hands on her shoulders before leaning down and brushing his lips over hers.

“Have you eaten yet?” She asked. When he shook his head, she directed him to the fridge, where there was leftover chicken and salad from the meal Mason had delivered. Drew looked tired as he crossed to the refrigerator.

When Zelda’s phone rang, she glanced at the screen and groaned. “Ah, this new employee. He’s incompetent, I swear.”

Mason piped up, “But he sure is easy on the eyes.”

“I didn’t hire him for his resume, but I’m paying for it now.” Zelda stood up, but before leaving the room to take the call, she leaned closer to Mason. “Keep your paws off my employees.”

Fredrica, who had been taking a sip of water, spewed it across the table. Zelda didn’t understand the implication of the word paws, but the remaining players all had a good laugh. Mason shook his head. “Fine, keep your new employee to yourself. Besides, I like my men competent. Toss in some broody behavior for good measure, and I’m all in.”

Fredrica tapped the table. “Wrong game, silly. We’re not playing poker.”

“That’s not the type of all-in he’s referring to,” Zelda declared before lifting her phone to her ear and leaving the room.

This time, it was Alyssa who choked on her water. She watched Zelda hovering in the next room, scolding her employee. The things that came out of that woman’s mouth.

“What’s up, boss?” Mason’s question pulled Alyssa’s attention back to the kitchen.

Drew swallowed a bite of chicken, his gaze on the hallway. “Not yet,” he replied.

Whatever he had to say was pack business and not to be discussed in front of an outsider. Alyssa immediately tensed. Fredrica twisted in her seat, abandoning the napkin she’d been using to soak up her earlier spill. “Is Maddox okay?”

“Yes.” Drew nodded. When Fredrica sighed in relief, Drew said rather pointedly, “So is your brother, by the way.”

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