Page 23 of Harvest

“I was never obnoxious. I was merely concerned for I had already become addicted to having you in my bed,” Marco rumbled at his mate.

“Is this how you have been taught to behave?” asked Damian.

Stephanie’s smile split her face wide. “It is, Alpha.”

Damian smacked Xander on the shoulder. “Then you, my beta, are far more fortunate than even I believed.” He turned back to the monitor. “I have told my beta that his Stephanie will keep him on his toes. I am going to enjoy this.”

“You laugh now, my alpha, but just wait until you find your own fated mate and mine helps lead her astray,” said Xander, clapping Damian’s back.

Marco laughed. “I see that Luca did not mislead me or entrust you to those who will not keep you safe and happy. I may no longer have dominion over you, little wolf, but you have my blessings for a long and happy pairing.”

“Thank you, Marco. I was going to talk to Evan, but I was hoping that we might be able to work together on some ideas Luca and I had discussed.”

Marco shook his head. “Always about business, but we would welcome a closer alliance to theLuna de Lobopack and vineyard. And now, I will leave you in the hands of your new pack to celebrate.”

Everyone said their goodbyes and the connection ended. Damian looked at her and arched his eyebrow.

“I hope I didn’t overstep, Alpha. I meant to talk to Evan first, but I’d been working with Luca on some new ideas and since accepting the position, I’ve been studying our vines and processes and think there is some value in working more closely with the DeMedici.”

Damian smiled and shook his head. “Xander, I think I fucked up allowing you to snatch up our new assistant vintner.”

“Why do you think I moved so quickly?” bantered Xander.

Stephanie thumped Xander’s chest. “Standing right here, my mate. I’m the one who asked you to claim me.”

“Only after I forced you to take your vows on your knees at my feet with a bright red bottom,” responded Xander.

“Don’t look now, old friend, but I think you are seeing the beginnings of some revisionist history. Now, let’s go join our pack,” said Damian as he opened the door and gestured them both toward the dining room.

Xander couldn’t help but be proud of his mate. Not only was she beautiful and smart but she was fearless. She had been put through hell when she became a she-wolf and found her way back to a strong woman who embraced her sexuality and submissiveness and yet retained her fighting spirit.

They entered the dining room and were greeted by a chorus of well wishes. Damian stepped back to allow the pack to focus on the newly bonded couple. Xander bowed to Stephanie and gestured to the group.

“My beautiful mate, Stephanie, may I present theLuna de Lobopack to you. I’ll expect the lot of you to keep less than flattering stories about me to yourselves,” he said.

“If we do that, what will we talk to her about?” called one of the other she-wolves to a round of applause and laughter.

“Calm down,” called another, “we’re going to scare the poor girl.”

“Hardly,” answered Stephanie. “I was so worried my pack would be some quiet, proper group that I would long for the Tuscan sun and the DeMedici pack. I see now, I had nothing to worry about.”

He escorted her to the head table and helped her into her seat.

“What would you like me to get you, sweetheart?” asked Xander.

“You don’t have to wait on me,” she answered.

“I know I don’t have to, but I would like to.”

She blushed and smiled. “Thank you. I’m not all that picky but I have a weakness for any kind of sweet pancakes—like blintzes or crepes and bacon.”

“Then you are in luck. Our chef makes an incredible citrus crepe and there are always several kinds of bacon. Why don’t I just get you a selection and we’ll go from there.”

“Thank you.”

He left her and endured catcalls and teasing all the way to and from the buffet table where he joined Damian in selecting things to bring back to the table.

“I rather like your mate, Xander,” said Damian.

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