Page 133 of Freeing My Alpha

She nuzzles against me, and my heart leaps. My surprise must show in my scent; Rainn instantly pulls back.

“Oh, sorry. Did I startle you?”

I soften into a nearly inaudible whisper, knowing Rainn’s expert ears can still pick it up. “Aren’t we in a human restaurant? I didn’t think we wanted to do— um— wolfy things in front of them.”

The wolves sniff the air in unison. I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

Kira smirks. “Nah, I don’t smell any human. Except you.”

Lilian’s chin juts. “You mean Lycan-human hybrid. She's not just one or the other, and we shouldn't shame her for her human side.”

As the group's Alpha shrinks apologetically, Lilian’s correction gives me goosebumps. She really is defending both Noah and me now.

I wish she didn’t hurt Noah so badly before coming around. He can't trust any progress she makes, and I don’t blame him.

As I sit surrounded by my favorite girls, I feel a thousand times better. I kiss Lexi’s head of curls, huddling in to chat with her about funny animals as she scribbles all over her menu. My closest friends laugh together in a rapid-fire chat with ever-changing topics. It’s been so long that I’ve had an outing with a group of women that my heart feels a little fuller, even if I don’t join in on the conversation too much.

Although, I am a little uncomfortable with how the adults keep glancing at me with intense curiosity—a universal language no matter our shared species.

Yasmine props her head on her chin with a sultry grin, and I can guess what’s coming. “Alright, future Luna. I’m ready to hear how you really feel about the mating ceremony. Between us.”

I bite my lip, but it doesn’t stop my smile. “About the ceremony in general, or...?”

“Nah, the fun stuff. What do you think of the whole public sex thing?”

I clear my throat, playing with my napkin to settle my nerves. Of course I knew that’s what Yasmine was asking, but with everyone’s eyes on me, it’s sinking in how I’ve never talked about sex with an entire group of people before. At most, Kira and Amy gushed about their sex life in college while I sat back, full of red-faced giggles.

But I've always wanted to feel connected enough with my friends and family to talk about how I really feel, and it's coming true. Maybe I can share more than I usually would.

“To be honest, I'm—” I cut myself off.

They probably expect me to say “excited” or “nervous.” While that’s true, there’s an even deeper truth I haven’t dared to share.

“I’m craving it,” I mutter.

With my announcement, Amy’s eyebrows raise, but she rubs my arm the second I duck my head in embarrassment.

“Heck yeah, girl, spill it! We’re so excited to hear all the juicy details. It’s all going over someone’s head, anyway.”

We glance at Lexi, who remains absorbed in her scribbling with quiet, rambling humming.

Yasmine’s hushed voice is laced with heavy excitement. “Which part are you craving? Is it Noah? My shy best friend is probably a secret exhibitionist, isn’t he?”

I glance at Noah’s sister and mom, my neck flushing hot. But Lilian sips tea with a smile, as if the thought that her children have sex is as normal as knowing they eat lunch.

I guess it is normal to Lycans, but it’s still new to me.

A thrill rushes through me as I decide to keep sharing anyway.

“Yes, a lot of it is because I'm craving that moment with Noah. He— um... He seems really excited by it, and I—” I clear my throat. “I want to let myself go enough to show everyone how deeply we love each other.”

Amy giggles, Yasmine and Kira tease me with winks, and Lilian nods in understanding.

But Rainn beams, her eyes rimmed in red. “I’m so happy for you and my brother. Whenever I see you together, I can tell you’re bonded deeper at this stage than most mates I’ve known.” She swipes her eyes, softening into a warm smile. “The pack will be so honored you're letting them celebrate your bond alongside you. And I know they'll benefit from witnessing the pure love you two share, inspiring everyone to be more loving mates.”

Tears prick my eyes at Rainn’s wholesome view of the ceremony. “I guess it is a celebration of our bond, isn’t it? I’m really curious how it’ll feel in the moment. With everyone watching us, and being so bare and vulnerable on top of it, I’m imagining I won’t even know how nerve-wracking it’ll really be until we’re there.”

My cheeks flush as I admit the truth, but their patient, attentive eyes spur me into blurting out more.

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