Page 91 of Crushes and Confections

“Next!” The man called, ushering us into place. The alphas stood behind both me and Riley, hands around our waists, and I didn’t even have to see their faces to know they had proud smiles on their faces.

“Say cheese!” he called out.

“Gouda!” Riley said to pull a laugh out of us, it worked and I was barely able to hold my composure as he snapped the picture, then another.

“We have a good shot,” he called out. “Next!”

We left the photo area behind to find a table. The dance was just getting started, so random music was playing through the speakers. It had been Taylor Swift when we walked in and now Queen was playing. It had me wondering who was DJing the event.

“Claire!” Lindsay’s voice echoed out. I turned and grinned as my two friends hurried toward me. Autumn looked gorgeous in a black dress with a plunging neckline, with her smoky makeup look she looked like a model.

Lindsay had gone for a gold, tight fitting dress that hugged her curves. Her hair was down, flowing over her shoulders, and she had on heels I knew I’d break my neck if I attempted.

“You’re heartbreakers tonight,” I told them.

“You catch up. We’re going to grab some drinks,” Adrien said as he brushed a kiss over my temple. Vance and Riley followed him, leaving the girls to swoop in like vultures.

“How was your heat?” Autumn teased.

“I take it courting went well?” Lindsay asked, looking pointedly at my neckline.

“I’m a lucky omega,” I responded, being vague enough that I wasn’t giving details to the entire town that was inevitably listening in. “They’re amazing. I’m already spoiled.”

“Good,” Autumn said with a grin. “As you should be.”

“Speak of the devils,” she said. “Those suits are amazing. They outshine the rest of the men here.”

“Riley does have amazing taste,” I said as I took in all three of my mates. They were perfect and looked delicious in their tailored suits. If we hadn’t just gone through a heat and a bonding, I’d have said we should call it an early night.

“Stop looking at us like that, Peach,” Vance chastised playfully as he put a champagne glass in my hand. I didn’t miss the way his fingertips ghosted over the bite mark on my shoulder. Of course, the dress they chose showcased all three bites so the entire town could see. And I wore the bites like a badge of honor.

Mic feedback drew everyone’s attention to Janet, who was now standing on the stage.

“Thank you to everyone for your help putting this amazing event together. We’ve had some amazing people working tirelessly to make all this come together.” She paused as applause erupted. Eventually she put her hand up imperiously until they all quieted. “Now, we’ve found one of the best local bands to help start our night off right. They’ll be playing a mix of original songs and covers. Let’s hear it for Hollow Chords!”

The alphas who walked out all looked to be in their twenties and decked out in tattoos, leather, and more piercings than I could count. But when the singer took the mic, it was clear why they were chosen. His voice was a deep, smoky tone that had all the young omegas in the room hurrying to the dance floor. We had a girls night a while ago to see them at Holiday Brews and it had been the same reaction.

“Close your mouth, you’re drooling, Claire,” Riley teased. I laughed at him before taking a sip of my champagne.

“Oh, you know they aren’t my type. But someone better come dance with me,” I said as I downed the rest of my drink and started for the dance floor. When I finally found a good spot and turned around, every one of my mates was behind me.

“You’re not getting out of our sight,” Vance whispered huskily in my ear as he pressed his body against mine. Adrien moved between us as Riley squeezed in next to me. We were so close our scents melded together into a mix that left me breathless. Our love and attraction burned bright through the bond as we lost ourselves in song after song.

It was so nice to be able to let go and have fun, not caring about looking ridiculous and knowing that at the end of the day I had a pack who was proud to call me theirs.

After several dances, the music suddenly stopped. The pack separated enough that we could breathe and cool off as we watched the lead singer, seeing where this was going.

Spotlights shifted from him and right to the center of the dance floor, where we stood. I held up a hand shielding the light, confused at the tech malfunction.

Until I turned.

The pack was no longer directly behind me. The alphas had stepped aside, so only Riley remained. He looked nervous and anxious, but before I could question him, he knelt down on one knee.

“Riley… what,” I whispered in shock. Emotions slammed into me so forcefully as tears burned my eyes. Excitement, shock, love, confusion, and curiosity.

Janice hurried over and clipped a microphone to his shirt. His face reddened, and I bit back a laugh that helped keep the tears at bay. Leave it to Holiday Hollow to turn a proposal into a town-wide spectacle.

I saw movement behind him as our moms clasped hands and watched us, whispering excitedly.

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