Page 111 of Alpha Gray

I feel Fallon stiffen beside me under the heavy gazes of the pack members. I glance over at her, beaming.

“I want you all to meet Fallon. My mate.”

The room explodes in celebration. I pull Fallon closer, slipping an arm around her waist and tucking her into my side. She’s grinning as she looks out at everyone, their positive reaction shoring up her confidence. She stands straighter, taller, looking so strong and sure of herself that my heart swells.

In this moment, I swear I’m falling in love with her all over again. She’s a perfect mate, a perfect luna.Mine.

I chuckle, practically fucking giddy at my pack’s reaction to my news. I’m overwhelmed by how well they’re taking this, how supportive they’re being, especially since Fallon’s a stranger to them. Deke was right, I underestimated them.

I hold up a hand to settle the crowd. “Alright, we’re gonna fire up the grill, get some burgers going. Feel free to come introduce yourselves to Fallon, she’s excited to meet you all.”

I nod to Deke, and he heads to the kitchen to retrieve the food that Holly’s spent the afternoon preparing.

“Trust me when I say that fate couldn’t have chosen a better luna for this pack,” I add. “Fallon’s a fighter on the squad, one of our newest and best. Our pack is stronger with her as a part of it.”

Deke steps out of the kitchen with a heaping pan of burger patties and I nod to him again. “Alright, Deke’s getting the grill going. Let’s eat!”

If there’s one thing you can count on wolves to get excited about, it’s a meal. The dull roar of chatter arises again as my pack members start heading toward the big glass doors at the back of the packhouse, filing past Fallon and me. Several stop to greet us on their way out, expressing their excitement and congratulations. Fallon fields their questions like a pro, so kind and confident. A true luna.

As the room slowly empties, one pack member in particular catches my eye- Hannah’s sulking in the corner, arms folded across her chest and face pinched into a tight little scowl. I know Fallon’s history with Hannah, and as alpha, I shouldn’t get involved… but Fallon’s my mate.

“Hannah,” I bark, and her eyes fly wide, meeting mine from across the room. I gesture for her to approach and she pushes off of the wall, looking profoundly uncomfortable as she makes her way over.

I feel Fallon bristle beside me. I’m doing this for her, facilitating a way for them to clear the air so she can be comfortable with the whole pack. And hey, it may be petty, but Fallon fucking deserves the satisfaction of rubbing Hannah’s nose in it after all she’s put her through.

“Alpha,” Hannah greets, showing her neck in submission. “Congratulations.” Her face contorts, like it physically pains her to say it.

Fallon

What the hell is Gray doing?! This whole thing has been going so well, and now he wants me to make small talk with the one person who tried to rip us apart, who tried to make my life a living hell at training camp? I was hoping I’d just be able to steer clear of Hannah today, pretend she wasn’t here.

Okay, it may be the slightest bit satisfying to see her squirm. Still, I’ve gotta wonder what the method to Gray’s madness is here. I glance up at him and his jaw tightens, his eyes dark as he peers down at Hannah.

“I know you two have had your differences, but if you want to remain a part of this pack, you’ll put them behind you. Youwillrespect your luna,” he says sternly.

Ah. Now I get it. He’s standing up for me, trying to show me he’s got my back, even above his pack. He doesn’t have anything to prove to me, but damnit if it doesn’t make me love him even more.

Hannah swallows hard, nodding. “Understood. Absolutely.”

She turns to me and I hold my breath, wondering what bullshit she’s planning on spewing today.

“I’m sorry, Fallon,” Hannah breathes, and I’m so shocked by the apology that I could be knocked over with a feather. “For everything. We’re pack now, and I hope we can be friends again someday.”

Well I’ll be damned. I don’t know if she’s being sincere- I doubt she is, but I’m not above being the bigger person. For Gray’s sake and the pack’s, I won’t kick her while she’s down. After all, what’s the point?I’ve already won.

“Thanks,” I say, giving her a little nod.

Hannah scurries away and Gray scoops an arm around my waist, pulling me into his chest.

“Bet that felt good,” he says, waggling his eyebrows.

I blow out a breath, a smug smile creeping across my face. “You have no idea.”

He leans down, brushing his lips against mine. “Guess we’d better head outside.”

I’d rather we head upstairs given the way he’s undressing me with his eyes right now, but I suppose if I’m going to be Luna to his pack, I should try to mingle a little and get to know them.

Ourpack, rather. It still feels strange to say.

---