Page 64 of Matched into the Mob

I explained that Uncle Arnie had quit his job. Our uncle worked in the club, named after our pack, La Luna Noir. And though Hunter now oversaw the running of the club, Flint was the Alpha and had given him the okay. Besides, what Uncle Arnie had was his own betting ring at the club, something he’d been doing since he worked with his brother, my grandfather.

Despite the rocky beginnings, my family had warmed to Matt at the cabin. They loved his spunk, bravery, and devotion to hisbrother, and Uncle Arnie especially adored Matt. They’d be so happy to see my mate.

They’d been tiptoeing around me, asking the occasional question. Uncle Arnie kept making food for Matt and insisting I leave it outside his apartment.

“He’s started a food truck and this afternoon is the grand opening.”

That cooking was our uncle’s special skill wasn’t a surprise. He’d been catering our weekly family lunches since forever, and Dad expected us all to be there, even baby Kendric.

“Don’t talk about food. My tummy is revolting.”

“Is it ready to start an uprising? Are there gremlins with pitchforks in your belly?”

Matt grunted. “Not funny, Ranger.”

“You should be in bed. I’ll come get you after I’ve shown my face at the opening.”

“Absolutely not. I’m coming. Just don’t expect me to eat anything.”

Uncle Arnie’s truck was outside the park opposite my building in a place designated for food trucks. The area was popular with tourists and city workers who ate their lunch under the shady trees. There were flowers and balloons surrounding the truck and a sign saying, “Congratulations,” probably my dad’s doing.

Arnie was making burgers, but they were nothing like the fast food variety. I’d eaten his yummy burgers at Dad’s. Seemed as though many pack members got the message and many were congregating around the menu posted on the side of the truck.

There were quick glances and murmurs from our pack members when Matt appeared at my side, but everyone knew what he’d done in ending The Obsidian Circle’s business, so no one was on high alert.

“I’m having Swiss cheese on mine,” one guy said. The aged cheese was a little stinky—my wolf hated it—but that was combined with the best beef, caramelized onions, and truffle oil. Yum.

Matt’s cheeks were blanched of color, and he’d hauled up his shirt to cover his nose. Not everyone liked the smell of mature cheese.

I agree with Matt. It’s gross. Hurry so we can get out of here.

My mate’s knees sagged, and I caught him. “You should be in bed.”

“No. I want to say hi to Uncle Arnie and congratulate him.”

From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Flint and family. My brother held Lottie’s hand while Tony pushed Kendric in the stroller.

“Uncle Ranger.” Lottie waved, bobbing up and down, trying to grab a balloon.

Flint greeted my mate with, “It’s good to see you, Matt.”

My mate made an attempt at a smile before he slumped against my chest, and Tony rushed over as I sat Matt on a bench.

“I’m so sorry.” Matt sobbed and clung to me. “I so wanted to congratulate Uncle Arnie on his new business.”

“Don’t worry,” Tony told him. “You’re not well, and the food truck’s a roaring success. You two will laugh about this in years to come when you?—”

Dad appeared and cut Tony off. He hugged Matt. “I’m so happy you’re here.” He and Tony shared a glance. “You’ll remember where you were when you discovered you were having a baby.”

“Baby?” Matt sniffed and rubbed his nose, the tip of which was red and raw. “I’m pregnant? How do you know?” He whispered to me, “Is this something else shifters can do? Scent a baby in an omega’s belly?”

If it was, no one had told me. I looked at Dad for confirmation. A baby? It wasn’t great timing, but we’d made a baby? I considered standing up and shouting the announcement.

“No. Tony told me about the toffee pudding incident,” Dad shared.

I looked from Tony to Dad, trying to fathom what toffee pudding had to do with pregnancy.

Matt laughed against my chest. “It was nothing.”

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