Nineteen
TIANA
It had been a week staying at the vacation home on Howl’s Edge. I carefully applied eyeshadow on each eyelid, leaning close to the mirror. I was alone in the bedroom dressing up before my big date with the pack, and they were waiting for me downstairs.
I had no idea what Grant had in store for me, but judging from the twinkle in his eye- it made my heart pound with excitement. My face flushed pink as I thought about our crazy morning romp. I still felt every touch. Every kiss and every loving word in my ear. It made me feel like a queen when they treated me like I was the most precious thing in their lives.
Having sex with Grant wasn’t like any of the others. He was intense, and it felt like he was claiming me each time, even though he hadn’t bitten me yet.
Tony had explained about the mating mark that comes from the leader of the alphas, and I wondered why Grant hadn’t claimed me yet.Was he unsure about our relationship?My heart hurt at the thought, but I refused to dwell on it.
I applied my pink lip gloss and twirled in front of the tall body mirror. I wore a form-fitting hot pink dress that I picked out from the nearby mall with Wesley and my gold-strappedheels. Of all the guys, Wesley didn’t mind shopping with me. In fact, he seemed to enjoy shopping way more than me. I smiled, remembering how excited he got when he saw me in this dress in the fitting room.
I took a deep breath. I was ready to go.
Grabbing my cute gold clutch, I found in one of the marketplaces, I walked out of the room and down the stairs. The murmurs of the men stopped as soon as they sensed my presence at the top of the stairs. My heart began beating hard as I slowly walked down the stairs.
All eyes turned to me.
“Damn,” whispered one of the men.
I shyly looked up, seeing all of their gazes glued to me. They all looked mesmerizing in their suits. Sam wore a dark green emerald tie. Grant’s look was distinguished in his all-black suit and carefully groomed sideburns with a few gray hairs. His short black hair shined under the light, illuminating his dark eyebrows.
Wesley looked dumbstruck as he gazed at me, and I blushed. He wore a blue tie that matched his eyes.
Tony’s hair was slicked back in a shiny man-bun. An aura of intensity and possessiveness hid behind his gaze.
I carefully walked down the last few steps, and Tony quickly made his way to me, holding out his hand.
“Why thank you, sir,” I joked as I gracefully placed my hand in his.
He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing it.
“My lady,” he growled, playing along.
“You look amazing,” said Sam. He was constantly brushing his hair back, and I could tell he was a little nervous. I was still the same person. Just dressed up and not completely naked like how I was all week.
“Thank you, Sam,” I said, pulling Tony’s hand as I glided over to Sam, giving him a small peck on the lips. He looked surprised, and his face turned red under the light.
I smiled as we all made our way outside.
There was a beautiful sunset, and I couldn’t help but look at the ocean view. The sky was blood orange, and the ocean was calm tonight. The sound of the seagulls calmed my spirits, and I couldn’t believe how much I fell in love with Howl’s Edge. It was a quiet island in general. They had their bad side of the island, with all the auctions. But this side of the island, the south side, was full of life, wonder, and excitement.
A large carriage waited outside. My heart almost burst with excitement at the sight of it. They did this for me?!
There were even real horses in the front with a driver.
“Do you like it?” asked Grant.
“I can’t believe this,” I said, flabbergasted.
Grant hopped up steps and held his hand out for me. I released Tony and grasped Grant’s hand as I climbed up the little steps. I sat between Grant and Tony as the carriage started moving.
“How the hell you afford all this, Grant?” asked Sam as they all crowded into the carriage.
“New business ventures,” said Grant vaguely. “You’re pretty quiet, Tiana. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, I’m just admiring everything,” I said. I was enjoying the feel of the air on my face and hair. And how beautiful the palm trees looked from up here and the majestic black horses. “Thank you so much. It’s so romantic.”