We’d both been tense in the last week with the upcoming mating ceremony and signing.
Sascha yanked the velvet curtain away.
I stared at the board.
CLOSING
Patrons, please be advised thatThe DensCasino will soon close.
The bar area will remain open.
Exciting new ventures await.
Sincerely,
The Pack
He was closing the casino?
Sounds of dismay echoed at my back as patrons caught sight of the sign.
“Why?” I whispered.
Sascha stood ramrod straight. “We only opened it to fund our efforts in the game. You don’t like casinos, and I don’t want you involved in something you don’t agree with. This is my mating gift to you.”
Crap, are we supposed to get Sascha and Greyson a gift?
We are a fucking gift,Booker retorted.
“Sascha.” I read the sign again. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do this. Won’t the pack miss the money?”
“We have plenty saved from the casino, and we’ll still run the businesses for Clay.”
Clay was included in the pack’s trust land.
He gestured to the back room. “We’ll convert that area into something different. Maybe a club or function area. Plus, there are several tourism options I’d like to pursue. Outdoor work is perfect for the pack, and Deception Valley is filled with opportunity—particularly with the airport up and running.”
Local businesses had already profited from the airport opening. The airport was also the reason for the two-and-a-half-month delay in our mating ceremony. Apparently, the mating of a pack leader was a big deal. Though our wolves hadn’t possessed the means to visit the outside world, they’d managed to track down other Luthers online who were now attending tomorrow.
Two members of our pack had already found their mates too.
I ran my hands up Sascha’s arms. He was so tense. “Really. Thank you. You know you have nothing to worry about tomorrow, right?”
His smile was far more of a grimace. “Yes.”
That was a no.
I stretched upward to kiss him. “I love you.”
“Love you. Mum says you need to get rest.” Sascha dragged me back through the bar and shoved my sax and case into my arms. “Go rest.”
He marched off and Mandy joined me.
“You saw that too?” I murmured.
“You know how human brides are called bridezillas? It’s the opposite for wolves.”
No kidding?