Page 76 of Destined Mate

Jack was usually a force of nature, but in a navy suit with a cobalt-blue button-down shirt that made his eyes sparkle, he was a standout in the crowd. His wolf had edged forward on display, and when he smiled his crooked smile, he reminded me of a mischievous little boy. I was certain that was an intentional part of his charm.

I refused to fall for it. “Sorry, I needed to get back and not hang around after I was done healing. Besides, I’m not much into partying.” My hands itched for something to hold. Why weren’t there any waitresses out here with drinks?

He frowned. “I should’ve definitely hung out more at Bodey’s. I wanted to give you space so you could rest, but now I wish I’d spent more time getting to know you.”

Theo cleared his throat, not appreciating Jack’s presence.

But Jack didn’t budge, and I suspected he was talking to me to get Theo riled up.

“You look nice.” Jack beamed, scanning me up and down. “And it’s a pleasant surprise that you turned up. I was afraid you wouldn’t be in attendance.”

I rubbed a hand on my stomach, massaging away my discomfort. “Since I wasn’t invited by any of you?”

“Oh, gods, Callie.” He tossed an arm around my shoulder. “You’realwaysinvited anywhere we go. Did your time with us not teach you anything? You’re our little ass kicker.”

“Will you stop with that nickname?” I tried to scowl, but dammit, the corners of my mouth tipped upward. I both hated and admired Jack’s effect on me. He was endearing and flustering at the same time. It was a special talent.

Taking a large sip of her drink, Tina swallowed and asked, “And you are?” She must have been trying to find liquid courage.

“My reputation fails me.” Jack snickered, pulling me closer. “Jack Landry, the royal adviser for Washington.”

Tina’s eyes bulged. “Oh, and you’reactuallyfriends with Callie?” Her surprise was evident.

“That happens organically when you hang out for several days back to back. Right?” He winked. “She’s kind and funny.”

I scoffed. “When did I ever make you laugh? You were too busy running your mouth and hogging all the oxygen in the room.”

“See. That right there.” He laughed. “Real entertainment. As if she doesn’t love hearing me talk. And the way she puts us in our place—it’s rare to find someone who does that.”

“Callie.” Tina’s face turned red. “You can’t talk to them like that. It’s not a woman’s place.”

“Oh, please.” Jack lifted his other hand, which held a nearly full glass of wine. “That’s one of her best qualities.” He waggled his brows and held the glass out to me. “Do you want the rest?” Mirth danced in his cobalt eyes.

I should have said no, but this situation was growing more awkward by the second, so I swiped the glass and downed it in yet another gulp.

“Maybe you’ve had enough.” Theo frowned and tried to pull me away from Jack.

“We’re here to celebrate, so we should all have fun.” Jack smirked. “Besides, she’ll need all that alcohol before the event’s over, I suspect. It’s going to be a fun night…at least for me.”

Unease trickled down my back. I didn’t know what that meant, but I assumed it involved Bodey and me both being here.

As if confirming my suspicions, he asked, “Have you run into anyone else yet?”

I shook my head. “We just got here.”

“Oh,good.” Jack tugged me deeper into the crowd and said, “Let’s go see everyone!”

Theo flinched and reached for my hand. He didn’t want me to go with Jack, and I was right there with him.

“Thanks, but I should stay here.”

“The guys will want to see you, especially Samuel.” Jack nodded his head toward his crowd.

My throat tightened. As much as I wanted to see Samuel, he hadn’t texted me once. Jack was being nice, but I’d bet he was the only one who wanted me here, and I really didn’t want to see Bodey, especially if he was here with someone. “I’m good here, but thank you. Maybe I’ll see him before I leave.”

“Nope. Come on.” Jack took my empty glasses and turned around as a waiter with a tray of appetizers walked past. Jack placed them on the tray, not worried that the tray wasn’t meant for dirty dishes.

Sometimes, I wished I could be more like him.

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