Page 78 of Ethan
Devon shrugged, looking far too pleased with himself. “Call it pressure. Or revenge. Depends on the day.”
I shook my head, though I couldn’t stop a laugh from slipping out. It was so Devon.
The same man who got a gleam in his eye whenever he was making neat little charts in his office.
I’d always assumed it was because he was efficient, that everything he did was urgent. Now I wasn’t so sure.
Before I could tease him, Micah burst back into the room, practically bouncing on his toes.
“He’s coming!” he hissed.
The lights went out, plunging us into darkness. I ducked toward the window and caught the shadows of two figures moving down the hall.
“Look, I don’t even know why you’re here—” Dean’s voice carried ahead of him, sharp and frustrated.
The door swung open.
“Surprise!” everyone shouted at once, the room exploding in cheers and laughter.
Dean stumbled back a step, eyes wide as he took in the sight of the decorated room and the grinning faces.
His gaze darted around the room, still trying to process, until it landed on me. I smiled at him, and after a beat, his expression softened before he looked away quickly.
He didn’t get the chance to make it over to me, though. Griffin swooped in like a hawk, throwing an arm around his shoulders and dragging him toward the front.
“Alright, make some room!” Griffin hollered. “Time to do this right.”
Dean muttered something under his breath, trying to angle toward me, but Griffin was relentless, hauling him front and center.
“Everyone,” Griffin said, voice booming now that he had everyone’s attention, “this party isn’t just about Maurice getting back on his feet—though we’re damn glad to see it. This one’s for Dean, too. Officially welcoming him as one of ours. As a Pecan Pines enforcer.”
The room erupted again, cheers echoing off the walls. Dean gave a shaky laugh, rubbing at the back of his neck.
Griffin shoved the mic into Carter’s hand.
Carter, standing tall and looking every inch a lead alpha, cleared his throat. “I’ll keep this short. I’m proud of my brother. He’s worked hard to earn this place, and today proves he belongs here. I look forward to seeing Pecan Pines and Thornebane build something stronger together.” His gaze swept the room, steady but approving. “And to Dean, don’t mess this up.”
That got a round of laughter and applause, even from Dean, who rolled his eyes but grinned faintly.
The congratulations rolled in quickly. Enforcers clapped Dean on the back while others pulled him into handshakes or teased him with rough jokes.
From my seat, I watched with amusement as he tried to wriggle free of the swarm, only to be caught again each time he moved.
Eventually, though, he broke through and made his way over to me, hair a little mussed from all the pats.
“Thought I’d never get away,” he said. “They don’t let you breathe at these things.”
I laughed and handed him a fresh beer. “This’ll help.”
“Lifesaver,” he muttered, popping the cap and taking a long drink.
When he came up for air, he let out a sharp sigh. “I thought this was supposed to be Maurice’s party. Was starting to wonder why my brother was hanging around. Figured he just wanted free food.”
I watched the corner of his mouth twitch. He was complaining, sure, but there was no mistaking the spark of pride in his eyes. Dean liked it, more than he’d admit out loud.
Dean shifted closer, his voice low enough that I almost missed it over the noise of the hall. “Don’t know what to do, though.”
I turned to him, brow raised. “About what?”
