Page 180 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
“No. They’ve been sending us food deliveries, though. Also, I have two sets of MASOs who keep bringing food. We’refine.So. Much. Food. We haven’t messed up the place. Carlos has been taking Lucky clubbing and posting it on his socials, which is hysterical. Anyway, between Dare, Hale, and Rusty, I’m not in breach of contract.” Her voice lowered. “I’m a little tired of my brothers, though. I love them, but they can go home and leave me alone now.”
“I get that.” While she and Hale were close, he knew just how to annoy her. "I’m happy you’re okay. And I’m glad it happened because I know you were getting anxious about it. I’m so proud of you. You’re going to make a great alpha.”
I wasn’t sure if those were the words you said, but they’re the words I wish the parents had told me.
“Aww, that means everything, coming from you. Um, in celebration, Hale, and Dare got me drunk in the living room, and it was bad. I think that’s what Hale was actually apologizing for. I’ll never drink tequila again, but I’m okay. One of Dean’s pillows may not live.” She grimaced, nose scrunching.
They what?I knew it would happen eventually. But I’d figured it would be Kaiko and Jack.
“Hangovers are a bitch. We’ll get Dean a new throw pillow.” Texting my brother and being mad was tempting, but honestly, I’d gotten super drunk, too.
“Oh, I went to my first university house party. It was Gwen’s birthday party at her apartment. I took Dare. I had one beer. Valya, Dimitri’s sister, invited me to one of Dimitri’s parties. But Dimitri said I couldn’t come without your permission because he doesn’t want to get beat up. Next time.” She shrugged.
AJ shook his head. I concurred. A tattoo, getting drunk for the first time, and a university party were enough adult adventures for now. I could practically hear Mumsy yelling.
“Oh. I missed Gwen’s birthday. Do you think I should make her some cake pops?” I had a ladybug one on my recipe board. Maybe I should do something else for her, too.
Mercy nodded. “She’d love that. Anyhow, I need to go because we have a promo thing. Rusty wants to know if you survived your first trip to the bone zone. Oh, sorry, I mean the boneyard.” She turned as someone said something I didn’t catch. “No, Liv, I’m not saying that to my sister.”
I stifled a laugh. “Please thank her for me. I’ll make her a pie when we get back. Have fun. I love you, and I’ll let you know when we’re coming home.”
“Love you, too.” She ended the call.
AJ plopped down next to me. “It happened. You did think it was close.”
“Yep. Complete with tattoos and getting drunk. I never should’ve told her that story.” I laughed. It was really nice that Gwen was there for her. I guess hockeywouldhave more teammates awakening as alpha than fútbol.
“Your alpha relatives getting you drunk is pretty normal. At least they did it at the house. They could have taken her to a strip club. Wait, never mind, she’s only seventeen. How did she get a tattoo?” AJ took a sip of hot chocolate. “This is amazing.”
“Technically, she’s emancipated.” I grabbed the bowl of popcorn and got comfy.
“She’ll be okay. She has us.” AJ gave me a squeeze and threw a blanket over us. “I put a bid on the piano. Let’s watch the game before they come down and want our attention.”
“Perfect.” I snuggled into him on the couch as we enjoyed our snacks and the game.
Halfway through the match, the guys thundered down the stairs.
“I’m hungry. When’s food?” Grif came over and gave us each a kiss.
“What’s food?” Dean slipped onto my lap and gave the empty popcorn bowl a pitiful look. He wore a sweater as snuggly as he smelled.
“Why’s food?” Jonas stole a kiss. “Everything’s okay?”
“I vote for renaming the cabin thepoon palace.” AJ grinned at me.
I gave AJ a little shove and stopped the game. We’d watch the rest later. “Let’s not. Mercy awakened. Gwen took her to get a tattoo, and Hale and Dare got her drunk on tequila.”
“I likepoon palace.Do you want me to talk to Ladybug? That’s an overstep on her part?” Dean offered.
“No. It’s nice that Gwen was there for her. Slightly concerned about the party at Gwen’s that Mercy attended. But Dare said it was just a bunch of students drinking beer, eating pizza, and dancing to warehouse music.” I shrugged. It sounded pretty tame.
“As long as it wasn’t one of Dimitri’s parties. She’snotready for those,” Jonas replied. “I’m going to check on the hot tub.” He gave me another kiss and then opened the door that led to the patio.
“Put on a jacket and shoes,” I yelled.
Jonas smirked as he closed the patio door behind him.
“I’ll start cooking. You cuddle those two.” AJ kissed me, then went to the kitchen.
