Page 24 of Alpha's Choice
“You should introduce her to the pack sooner rather than later.” Matthew gave me his advice. “The longer people have to gossip and wonder, the bigger it all will become.”
“Majority of the pack will be at breakfast tomorrow, so it wouldn’t be difficult to turn it into an official pack meeting,” Patrick pointed out.
I grumbled, feeling like a teenager who couldn’t get their way. “I was hoping to have tomorrow morning just for her and me.”
“You’ll have lots of mornings just for the two of you.” Matthew finished his whiskey. “If you want to stay ahead of the gossip, this is your only chance.”
I thought about it, remembering how Mrs. Wells didn’t believe Emma was my mate. Once the pack knew, despite any misgivings, the instinct to protect their Luna should kick in. She would be safer. I nodded. “Send out the link about breakfast.”
I hoped Emma would understand the change in plans. And that I wasn’t rushing her too much by introducing her officially to the pack.
* * *
Emma
I figured dinner with my mom and Greg would go much smoother than dinner with Tobias’s family, and so far, I was right. They were welcoming when we arrived, and the conversation was easy.
“Are you looking forward to starting in the law office on Monday, Jane?” Tobias asked my mom.
“I am. They said I’ll be doing some training in Council law before I start work. It sounds fascinating.”
“They told her if she was interested in doing more studies, she could complete the law degree she started years ago.” Greg’s pride was clear as he beamed at her.
“Oh, Mom, that’s great.” She sacrificed so much raising me and could now put herself first. “You always talked about finishing that when I was done school.”
“I haven’t reviewed results yet, but you must have scored well on your assessment. Our law office doesn’t fool around with recruitment.” Tobias took a second helping of chicken when my mom offered the plate to him. “The pack is lucky to have you.”
Mom blushed and busied herself with folding her napkin. “Thank you, Alpha.”
“Call me Tobias.” He grinned when he saw Mom and Greg’s shocked faces. “At least when we’re in private like this. As you said, we’re family now.”
“If I may ask, Alpha…I mean, Tobias.” Greg struggled to leave off the title. “Is the pack meeting tomorrow morning about Emma?”
“What pack meeting?” I asked.
“I was going to tell you about it later. We need to introduce you to the pack, so I had Matthew call a meeting during breakfast tomorrow.”
“Isn’t that too soon? We haven’t even completed the mate bond.”
“The pack is already talking about it, so we should get ahead of the rumors,” Tobias said.
Mom patted my hand. “He’s right, sweetie. Rumors have a life of their own.”
I could see their point, but I was still uneasy about having a pack meeting to introduce me. Everything was moving so fast.
Tobias picked up on my concern. “I’ll still give you time to get comfortable with the mate bond. And if you want, I’ll cancel the meeting, but I think it’s best to get it over with.”
I let out a long breath. “No, don’t cancel it. It’s just all so overwhelming sometimes.”
“Even though Greg isn’t an Alpha, I can relate. Your life is changing a lot,” Mom said, reaching for my hand. “And Greg and I will always be there to support you.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I gave her hand a squeeze.
We finished dinner, and soon Tobias and I were back in our bedroom. We went about our usual bedtime routines before slipping into bed.
He immediately reached out and pulled me in close so he could spoon me. Less than two days since meeting him and it already felt natural to be in his arms.
“No rush, but how are you feeling about the mate bond now?” His words were tentative but hopeful.
