Chapter 21 Awake and Alive II

Liam's POV

We finally reached the Crescent Moon pack’s house and we all dropped on the floor tired, we ran nonstop from the camp back here. Though some of the shifters we were with aren’t back yet. Some guards and maids surrounded us, checking for news no doubt.

I shifted back, out of breath and tired. “Call for mama Ellena, Eric needs medical attention.” I say to on eof the she wolves. I knelt beside Siam, who hasn’t shifted yet, probably due to the fact that Eric was still bound to him.

I untied the rope and saw that it caused a wound around Siam’s body, I pulled Eric off of him, hooked one of his arms over my shoulder and helped him up.

“You!” I turn and saw Siam walking toward Kirk who was still catching his breath, “You almost got us killed!”

“We did it, didn’t we?” Kirk snapped.

“Yes we did,” Siam snapped, “but you almost cost a lot of lives. If the pack was a little bit slower, you could have given away our position.”

“But I didn’t, we got Eric home, we’re home-“

“And haven’t you notice that we are still missing a few men?” Siam snaps again.

“We are better than you think,” Kirk sneered, “the fact that we all got unscathed-“

“Unscathed?” Siam let out a sarcastic laugh, “We have ten injured shifters, and I still don’t know about those who were left behind to finish the job.”

“Step down Kirk.” Eric says, loud enough for them to hear.

“But-“

“Siam wouldn’t have brought you along if he thinks you’re weak.” Eric says.

“You are siding with him?” Kirk snapped. “What? Is this some kind of agreement between alphas or is it because he’s your mate’s brother?”

“You are questioning your alpha and the king.” Eric reminds him.

Kirk gave a sarcastic laugh, “Fucking unbelievable, we go and save your ass, and you’re ‘effin ungrateful?”

Eric sighed, “I am grateful, Kirk. But you know I do not agree with death in exchange of one life.” Kirk still had an angry expression on, “Your lives are just as important as any of us.”

Kirk shook his head, as if in disgust with all of us. “Whatever.”

With that he stormed out of the house, Eric’s other friends bowed.

“Our apologies for our friends’ action.” The one named Fred says, “He’s just naturally stubborn and foolish.”

“It’s ok.” I said, before Siam starts snapping at the wrong people. “We understand.”

“You should get some rest guys,” Eric says, “you can stay for the night if you want.”

“Nah, I’m pretty sure there’ll be a celebration tomorrow for your return.” A boy named Kevin says, “I’m pretty sure we won’t be able to get to sleep in.”

“True.” Eric chuckled.

The boys said their goodbyes and left.

“You ok?” Jake asks Siam, who just nodded.

Then we heard footsteps and turned to the hall that leads to the War room. The girls looked at us relieved. In the middle Serenity smiled through her tears and ran up to us, she reached for Eric and cupped his face with her hands.

“Eric!” she wrapped her arms over his neck and held on tight.

“Serenity…” he whispered. “I’m home…”

Serenity laughed and turned to me, “Thank you.” she said, and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

She moved to Jake and Aaron who just shifted and did the same then to Aaron. Then she ran up to Siam and hugged him, crying and laughing.

“Man, you gave out a lot of kisses tonight Serenity.” Aaron teased.

“I’d pretend I didn’t hear that.” Eric groaned, making us laugh.

Serenity moved back to Eric and hugged him. Eric wrapped her in his arms as well, as if not wanting to let her go ever. Then she stepped out of his arms and flicked him on the forehead making him groan.

“What were you thinking?” she snapped.

The boys and I moved back.

“What?” he asked, surprised.

“You left your guards, and you didn’t even bother to contact anyone?” she snapped.

Eric turned to us. We shook our head and held our arms up.

“This one’s all you bro.” Jake says. “I’ll probably choose to face an army of hunters than an angry princess.”

Serenity gave him a look, Eric just sighed.

“I heard you were stabbed so I-“

“What done is done, Eric, you shouldn’t have been foolish.” She says, then she hugged him again, “I thought I lost you…”

“I’m sorry, love…” he whispered as he pulled her closer to him.

I looked away and turned to Aunt Claire who opened her arms for me. I chuckled and walked up to her, allowing her to hug me.

“You did good Liam.” She whispered, “I know it’s hurting you, but be patient. The right one will come for you.”

“Thank you Aunt Claire.” I whispered back, hugging her as well.

She had always been like a mother to me after my mom died, and hearing her say that, was enough for me to know that she was right. I have done my duty to the pack and seeing Serenity happy, is worth the pain.

“Hey, the last time I checked, I’m your son.” I heard Siam whine behind me, Anna in his arms.

“I didn’t know you were such a mama’s boy, Siam.” I teased as Aunt Claire let me go and she reached out to Siam.

“I am, in moments like this.” He says, “I’m so tired, mom, I just want to rest.”

“Said just like a baby.” Anna teased.

“Oh yeah…” Siam move back to her, “your baby.”

“Urgh, please…” Anna rolled her eyes making us laugh.

I looked around and saw Eric and Serenity still hugging and just standing there, there were no words for them to say what they felt.

“Hey, you two…” Siam calls out, “Once you’re done there, maybe we can get Eric cleaned up and I want a slice of that cake Serenity.”

“Will do, big brother.” Serenity says with a laugh.

I watched them as they made their way toward us, Eric hugged Mama Ellena who was crying and telling him how happy she was.

Next day everyone was in a better mood, the whole pack was called in for a meeting and a day of celebration.

We were outside the garden with the pack, sitting on the grass, eating, laughing and talking.

“So, now that the dramas are almost over, what do we do now?” Cam asked.

“Why almost over?” Aaron asked, before stuffing himself with another French toast.

“Well, there’s still two weddings to prepare, isn’t there?” she pointed out.

“Don’t you mean three?” Serenity teased.

“Three?” Eric asked.

“No.” Jake and Cam said in unison.

“Oh c’mon you two,” Anna says, “‘fess up.”

“There’s nothing to confess.” Jake said.

“I was just checking on him last night about the allergy thing.” Cam says.

“Yeah…” we all said, teasing them more, both turning slightly red.

“Well, true or not,” Eric says, pulling Serenity closer to him, “I don’t think I’d mind having you mated to one of the boys here, sis. They’re a bunch of good guys.”

“You have to say that.” Serenity says, “They saved your butt.”

“Darn right they did.” He says, kissing Serenity on the forehead.

Making us laugh, Aaron gagged. I raised a brow at Jake who wasn’t joining his cousin on gagging for once. But he shrugged me off.

“So, what do we plan to do until you two couples do plan to be wed.”

“No need to plan anything as early as now,” Serenity says, “for now, I want to enjoy these peace we have.”

“Ditto.” Siam says.

“Well, how about we show you guys around town?”

We looked up and saw Eric’s friends standing behind Serenity and Eric.

“Look, I owe you guys an apology.” Kirk says, “And I am sorry.”

“Forget about it man,” Jake says.

“What done is done.” Aaron added.

“So grab a blanket and join us.” Siam says with a genuine smile.

Kirk returned it and soon they were with us, eating their hearts out as well.

“So what is there to see around here?” Anna asks.

“A lot,” Kirk says, “we can go bowling, or there’s a mini golf course here.”

“And the public swimming pool.”

“We’re in California.” Aaron says, “I won’t be swimming in a pool, I want to go to the beach.”

“I’m with Aaron on this one.” Serenity says, “Or is there a no dogs allowed law on the beach here?”

We laughed at the pun as she take a bite of her muffin.

“Again, you are one of the dogs.” I said.

“Not yet…” she said in a sing song voice.

“Well, how about we hit the beach?” Siam asked. “It would be cool to move the celebration there, don’t you think?”

They agreed but I just looked down on my plate.

“Something wrong Liam?” Cam asked.

I looked up and saw them all staring at me. “Oh, uhm, nothing…” I lied and smiled.

“Liar.” ‘Serenity says, “you had your thinking face on, what’s up?”

I looked around, and they were all waiting for a respond, a real one this time. So I sighed and set down my plate on the ground.

“I was thinking of the events of last night.” I was up all night, repeating the events.

“And?” Aaron asks.

“Well, don’t get me wrong.” I said, “But it was too easy don’t you think?”

“Too easy?” Jake asks.

“Yeah, I mean, everyone was able to get home, we have twelve minor injuries, a couple of stitches for some…” I start to think, it made more sense now saying it out loud.

“I didn’t know you were such a thrill seeker, Liam.” Jake teased, making the others laugh.

“What’s wrong Liam?” Siam asked.

“I just think we got away too easily.” I said. “It isn’t like the hunters to have no back up or even an assaulting team last night.”

“Well, maybe we got lucky.” Aaron says.

“Aaron’s right.” Anna says, “Let’s just be happy that we got them at their weakest moment.”

They all turned to me, then Serenity smiled my way.

“We’ll just be more careful next time, Liam.” She says, “But let’s just chill and celebrate today, ok?”

I forced a smile and nodded.

Maybe I was thinking of it too much. I thought. I glanced at Serenity and Eric again, she’s safe now, there’s no need to worry much.

“So, we move this to the beach?” Jake asks.

“Definitely!” they cheered, raising whatever drink we were having and cheered.

“I’ll talk to dad.” Eric says.

“We’ll start to pack.” Cam says, reaching out for Anna and Serenity.

They all ran off to do their business, even Eric’s friends started to spread the word.

In half an hour I found myself driving a pick-up with Siam on the passenger seat, Anna, Serenity and Eric at the back seat. Cam, Jake and Aaron sitting outside.

Serenity squeezes herself between our sits and reached for the radio and turned it on. She squealed hearing the song Walking on Sunshine.

I glance at the rear view mirror and laughed seeing her acting out with Anna as they both sang along and head bang to the beat.

Serenity turns to Eric singing for him, making him laugh. Anna does the same for Siam.

Then Serenity squealed when Eric pulled her to his lap and started tickling her half way of teasing her.

“Ok, ok, I’m stopping.” She says breathless, then she slid back to her seat and started to sing the last few lines of the song, leaning forward in between me and Siam again, then she gave me a kiss on the cheek.

“Wooh!” she cheers and sat back. “That felt good.”

We laughed at her as they wait for the next song to come up.

Yeah, it felt good. I thought.

Late into the afternoon, the other teen starts to build a bonfire as the wind start to get cooler and the sun was setting. We’ve done everything we could. Played beach volleyball, played football, swam, walked, ate… by now everyone was just drinking and talking.

I gulped what was probably my 25th bottle of beer today, not that werewolves don’t get drunk, we just don’t get drunk easily.

I sat up in a rock, watching everyone doing their business. Someone brought a radio and hooked it up on the car and was now blasting music that the people were dancing along with.

“Liam?” I turned around and saw Siam walking up to me.

“Hey, man.” I said. “What brings you here?”

He chuckled, “Still standing guard?”

I sighed, “Yup.”

I looked back at the crowd and saw Eric and Serenity walking by the beach, hand in hand. I took a swig of my drink, not taking my eyes away from them.

“Everything will be fine.” Siam says. “I can’t blame you, if I’m not feeling so relieved right now I’d probably thought of it as well.” He says. “But we deserve this break, at least even just for a day.” I nodded, “Besides, with Eric here, Serenity will have to stay here now, and in a few days we’ll be leaving for home without her.”

I frowned and looked at the plate. “I know…”

“Let’s just make the most out of our time together.” Siam says, reaching for my shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

“Yeah, you’re right.” I said, “Sorry.”

He chuckled, “It’s cool, bro. It’s nice to know that someone’s thinking like an adult in this celebration.” He tips his head toward the propped up bar and saw our parents were drinking and laughing, Uncle Silver dancing around with Aunt Claire and kissed her.

We both groaned and cringed.

“Yeah, I think I could have lived without seeing that.” I said.

Siam laughs and nodded, “Anyway, go mingle, maybe you’d find her here.”

I grinned, “Funny if that happens, don’t you think?”

“Why?”

“It’s like we’re exchanging women with the Crescent Moon Pack.” I said. “If Cam is indeed Jake’s mate, then Aaron and I find ours here…” I chuckled. “Three girls in exchange for Serenity.”

Siam laughs, “That’s about right, isn’t it? Or we might be short of two or three.” I laughed and we both turned and watch Serenity and Eric, “We both know how a handful she can be.”

“Eric wouldn’t mind.” I said. “He loves her, he’ll take care of her.”

“Exactly.” He says standing up, “That’s why you need to chill for today. There are a lot of girls here asking for the tracker of last night’s conquest.”

I groaned, “No…”

“Yes.” Siam says, “You know how I can’t take whining girls since I found Anna, it pisses me off that I just want to run off to nowhere.”

“So, you’re throwing me into the wolves?” I raised a brow, “No pun intended.”

“A pack of female wolves.” He pointed out.

“Even worse!” I groaned, “Have Aaron handle it.”

“The poor boy had been handling it.” He says, “And he’s asking for back up seeing Jake is MIA.”

“Really?”

“Really.” He repeats, “Seriously, he should just admit what Cam is, I mean it’s so obvious.”

“Yeah, says the one who waited for a year before admitting everything to his mate.” I teased.

“Stop giving me the lime light, I’ve already thrown my player card, this is your time to shine.” He teased.

“Urgh, whatever.” I said standing up, “You boys owe me big time.”

“From the way I see it, you boys owe me big time.” He says making his way down to the rock with me behind him.

I shook my head and followed him to where Anna was talking with some of the girls from the other pack.

Anna turned to us and smiled, “You found him!” she says excitedly. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“So I’ve been told.” I stood beside Siam and faced the girls that Anna is talking with.

“Girls this is Liam.” Anna says, “Siam’s Beta and Serenity’s best friend.”

I rolled my eyes, “I respond to Liam, bro, dude, man and other slang names you can think of.”

“What about babe?” one girl asks.

I raised a brow and was quite surprised, and heard Siam chuckle beside me. I tipped my head sideward, “That could work I guess.”

“We aren’t good enough, beta?” another girl asked.

I chuckled, “I’m sure you are, but you have to understand that-“

“Liam!” I turned around in time and saw Serenity jump on my back.

“Sissy, what the-“ I grabbed her by the thigh to stop her from falling.

She giggled and rested her chin on my shoulder. “You’ve met the girls then?”

“Yes,” I turned to them and they were looking at Serenity with judging eyes, “just getting acquainted.”

Then she tapped me on the shoulder gesturing that I can let her go. “Good, you need to relax a little bit, Liam.”

She step down, took a step back, right into Eric who wrapped his arms around her waist, amused.

“You know I only relax with a book.” I said.

“I know,” she said, “but you can’t keep hiding while this is going on.” She gestured to the party.

“And what about Aaron and Jake?” I asked, “Aren’t you wondering where those two are?”

“They’re a lost cost.” She shrugged making us laugh.

Then a scent caught me and I looked around.

“Humans.” Eric says.

“Urgh, what are they doing here?” one of the girls say.

We see a couple of teenagers walking toward us, drinks in hand.

“Eric, you’re back!” a girl squealed but glares at Serenity, “And who’s this?”

Eric smiled, “Guys, this is Serenity, my girlfriend.” He says, the girl raised a brow. “And this is her brother, Siam, his girlfriend Anna and her best friend Liam.”

The girls eyes turned to me, “No girlfriend for you?”

“I’m still looking.” I said.

“What are you doing here Jam?” one of the girls asked, “The last time I checked this was a private party?”

“Oh, well, the guys invited the squad and the boys.” She glanced behind her and we saw some boys in there varsity jacket.

Lame. Siam and I exchanged in our links.

“Ah, you finally got him to step out of his hiding place.” Behind the girls we saw Cam, Jake and Aaron walking toward us.

They walked through the girls, Aaron stops and faced them, “Hello world.”

We rolled our eyes and shook our head.

“Hm, looks like you’ve finally caught someone to pose as a boyfriend, huh Cam?”

Cam shook her head, “And I’m guessing you had to sleep with one of my brother’s friends to get invited here?”

The girl named Jam frowned and glared at her.

“You seem to be forgetting that I don’t need an invitation for anything, Cam.” She says.

“Oh yeah, cause you pretty much just crash anywhere you want,” Cam stifles a laugh, “whose bed will be crashing in tonight?”

“Why you-“

“I won’t do that, if I were you.” Jake says, stepping beside Cam. “This is a private party, we’re surrounded by family and friends, I doubt that would look good for you.”

“Or your dad.” Eric says.

Jam steps back, “Fine, I know when I’m not wanted.”

“I seriously doubt that.” one of the girls says, and crossed her arms over her chest.

Jam gave the girls another glare and stepped back with her friends, then she pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to me, “In case you get bored here.”

“Uhm yes, thank you.” I said.

They turned and walked to the human jocks who welcomed them with open arms, literally.

“You aren’t serious about calling her, are you Liam?” Anna asked.

I shook my head, “I want to relax, so no.” I said, “Interested Aaron?”

“Nah, don’t play with other’s food.” He scrunched up his face as he watched the human girls start a make out session in front of everyone.

“I’m sorry about that.” Eric says, “She’s the mayor’s daughter and thinks she rules the school.”

“I’m pretty sure she does.” Serenity says, watching them as well.

“Everyone won’t give her crap because of her dad,” Cam says, “but no one really cares about her either, she practically slept with the whole football team.”

“She had?” we turned to Eric who shrugged.

“I dated her Sophomore year, lasted three months before she starts sleeping around with my team mates.”

“And so did you?” Serenity asked.

“Nope.”

“Seriously?” Aaron asked.

“Seriously.” one of the girls said, “She actually thought that she can make Eric fall in love with her, and that he’ll forgive her every time she does something wrong.”

“Like sleeping around?” Siam asked.

“She’s as stupid as she look, so feel free to judge.” Cam says.

“Man, I swear, girls like her must come from a factory somewhere.” Jake says, “Perfect body, no brains included.”

We laughed and watched the humans making fools of themselves.

“We need to get them out of here.” I said.

“Why?” one girl asked.

“It’ll make guarding hard.” I said. “There smell will blend in, making the scent of hunters hard to find.”

“I told you to chill Liam.” Siam says.

“I know, but-“

“That’s an order.” Siam cuts me off.

I sighed and nodded. “Aye, aye captain.”

“Great!” Anna says, “How about we go for a swim?”

“But it’ll be dark soon.”

“The moon will take care of that for us.” Anna says, pulling Siam up.

“Let’s go!” Serenity says, pulling me and Eric.

“You go, I’ll just finish this.” I said raising my bottle.

“You better be there in five minutes or I’ll command for you to Liam.” Serenity says as she and Eric walk away.

“I will.”

“You’d be alright here?” Jake asks, as they all stood up and walk toward the beach.

“Yeah, I’ll just finish this and I’ll be right there.” I said.

He nods and followed them, “Hey ladies, wait up!”

I shook my head and watch them play in the water. Laughing and fooling around. I took another drink as I watch Serenity and Eric lost in their own little world.

“You ok there, sailor?” I hear Cam ask.

“Yeah…” I said.

“You know my brother won’t hurt her.” she said. “He really does love her.”

“I know.” I said.

“Then why are you so worried?” she asked. I didn’t answer and just took another swig. “You love her don’t you?”

I shrugged and stared at Serenity. “More than I should.”

“It must be hard-“

“It won’t be once I found my mate.” I said. “It does hurt sometimes, but I should have known better.”

She sighed, “Can I tell you something?” I turn to her and saw her looking at the others as well, “To tell you the truth, I’m not really sure what Jake is. One moment he’s sweet and protective, the next he’s a jerk.” She stifled a laugh, “Makes me wonder if it’s possible that he is my mate cause I am attracted to him.” she frowned, “But I can’t seem to keep his attention to myself.”

She sighed and I looked out at the beach and saw Jake tossing one girl into the water and laughs.

“I know it hurts, especially when you know that someone is out there for you, but you seemed to have fallen for the one who is with you.” she continues.

“It isn’t so hard if you keep things in perspective.” I said. “Serenity is safe with your brother, he is her mate and no one else can protect her like he could, it’s written in the stars. Much like who is meant for you and for me.”

“I guess that’s how guys sees it.” She says, “For us, it just shows how we aren’t good enough.”

“You know that isn’t true Cam.” I said.

She grinned, her eyes were now holding tears that she was obviously holding back. “Thanks.” Then she stifled a laugh and wiped away her tears before it even falls, “I wouldn’t want brother to see me crying, would we?”

I grinned, “You mean you wouldn’t want Serenity to see you crying or else it’ll be Jake’s neck on the line.”

She laughs and nodded.

“Go…” I said, “you should fight if you think he is yours for the taking.”

“What about you?”

“Mine is a losing battle, as you have noticed.” I said, “Your brother is the one for her, not me. I’m satisfied to be sitting here watching her looking happy.”

“You’re a good guy Liam.” She says, “Your mate will be lucky to have you.”

“Thanks.” I said.

And she stood up and ran to the beach where she stripped off and tossed her clothes aside. I laughed seeing Jake’s reaction when he saw her.

Dork. I thought and took another sip of beer.

We arrived home before midnight. Everyone tired and in dire need of sleep, to prove that is Aaron not going home with a girl, which is the first time in three years.

“Man, I feel like I’ve been running for days.” Aaron groaned.

“You have been running for days.” Anna says.

“You kids go get some sleep, we’ll take care of this.” Uncle Silver says.

“Thanks dad.” Serenity kisses him on the cheek, “Good night.”

“Good night, princess.” He whispered back.

“Night mom.” She says giving Aunt Claire a hug.

“Good night sweety.”

“Oh, Serenity,” Mama Ellena says, “you’ll help Eric put on the ointments?”

“Yeah, sure.” She says.

“Maybe you guys can have a sleep over at the entertainment room?” Alpha Johansen says, “I’m pretty sure you have a lot to catch on with.”

“That’s a good idea dad.” Eric says.

“I’ll have the maids fix up the room for you.”

“We’ll just clean up and see you there.” Anna says as she and Serenity ran off.

I sighed, I guess this night isn’t over yet.

Next day, I was the first one up and left the others at the entertainment room, still sleeping.

As I made my way to the kitchen, I hear people talking from the dining hall.

“We aren’t in a hurry, but I think my son would very much like to introduce Anna as his mate soon.” It was Uncle Silver talking.

“So you would want both announcements done this week?” Alpha Johansen asks.

“Yes.” Uncle Silver says, “I’d even like them to get married at the same day if it was possible.”

I frowned; they were talking about the wedding of Siam and Serenity.

“Well, I can’t answer for Eric. I’m sure he’d want to ask your daughter first.”

That’s right. I thought.

“I’m not asking you to answer for him, maybe you can give in a hint or two?”

“Oh…” was the response Alpha Johansen gave. “Ok, I will, within the day.”

I stepped away from the dining hall and back to the main. If they were to get married within the week, that meant…

I ran back up to my room and grabbed the car keys and wallet and rushed out.

“Hey, hey…” I ran pass my dad, “where are you going at this time of the day? I thought you’d be sleeping in after all that has been going on?”

“Yeah, well, I can’t.” I said over my shoulder, “I’ll talk to you later dad!”

I ran to the front and straight to the car and drove off.

Hey, don’t get me wrong, I’m not running away, nor am I going crazy. I just needed to do something.

I finally reached the town and parked in front of a bookstore.

After a couple of hours of search I finally came back to the Johansen house and found the others out in the garden, the boys were tossing the pigskin around, while the girls were eating and talking by the table.

“Hey, where have you been?” Cam asked.

“In town.” I said grinning.

“In town?” Anna asked, “What for?”

I grinned and pulled out what I’ve been looking for in town and handed it to Serenity.

“What is it?”

“Remember when you told me that you want to keep a journal?” I said.

She smiled, “You didn’t.” I gestured for her to open the package, and she tore it off quickly and pulled the journal out of its box. “Oh, wow Liam…”

“It’s moleskin and I knew it was something you’d choose to be your journal.” I said.

“Wow, thank you Liam!” she says giving me a hug and sat back down as she ran her hand through the cover of the journal.

“Open it.” I said, she raised a brow. “Just open it, sissy.”

She did as told and ran her hand over the page where I wrote a message in.

“For memories are worth keeping,

Moments are worth the wait,

And people are meant to be remembered.

Live your life to the fullest, and fill this with every moment of joy and happiness.”

“Liam, it’s beautiful.” She said.

“It’s for you to be able to start with your journal.” I said. “You would like to start it from the moment Eric came home.”

“No.” she said, “I would start it from when I realized I had the bestest best friend in the world.”

I smiled, and she gave me another hug and a kiss, “Thank you so much Liam.”

I ruffled her hair, “No problem sissy.”

I glanced across the table and saw Cam who gave me a knowing smile.

“There you are!” Siam says, “You are better than Houdini with all your disappearing acts.”

“Sorry, you wanted anything, your highness?” I teased as the boys sat down with us. I glanced at Eric who sat beside Serenity and gave her a kiss on the temple.

“Yes.” He said, “I want you to have lunch with the girls later.”

I look around the table, “Well, sure, but where are you going?”

“Not us,” Anna says, “the girls from yesterday?”

“What?” I asked, “No way.”

“Oh c’mon, you are single and so are they-“

“And none of them is my mate.” I argued.

“What happened to the ladies man in the RV?” Anna teased, “The one who is doing double shift since Siam had sided with good.”

“He’s still here.” I said, “I just don’t feel like it.”

“Why?” Jake asks, “Is there something wrong?”

I rolled my eyes and slapped his hand away as he fooled in checking my temperature.

“No, nothing’s wrong.” I said. “I just don’t feel like it. I mean, c’mon guys, with all the things that’s going on recently, I think we all deserve time for ourselves.”

“Ok,” Aaron sighed, “but you sure you aren’t turning gay on us?”

“I’ll whip your ass if I hear you say that again.” I said.

“Stop giving him a hard time guys.” Serenity says, “If he says he’s waiting for his mate, then he is.”

“I didn’t say that.” I said, “I said, I’m not in the mood right now. But now that you mentioned it, I’m not looking for her yet either.”

Serenity and Anna groaned, “Please don’t say the same crap as Siam did.” Serenity says.

“Am not.” I said, “I just thought that it will be good to let nature take its course.”

“Well, ok…” Siam says, “but we’re still having lunch with them.”

I groaned, “Why ask me to do it then?”

“Just giving you the heads up.” he says.

“You being the second in command of all the wolves and single is eating them out with interest.” Eric pointed out.

“I’m sure it is.” I sighed, and glanced at Serenity. “Man, now I know what you felt when you were up for grabs.”

“Don’t worry, I also have your back when they get too touchy.” She teased.

We laughed as we exchange stories of alpha boys and days of kicking their ass.