The Change (Fated Series: book1)
Chapter 39 - Family Dinner

Marcus

Marcus could not take his eyes off the slender figure, clad in the same black dress he had first seen her in Rover Grove. His mind kept on drawing the differences since then. It seemed impossible but in less than two months everything had changed so drastically. She had stepped right into his arms and Marcus refused to let go. Some might call it devotion, but he knew better. It was dedication. A matter of meticulous stalking on his part. After all, who would not be entranced with the force that Nessa Heinsfeld was? She was a spitfire. A fireball of life and passion that burned for him.

Oh, and how he burned for her! Seeing her hips tightly hugged by the dress, which only served to accentuate all of her curves, Marcus could not help but feel smug. She belonged to HIM. She had chosen him. And damn, if it wasn’t making him ache for her seeing her roar and defend him.

He was no longer a lone wolf, but a mated wolf, who was currently bursting with pride, watching his fierce mate give well-deserved justice.

Our territory… Offend us…

She had fully accepted him and Marcus knew it was only a matter of time before he convinced her kids were well in order. A baby bump will make her look even more delicious than she already did. If that was even possible!

When she actually used her Alpha Command on Brandon, Marcus felt immensely proud. Honored and so damn turned on. She was crucifying Brandon, choosing Marcus all over again. Marcus stepped in as the rejection finally settled in the thick head of the Alpha who was cowering in front of Nessa.

Damn, if that wasn’t sexy, he didn’t know what could be!

When her eyes finally settled on him, her panicked expression got him worried. Did she seriously think he would mind if she disposed of the pup? In honesty, despite the Ego boost from her choice to be with him, Marcus still hoped he would have the opportunity to teach the pup another lesson. Now, he could only dictate the terms of the safe departure of the pup. He gave him an evil glare and then walked straight toward Nessa.

“Hey, hon,” she sheepishly greeted him, closely following his moves as if she was expecting him to attack Brandon. Marcus casually continued his stroll towards her and pulled her into his body. She gulped as she felt his hard-on press against her belly. It was about time she knew what she was doing to him. He bent down and crushed his lips onto hers, catching her off guard. He needed to taste her, to have her. He pulled away, too soon for his own liking only to see her breathless and dazzled. He bent again and gave her a quick peck. She was after all irresistible!

“I see, you are resolving the overcrowding of our Pack House,” Marcus teased Nessa.

“Nah, just banning Alpha Brandon from Blackwood until he learns proper manners,” Nessa calmly informed him. Marcus shrugged his shoulders.

“Can’t blame me for asking for some peace and quiet time,” Marcus continued and then glared at Brandon. “Alpha Brandon, if you do not comply with my mate’s request, I am afraid we’d have to throw you out. Let’s avoid such humiliating measures; it’s such a wonderful night tonight. I would suggest you leave your packing to Juliet and your pack members because if you are still on in Blackwood in ten minutes, I will have no choice but to show you how I punish disrespect on our land.” Marcus trailed down his eyes to Nessa as he said “our”. She was at his side and her hand had casually looped around his waist and underneath his suit jacket. Her fingers were crushing the ironed shirt and soothingly rubbing his lower waist.

“Alpha Ned, with all due respect,” Brandon started, bringing back the attention to him.

“Nine minutes, 57 seconds. I’ll have you know that it takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the nearest border…. on wheels.” Marcus pressed.

Brandon huffed, opened his mouth, and then shut it, quickly turning around and storming out. Nessa watched him and then raised herself on her toes and pecked Marcus.

“Thank you for showing restraint!”

“Don’t thank me yet, Love. If he does not make haste, he will have to fight his way through the outer patrol,” Marcus told her. “But do tell me, how come you don’t want to mate when everyone expects us to, but have no problem openly discussing our matings?”

“Oh, please, as if you haven’t permanently scorched Lee’s mind. He flat-out reddens every time he sees me,” Nessa retorted as his grin widened showing his teeth.

“I could understand such discussion with Nicole and Michelle, but them?”

“Well, she-wolves like to brag about their mates’ endurance. We let Cam sit in because of your request to stay in his sight. Now, you wouldn’t want me to defy my Alpha’s Order, would you? Brandon just couldn’t handle us all together. Did I overstep?” Nessa asked and Marcus shrugged.

“Well, had I handled him my way, we would have solved the problem…. permanently,” Marcus informed her. “I think a little punishment will be in order.”

“We can’t be late for this dinner, as that would raise Mom's hopes way up,” Nessa said and Marcus chuckled, placing his palm on her belly.

“With the rate we’ve been going at it, we are bound to land into than 2%,” Marcus gave statistics about condoms effectiveness.

“Gross,” Travis mumbled.

“Shush,” Cameron scolded him.

“I’m fine playing the odds but you’d need to speed up my dream wedding in an expedited manner if we become the 2%-ers,” Nessa retorted.

“YES!” Cameron exclaimed and as all eyes trailed down on him, he grinned brightly. “What’s wrong for a Beta to be excited about the future Alpha Pups?”

“It’s creepy,” Nicole suggested, while Cameron quickly stood up and gave a bear hug, squishing both Nessa and Marcus in his arms.

“My final act as resigning heir would be to give you the wedding of your lifetime, anytime,” Cameron chuckled and then kissed Nessa’s cheek and was carried away that he almost gave a peck to Marcus as well, but pulled back at the very last moment. “Ness, kiss the Alpha for me. He’s feeling left out,” he then quickly released them and clapped his hands in excitement, prompting. “Say, what are you doing next month?”

As the laughter erupted, Marcus’ attention shifted to the scent carried into the kitchen from the patio doors. He quickly made out the sleek silhouette and growled. Why was Steven’s pup roaming unsupervised?

“Where is Aaron’s escort?” Marcus shot at Cameron via the mind link who quit goofing around with the girls and finally concentrated on his duties.

“Eamon should be with him,” Cameron replied and followed Marcus’ glare. Marcus growled his displeasure with the situation. The alliance with Blue Moon, Alpha Stevens pack, was tentative at best and Marcus did not want his pup left unsupervised. Did he really have to spell out why?

As soon as his growl erupted, Nessa quickly shifted towards him, slightly decreasing his frustration in him as her hip pressed against his.

Aaron decided to finally emerge from the porch, and Marcus turned his back to Nessa, effectively shielding her with his body. Marcus would not risk even the slightest possibility of her getting harmed.

“I hear that there’s an opening at the dinner table?” Aaron walked through the patio doors once he noticed they spotted him. He pointed to the patio behind him. “I didn’t want to interrupt. Wound you let me thank the Luna for making space for me?”

“Pup, you should not be here!” Marcus growled.

“I needed a walk. My old man is difficult at best these days. Moreover, you have something that belongs to me,” Aaron walked slowly towards the chair that Nessa vacated and leisurely occupied it. “What’s your name, Beautiful?”

“Apologize for lurking like a mass murder in those shadows,” Nicole replied.

“He did the same,” Aaron pointed out to Marcus.

“He’s her mate, you idiot!” Nicole hissed. Nessa tried to move around Marcus’ back but he stepped in her way. She quickly spanked his behind which immediately snapped his green eyes onto her.

“I wanna see something else than your delicious behind,” Nessa shot at Marcus via the mind link who only pulled her into his side.

“Case and point,” Aaron smiled back at Nicole and reached out to her hand.

“They are mates!” Nessa happily whispered, catching everyone’s attention.

“No, shit, Sherlock,” Nicole replied which made Nessa and Michelle giggle while Nicole pulled her hand away from Aaron’s. Aaron growled in frustration and fisted his hand over the table’s counter. Marcus smirked. Oh, this would be good! Nicole glared at him. “Don’t get your panties twisted now. We are all adults here.” Then Nicole looked at Marcus, “Who’s he, Alpha?”

“Alpha Aaron Stevens, Blue Moon.” The guy announced before Marcus had time to respond. Nessa gasped.

Marcus shrugged, linking with Eamon, “Where the HELL are you?”

“In front of Alpha Aaron’s doors. He’s changing!” Eamon replied.

“In the kitchen, now!” Marcus laced his words with a healthy dose of Alpha Command. He needed to take care of this.

“Goddess, please, please, don’t make him that Alpha Stevens!” Nic gave her a prayer.

“My reputation precedes me?” Aaron asked. Nicole quickly slapped him.

“I can’t be mated to Junior,” Nicole refused to acknowledge him, “I Nicole Bernard rejec…”

Before Marcus had the time to stop her, Nessa quickly ran into her friend, covering Nicole’s mouth with her hand. Aaron registered the movement and attempted to intervene between the two girls, while Marcus’ low growl stopped him.

“You are not rejecting him until you give him a proper chance. Hell, try to reeducate him, he can’t be that bad,” Nessa shot at Nicole and when Nicole calmed down, Nessa slowly moved her fingers off her lips. “Don’t make harsh, impulsive decisions that will hurt you tremendously. You’re better than this!”

“Fine, Nes, but get your boobs off my face, before they get any ideas,” Nicole’s eyes shifted to Nessa’s cleavage which was right in her face.

“I’m hurt! You would think that after all those times we slept together, you would not discard me as soon as your mate shows up,” Nessa huffed and stepped away from Nicole.

Entertainment flickered in Marcus’ eyes. Vanessa was definitely not helping the situation. Aaron was growling at the suggestion of intimacy between them.

“Shared a bed,” Nicole quickly corrected Nessa for Aaron’s sake, who immediately grinned at Nicole and his eyes trailed down Nessa, which made Marcus growl. The pup better not be thinking about his mate! “Ness, the Alpha!”

“Marcus is cool. After all, he knows my count,” Nessa giggled and Nicole paled.

“You better have only discussed your count,” Nicole warned Nessa, who walked over to Marcus.

“You can thank me later for increasing your number” Nessa smirked at Nicole who blushed.

Marcus grinned. His mate was on fire. Being fluent in Nessa’s speech, he knew that the girls were just bickering for the fun of teasing Aaron, who was all but buying whatever they were selling. Fate could not come with more dramatic matching. He could virtually imagine the level of discomfort Nicole would cause Aaron. It seemed ironic how the father’s doings were going to prematurely end his son’s happiness. Karma.

Had it not been for Nessa, Aaron would have been on the floor, fighting the pain from the rejection. So would be Nicole if he accepted it. At least Marcus took his time to vividly picture it. It would have been quite the sight.

Personally, Marcus didn’t have anything against Junior. He was barely a pup when Emma was killed. But Marcus still hadn’t found the proof to take off Senior from his hit list. If all those accusations that Stevens Senior made turned out to be a pile of crap, he would die in Marcus’ hands… or paws. Whatever came first! Marcus decided not to be picky about it.

Marcus still couldn’t believe the audacity of the implications. He owed it to himself to investigate and that meant he would allow himself to temporarily forget the feud with Blue Moon and allow Aaron to sit on the dinner.

“Both Aarons will be joining us for dinner,” Marcus decided. Nicole’s eyes widened and then she flunked herself into Nessa who almost topped over the fridge knocking all the carefully placed grocery supplies lists and magnets off the shiny stainless steel surface.

“I love you! Love ya, love ya,” Nicole started chatting in Nessa’s arms, who hugged her friend back. Marcus chuckled at the girls.

“Her?” Aaron growled, interrupting their moment. Nicole carefully released Nessa and started helping her pick up the mess that she created.

“I don’t know you, Alpha. Ness gave you a fighting chance, so better tone it down,” Nicole said over her shoulder dismissing him.

“What about me?” Marcus pressed just to rattle Aaron, who growled as soon as Nicole winked back over her shoulder.

“You too, Alpha.”

Nessa smirked as Marcus chuckled, further irritating Aaron. This was going to be beyond entertaining.

“Alpha Ned, may I have a word?” Aaron asked. Marcus looked at Nessa who shot him a warning glare.

“Sure.”

“Alone.”

“I would normally agree, but if this concerns Nicole, it concerns my mate. You are already aware of their love. So why don’t you save us all unnecessary recaps of our conversation and we can talk here?” Marcus asked.

“You can’t keep your mate in line?” Aaron smirked.

“Strike one!” Nicole growled.

“Alpha, if she gets to three, I won’t stop her this time,” Nessa respectfully informed him. Aaron snapped his attention to glare at her and then his eyes lovingly swept to Nicole who was shooting daggers at him. Marcus chuckled:

“Those three are Peas in a pod!”

“Thank you, Alpha” Nicole winked at Marcus, which made Aaron growl.

“Yeah, we come as a package,” Nicole laughed.

“Nicole, you can stop calling him Alpha. You’re an Alpha’s mate!” Aaron gently informed her. Nicole rolled her eyes at him.

“So it was all nice and polite when Nes calls you Alpha, but heaven forbids I show the same curtsy to my current Alpha,” Nicole remarked.

“Nice try. But you smell of Rover Grove, not Blackwood,” Aaron said.

“My scent hasn’t changed.” Nicole smelled herself and then sniffed Nessa. “Cam, you sure my Asylum papers are in order?”

“Oh, please! I don’t do the same paperwork twice if that’s what you are getting at,” Cameron huffed. Nicole smiled at him brightly.

“He’s such a perfectionist,” Nicole giggled which made Michelle flat out burst into fits of laughter. Nessa smiled.

“What Asylum? What did that prick do to you?” Aaron asked fixating his eyes on Nicole.

“Play nice now!” Nicole warned him.

“FINE!” Aaron roared and then calmly applies: “Alpha Ned, I’d like to ask for your permission to court Miss Nicole Bernard and inquire about the reason for her Asylum,” Aaron calmly turned and asked Marcus, who scratched the stubble forming on his face.

“I’ll have to see if Miss Bernard would be interested in being courted by you,” Marcus said thoughtfully as it was some kind of a complicated matter which needed to be discussed in depth. It was so easy to annoy Aaron.

“I am her mate,” Aaron growled.

“You are under my roof,” Marcus pointed out. “If your anger issues are this prominent, you might need to resolve them prior to obtaining my answer.”

“It’s ridiculous. I would never hurt her,” Aaron exclaimed.

“Nicole and I need to evaluate your behavior before we make a final decision,” Marcus concluded.

“I can’t wait till tomorrow. Ask her!” Aaron snapped. Marcus arched his eyebrow and Aaron immediately lowered his eyes and apologized. “I apologize, Alpha. I am frustrated to stumble upon my own mate under your roof…”

“I am not a freaking torn on the road, you toad!” Nicole exclaimed interrupting him, obviously giving him a hard time. Marcus recognized her intent. If she publically scolds an Alpha, may it be her mate, Marcus would let the offensive language slide. Aaron immediately turned around and looked at Nicole with such a devastating look even Marcus felt bad for the pup. Perhaps, Marcus indulged himself too much in bickering with the pup. Nessa’s bickering was quickly transferred to him and he could tell people took it as a threat. Marcus’ reputation after all did precede him.

“Shit! Please, let me explain. I’m just so worked up. I’ve been searching for you for years! I never thought you’d happen to be right under my nose in freaking Rover Grove and or in Blackwood!” Aaron explained.

“Hey! Don’t insult my pack!” Nicole shouted at him. Aaron quickly stood up and made his way to the door. “Don’t you dare walk away from me when we are arguing!”

“I am not,” Aaron shouted turning around. “It’s…your smell is intoxicating and drives my wolf nuts. I can’t think straight right now. Fuck it…” He stormed off into the backyard.

“I smell?” Nicole grinned with excitement.

“In a good way… to him,” Michelle jumped in, nodding outside.

“Should I?”

“Let him steam a little. He’ll join us at the dining table. We wouldn’t want Teresa to miss us all,” Marcus winked at Nessa who blushed.

“She’s a different type of hungry,” Nessa giggled. Nicole blushed.

“Thanks, Alpha for not going after him.”

“Nonsense. Congratulations, Nicole. It will be very entertaining to see you reeducate him,” Marcus gave Nicole a dazzling smile.

“Thanks, Alpha. I don’t know how I can ever repay you…” Nicole started.

“You can name your first born after me,” Marcus quickly suggested, knowing full well that that would get under Senior’s skin.

“Marcus!” Nessa hissed.

“Marcus…. Hm… it might be too much of a burden for the little bugger to carry out my legacy. Marc would do just well,” Marcus compromised and made Nessa puff at his Ego while Nicole nodded.

“Deal,” Nicole exclaimed.

“Go to him, before he breaks something. We’ll be waiting for you two in the dinner hall,” Marcus suggested and Nicole swiftly dashed out to the patio. As they started trailing down towards the dining hall, Nessa snuggled into him, inhaling his scent. HEAT or no HEAT, she was definitely looking mouthwatering and was all his.

“You ready?” Marcus asked her and she nodded as he ushered her to go in front of him. Nessa rolled her eyes at the gesture. Marcus knew she would have not minded, walking behind him in order to exact her revenge for his bickering with Aaron. He grinned as she stepped into the dining room. It was well worth it seeing her hips sway as she walked in front of him. He slipped his right hand onto her right hip and then casually trailed it down, cupping her behind.

“You will get me in trouble!” He groaned at her via the mind-link.

Teressa Heinsfeld

Teresa grinned and nodded at Frank as she noticed the little exchange between the Alpha Pair. Frank rolled his eyes at her and then swiftly informed her, “Tery, behave!”

Teresa coyly smiled at him. Why were men blessed with ignorance? It was clear as day Vanessa was happy. She only needed a little guidance, so to speak, in order to give Teresa the much-needed grandkids. Teresa vowed she was going to selflessly help her. After all, that was what motherhood was all about!

Teresa quickly moved from the Alpha pair down to Joel and Jonathan. Jonathan was on edge and was constantly scanning the room. Teresa grinned as she noticed Juliet and Brandon had still not joined them. She decided it was a good time as any to get the wheels moving and ignite some sparkles for the two.

To her surprise, Alpha Ned quickly ushered everyone to the table, then swiftly pulled the chair for Nessa, seating her on his right as he sat on the head of the table. His Beta Cameron immediately flanked him on his left. Michelle was escorted to the table by her mate, which Teresa knew was the Gamma as he tried to seat himself next to Nessa, but Michelle made a beeline to the chair and smirked at him. The Gamma had no other option but to let his mate muscle him a seat down. The seating on the table was in the order of rank. The head of the table was designated for the Hosting Alpha, while his mate had a choice to seat as hostess, on the opposite side of the table, or as his mate on his right. The way that Alpha Ned swiftly ushered Nes to sit next to him only proved one thing – he did not want to let go of her baby girl, which only made Teresa like him even more.

Joel and Jonathan strolled to the table just as Juliet entered the room. Teresa had to pretend to look away from Jonathan whose face immediately lit up. Joel swiftly sat on the left of the head of the table, indicating his respect to Frank and Teresa as the second most powerful couple on the table. Teresa rolled her eyes at his gesture. Indeed, Frank was the Lead Interrogator for Pack Law, but that did not mean he was superior to a Battalion Commander. Frank loved the show of respect and seated Teresa on his right, sitting against Marcus on the head of the table.

Alpha Ned looked at Joel and Frank with interest and then hid his smile. Nessa on the other hand shot a very pointed glare at Frank who was smirking back at Alpha Ned.

Alex quickly nodded at Joel and then kissed Teresa’s hair.

“Is the seat taken?” Alex asked, flopping on the chair next to her. Joel looked at him sternly and Alex quickly arranged himself into a more appropriate seating position. Pack Law was certainly shaping her son for the better. Nicole walked in the door and scanned the table, grinning at Alex and quickly waving at her.

“Look who’s here,” Nicole giggled and quickly gave him a bone-crushing hug. “Hey, auntie Tery!”

Before she could release Alex from her hug, a growl erupted from a young man a younger version of Alpha Stevens.

“What did you do?” Alex quickly asked Nicole as she sat next to him.

“Oh, don’t mind him,” Nicole dismissed the subject. The young man quickly sat next to her and glared at Alex. “And to think he’s an Alpha with those manners!”

“Your Alpha,” he corrected.

“My Alpha is over there,” Nicole smiled at Nessa who smirked at the Alpha, obviously utilizing their mind-link. As Nicole was obviously lost in thoughts, the man touched her hand to bring her back. Nicole quickly swatted his hand away from her. “No hand holding with those manners of yours!” She sweetly smiled at Teresa’s raised eyebrow, “Auntie, I am not sure how you managed to do such a fine job with Alex!”

“Your mate?” Teresa asked and as Alpha Stevens sat next to the young man, it all clicked in its place. Terry laughed. “Ron Stevens’ pup!”

Alpha Stevens immediately snapped his head to her and then exclaimed, “Teresa Gerald! I wondered when you were going to show up.”

“Heinsfeld,” Frank corrected and Alpha Stevens shrugged. “I didn’t expect you here.”

“Oh, well, you know, how it is. It’s always educating to be present at Pack Law’s table,” Stevens shot a glance at Joel who narrowed his eyes at Stevens.

Jonathan was more interested in the three empty seats on the left of the table. Juliet made her way to the table when the doors opened and Alpha Rylee and tall black-haired were strolled in. As expected Alpha Rylee reached the spot next to Cameron and eyed Vanessa and Michelle. For Teresa’s biggest embarrassment, Nessa stick her tongue at the Alpha, who flat-out reddened at the display. Before she could scold Nessa, Alpha Ned’s laughter rang over the room. Wasn’t he supposed to be growling at the exchange and the lack of manners of his mate?

The tall black-haired man casually flanked Juliet and pulled a chair for her, which just happened to be next to Jonathan. Teresa smiled. Fate worked in mysterious ways. The man quickly took the chair on the other side of Juliet.

“Alpha Brandon had to depart and I’m here on his behalf,” the man announced his presence, only for Aaron to attempt to hide his chuckle. The man’s attention immediately went over to Aaron, who casually leaned back keeping a small smile on his face.

“Juliet, tell Yanis to lower his eyes or you’ll be searching for a new Beta,” Aaron spoke to Juliet instead of the man who he was glaring at.

“That’s enough,” Alpha Ned’s voice carried over the table and then shot a glare at Stevens who raised his hands in mock surrender.

"There will be no fighting,” Aaron agreed.

“Nic, just give your man a peck, so we can all eat,” Nessa said from her seat. Nicole rolled her eyes and reached for Aaron’s shoulders giving him an awkward pat on his back.

“Ness, what message would that send? That I approve his growling? No, he knows better,” Nicole hissed.

“Fine, can we eat now?’ Nessa asked.

“The things I do for you,” Nicole sighed then quickly pecked Aaron's cheek. “Better?”

Aaron quickly turned and pecked her lips. Nicole’s eyes widened in a comical surprise. Teresa laughed at the exchange, followed by Stevens Sr who patted his son on his back. Juliet looked at the exchange and then focused on Yanis, no doubt talking to him via their mind-link. Teresa knew the heated conversation between the Alpha and the Beta of Rover Groove had to deal with the departure of Brandon.

“The heat seems contagious,” Alpha Lee snorted and Cameron chuckled.

“And the wedding bells,” Cameron teased.

“A wedding you say?” Teresa asked and focused on Nessa.

“Cam wants to organize my wedding,” Nessa confessed and Teresa quickly grinned. “I told him we should do Michelle and Vincent's first as it is only fair," Vanessa quickly intercepted the Beta's joke and effectively made the Blackwood choke on his beer. Michelle rubbed his back.

“You sure about that, Nes? It looks like Gamma Vincent did not know anything about it,” Alex pressed.

“Cameron is a planner," Nessa winked at Cameron, while Michelle and Nicole laughed. The Beta narrowed his eyes on Vanessa. She smiled and continued, “Joel, how could one gain some Pack Law training?"

“You can come over any time,” Joel shrugged.

“Oh, it's not for me, dear. My Beta needs some a boot camp on how to properly behave," Nessa winked at Cameron who flashed her a bright smile.

“Ness, I am sure Alpha Ned needs his Beta,” Joel started.

“You wouldn’t mind sparing him for like a couple of months, would you, Marcus?” Nessa asked Alpha Ned who sighed. “I’ll make it up to you!”

“He can go,” Marcus replied to Joel but kept his eyes on Nessa, who winked at the Beta.

“What ya’ say, Joel? Will you allow Cam to train with you?” Nessa smiled.

“He can enlist and I’ll make sure he trains under me,” Joel agreed.

“Awesome, and Jon, will you keep an eye on him for me, too, please?” Nessa prompted.

“Yes,” Jonathan swiftly replied.

“You think he has potential?” Nessa asked nobody in particular and eyed the Beta who was all but too cheerful at the prospect.

“He’s a Beta. Of course, he has the potential. The question is would he be able to handle himself without using his title,” Jon replied calmly.

“He’s not a snob, Jon,” Nessa told him and eyed Juliet.

“When you say so,” Jonathan replied.

“Are there a lot of girls in Pack Law?” Nessa pressed with a huge grin on her face. Teresa had to give it to Vanessa. She was picking up on Jonathan, trying to provoke Juliet.

“Is that going to be a problem for him?” Jonathan politely turned the question on her.

“Nah, there can't be too many if you managed to keep Alexander’s attention long enough to teach him table manners,” Nessa teased Alex, causing him to growl.

“Nessa, not all girls drool and forget they have mates when they see a Pack Law Official,” Alex retorted only to have Marcus growl at him.

“Oh, please, my mate gave you a black eye, Pack Law Uniform or not,” Nessa smugly replied to which Alex gaped.

“It was a misunderstanding,” Marcus retorted.

“How come I never saw girls in your command, Joel?” Nessa pressed.

“We have two she-wolves officers, Ness, and they are just as deadly as the rest,” Joel replied.

“Are they cute?” Nessa pressed.

“Ness,” Joel cautioned her line of questioning, then popped a piece of the steak in his mouth.

“So Jon?” Nessa prompted.

“What Joel tried to say is that it’s highly inappropriate for Pack Law High Command to answer such provocative questions, Ness,” Jon pointedly told her.

“So they are cute,” Nessa looked at Cameron. “So what happens when someone replaces their mate? How do they elope?”

Teresa shook her head and decided to join in their conversation before Jonathan gets frustrated to tell Nessa off and cause a rift with Alpha Ned and Pack Law.

“Ness, the matings surely progress differently depending on the situation. I would assume if there is a couple in Pack Law they would be serving together. Nobody should stand in Fate’s way when mates are concerned,” Teresa rescued Jonathan from answering.

“That’s true. However, serving side by side is not as trouble-some as when one of them has a higher rank,” Joel replied before he realized the can of worms he opened.

Teresa smiled listening closely and secretly looking at Juliet, who was now focused on their conversation.

“Interesting. I would have thought mates would not care about the rank,” Nessa replied.

“Said the Alpha-mate,” Alex snapped at her and Nessa rolled her eyes.

“Someone’s snappy tonight,” Nessa giggled at Alex’ discomfort “I will have you know Marcus’ cooking played a bigger part in why we got together than his title. Which reminds me, we really need a law or something about the proper use of names. If I thought Alpha Ned and Marcus are confusing, now we have two Alpha Stevens dining with us.”

“Oh, dear, I see how that would be confusing,” Alpha Stevens Senior said. “It was an inner joke, we had with Leila, may the Goddess illuminate her soul. She loved my name and picked up on calling me Ron and gave my name to our firstborn. Aaron has made me proud as a namesake and as his father.”

“That’s cute,” Nessa listened closely.

“Now I can start hoping for grandpups Aarons running around,” Stevens said.

“I already promised Alpha Ned, that my firstborn would be Marc,” Nicole shot back.

“Three Aarons would be too much,” Aaron looked at his dad, then at Nicole.

“Correct, Suga’. Manners or else, you won’t have pups for a long, very lonely while,” Nicole cautioned him.

“Why would you name my grandpup after Marcus?” Alpha Stevens Senior asked.

“It's a long story, let's just focus on the fact that I am considering pups at this moment," Nicole replied, then raised her glass to Nessa and Marcus. “We'll have either a Marc or a Tessa, which is short from Vanessa.”

“Damn, and not Michelle or Michael?” Michelle threw a sugar puff at Nicole’s direction.

“That’s for my second born, hon,” Nicole winked at Michelle and ate the puff licking her fingers, which only made Aaron growl. Vanessa and Michelle laughed, while Alex cringed and shoved Nicole in her shoulder.

“Gross, stop it,” Alex hissed.

“I hate sticky fingers," Nicole explained and then added, "the names I am keeping and Aaron knows better than to argue with me."

Alex looked at Aaron expecting a reaction.

“If she is planning kids, I'm still in the picture, so as long as they are healthy, I'll be happy,” Aaron shrugged.

“Such a pleasant change, right Ness?" Nicole asked then added. "Aaron was not assigned a room.”

“He is bunked up with Stevens,” Marcus corrected her.

“Aaron, our Pack House is bursting by its steams with all the guests we have. We do apologize. But Nicole's room is in the Guard's section and I am told the beds are wider and longer," Nessa started only for Aaron to chuckle at the implication.

“Of course, Luna. Whatever is the least inconvenience. I'll gladly share a room with Nicole,” Aaron trailed.

“Room, not a bed," Nicole corrected him then asked Joel. “So if my mate was Pack Law, what would his choices be?”

“Hypothetical mate,” Aaron corrected. Nicole shrugged.

“There are many ways to handle a mating. Most would opt for transfer, some will quit Pack Law to join their mates' pack and others will only opt for less risky assignments,” Joel responded.

Everybody started sharing food and Teresa couldn’t help but glance at Jonathan. He gave her a warning by narrowing his eyes at her, which only made her cough.

“Juliet, dear, will you pass me the corn?” Teresa asked. Juliet quickly lifted the bowl and then passed it to Jonathan. He handled the bowl as if it was fire and quickly passed it to Frank. Teresa took some corn and then asked, “How is Roland, Juliet?”

“Growing up every day. You should come to visit more often,” Juliet replied and smiled at Teresa who shot a quick glare at Frank.

“It would be nice to settle down for a while and not have to live from our suitcases,” Teresa complained.

“You’ll get bored,” Frank shot back at Teresa.

“You can stay here with Nessa to ensure the grandpups,” Alex suggested earning himself a growl from Nessa and a chuckle from Alpha Ned.

“We would not want to impose,” Teresa said and looked at Alpha Ned who was hiding a smirk.

“You are not imposing at all,” Alpha Ned shot her a big smile and then touched Nessa’s cheek. “I’ll be busier since my trusted Beta is going for a summer camp with Pack Law, so you can certainly stay and help Nessa redecorate."

“Marvelous! We can stay, hon, can’t we?” Teresa turned to face Frank who glared at Marcus.

“I guess we could stay for a while,” Frank reluctantly agreed. Teresa smirked. She would finally be able to get into her daughter’s thick head that pups were essential, while Frank could spend some time persuading his choice for a successor in Pack Law Interrogation.

Oh, it would be so fun, she simply could not wait.