Page 59 of Return to the Pack

“It’s been an honor housing our Alpha,” Adolpha says with a smile as she bids us farewell. “You all seem to complement each other so well. I’m glad you forged new territory and got married. The pack will be stronger for it.”

“Thank you,” Axel says. “Coming from you, that means a lot.”

Out in the sunshine, we stand before our respective vehicles. I’ll ride with Axel in his truck, and the triplets will take their bikes.

“We need to stop at the mall before we head home,” Callan says, with a sly wink at Ethan.

Warrick scoffs.

“Why’s that?” I say, pausing before climbing into the passenger side.

“It’s a surprise,” Callan says, waggling his eyebrows.

“Yeah, take your time getting home,” Ethan adds. “We have a few things to do before you arrive.”

Intrigued, I turn to Axel and lace my fingers with his. “We can think of something to do, can’t we?”

We’ve all been touchy and lovey since the battle. I think we’re all just relieved and grateful that we’re all safe and well. Our wolves healed our injuries, and now we’re all as good as new, and married to boot.

“I hope you won’t be too disappointed if it’s pack business,” he says. “I have to meet with Kato before we head out of here, see how he’s healing.”

“Of course,” I say. “There will be plenty of time to play later.”

He smiles down at me with gratitude and kisses me before lifting me into the passenger seat of the truck.

“Have fun getting your secret supplies,” I say with a wave at the triplets.

Warrick gives me a salute, and the three of them roar down the street on their motorcycles.

The business Axel has to address takes about an hour. Axel insists I come in, since I’m an important member of the pack, but in truth, all the strategic planning bores me. At last, Axel sees my fidgeting and sends me out back with Okami to pick flowers from her garden. It’s a huge patch with all different colors and varieties.

Okami insists I pick a huge bouquet to grace our dining room table at home. It makes me remember my sweet little house and how much pride I took in decorating it. The triplets’ house is great, but it could use some prettying up.

“Those are beautiful,” Axel says when we come in from the garden and find the business meeting over. “But not as pretty as you are.”

I beam up at him, and he takes my hand and leads me out to the truck. We trundle down the road, chatting about everything. Before I know it, we’re home.

As soon as I step from the truck, I smell delicious scents coming from the kitchen. I flash Axel a narrow-eyed look as I hug the flowers to my chest. “This is a setup, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” he says, the picture of innocence.

I race toward the house and throw open the screen door to the kitchen.

“Surprise!” Ethan hollers, hopping off the step-stool where he was hanging pink and gold crepe paper.

A large banner hangs across the entrance to the front room. It reads, “To Us!”

Callan stands at the stove, stirring something flavorful in a large pot. A chocolate cake sits cooling on the counter.

“What’s all this?” I ask.

“It’s our honeymoon,” Warrick says, striding into the kitchen. He scoops me and the flowers into his arms and kisses me soundly. Then, he places me back down on the floor.

“What’s a honeymoon?” I ask, all flushed and excited from the kiss.

Candles sit in the middle of the kitchen table, along with a vase full of water for the flowers. Besides the banner and crepe paper, balloons bounce from the ceiling, reading, “It’s a celebration!” and “Congratulations!”

“It’s where you hide away and have sex, eat, have more sex, eat some more, and have sex again,” Callan says over his shoulder.