Chapter 13
Thirteen
MALCOLM
Smiling professionally at the pack in front of me, I check their name off.
Now that I know some of what it took to make Forever Yours happen, I have so much respect for all of the moving cogs.
I also can’t stop thinking about how Hollis looks when she comes and that’s making it difficult to keep my features neutral, despite the cold.
The move into November was like a siren’s call for the snow, and a light mist graces the gardens today. Hollis has her fingers crossed that it won’t get much colder, and that everyone remains in good spirits.
I don’t think she has anything to worry about with the intermittently spaced heaters that she has placed all over the event area.
“If you walk to the table behind me, Remy will get you your gift bag courtesy of the event, and then Felix will show you where you’ll be going,” I say.
“Great, thanks so much,” one of the alphas says, walking past me.
Everyone was given different times to arrive so that the front gate wouldn’t be flooded with people.
As I work through those who are here, I can admit how smart that is.
Brice has another checklist to help get everyone through with the same level of attention, and I know that Remy and Felix can handle anything that happens after people come through.
I saw Hollis for just a minute as she went over the plan again with us, and then she was dashing away to check on various things. The front of the gardens is beautiful, and I can see why she chose this location.
There’s a varied mixture of people that come through the gate, from those who are very well dressed, to those who have an alternate vibe. I’m honestly enjoying this, and the underlying excitement everyone seems to have.
Though I am surprised when two particular alphas appear in front of me.
“Lars and Caleb Finnegan,” the tall alpha with dark curly hair and thick glasses says, pretending not to know me.
“Did Hollis rope you into coming?” I tease him, finding their names. I’m honestly just happy that they aren’t at all interested in my omega romantically.
“More like we promised to come if she would give you idiots a chance,” Lars grunts. “You’re welcome.”
“That doesn’t mean we won’t make sure your bodies are never found if you hurt her though,” Caleb murmurs. “Don’t fuck this up. Hollis is one of the best fucking people I know.”
“I’m keeping them all in check,” I promise. “She’s amazing, and deserves the time to get to know us.”
Lars makes a sound under his breath, looking past me.
“She does, but you know how time works against omegas,” he says. “Hollis is fucking stubborn. Sometimes she needs to be pushed and coerced with sweets.”
“You’re the baker,” I guess.
“I try to balance out her sweet tooth,” he sighs. “It’s a very difficult job.”
Caleb chuckles under his breath. “We’ve known Hollis since she was six years old. She’s hell on wheels, while pretending that she’s calm and collected. Never play poker with her unless you’re all already naked.”
“Too much information, Caleb,” Lars says. “For the record, she took all our money and our clothes while she laughed at us. Hollis was completely clothed.”
“Good to know,” I laugh.
The brothers slip by me, and I forget to tell them to stop by to see Remy.
Oh well, he’ll flag them down. It’s going to take at least another hour to check everyone else in and then we’re going to join those mingling who are part of security while a guard closes the gates and ensures no one sneaks past.
Hopefully, all of our efforts keep everyone safe.
HOLLIS
I’ve checked Emilia’s podcast twice already today, but the only thing she’s posted is a reminder for her event.
Forcing the cold air into my lungs, I smile as I see people mingling and chatting.
The food will be brought out soon to ensure it stays warm, there’s a light snow on the ground, but it’s a beautiful day otherwise.
Aisling offered to come help me today, so she currently has my list of things that need to happen for the event.
My opening speech is next, and I step into a pavilion with a raised stage where everyone can see me.
Smiling at everyone, I lift the microphone slowly to my lips, making sure there’s no feedback.
Omegas have sensitive ears, and no one enjoys the screech it makes.
“Hi, everyone!” I say with a grin.
Despite the stress, I am excited for today.
“I can honestly say that the Forever Yours mixer is a labor of love from this community. So many people have jumped in to help. The Naughty Tote is providing both their time and gift bags to send everyone home with some fun goodies, and our security today is here to keep everyone safe and secure.”
Taking a breath, I take in the faces of everyone around me as I think about why I’m doing this.
“I became involved in this event because I believe in connection that grows into love. I also think that having a safe way to date and meet people is important in today’s world.
Cupid’s Call was created for the same reason.
The food will be served soon, the gardens are beautiful, and there are talking cards on all of the tables in case anyone needs them.
Relax, enjoy yourselves, and I’m excited to see who you connect with and hear your experience from today.
I’ll be following up with everyone next week to help facilitate follow-up dates as necessary, so don’t worry about a thing. ”
Applause I wasn’t expecting begins, and my eyes widen. Turning off the microphone, I smile at everyone again and walk down the steps.
Felix walks up to me and takes the microphone, handing it off to Aisling who is also clapping.
“I hope you understand how amazing you are,” he murmurs.
“I just set up a mixer,” I tease him.
“You mean this huge event where everyone is actually having a good time against all odds of Emilia fucking it up?” he asks. “I’ve been eavesdropping and somehow you placed everyone in places where they’ll find connection or feel comfortable. You have a gift, Hollis.”
Lifting a shoulder, I look around and see what he does. No one seems uncomfortable, the alphas are all in control, and the security guards are either mixing within the crowd, or are watching the perimeter. Everything is fine.
“I know people,” I finally say. “Dating is like finding the puzzle pieces to see where people fit together.”
“You’re so damn sexy,” he growls. “If I could fuck your brain, I would.”
A surprised laugh escapes. They all find ways to pull laughter out of me, even when I’m the most focused.
“I can honestly say that’s a first,” I admit. “I’m going to walk the grounds, see if anyone needs anything.”
Felix pulls my arm through his with a nod. “Then that’s what we’re doing.”
I have a feeling the guys have decided that I shouldn’t be left alone today. I don’t blame them. Cian called me last night to tell me that he would be here to help with security as well. Maybe he’ll meet someone. We have a large mixture of female and male omegas today.
The idea that I’m Cupid’s pimp isn’t wrong, when it isn’t said with derision. I just help things along.
As we walk, I notice that Cian is gazing at someone, except I can’t tell who it is from this angle. Shit.
“You look like you’re about to stir the pot, baby,” Felix murmurs.
“Then I would tell you that I’m either a perfect angel, or that you’re absolutely correct because I’ve never been angelic a day in my life.”
Felix snorts as I bite my lip, annoyed that I can’t see more. I don’t doubt that Cian’s control is good, so if he gets possessive, he won’t cause a scene here. He’s also in denial that he wants anything to do with an omega or another mate.
“Can you see what the alpha in the dark blue suit with the black coat is staring at? He has dark hair and is wearing a hat,” I murmur.
Glancing over, Felix shakes his head. “There’s something in the way, Hollis. I can’t see. Are you playing matchmaker with the dangerous mafia man, Baby Girl?”
“Shhh, he’s not dangerous to me,” I murmur. “And Cian won’t let me play matchmaker. Maybe biology and fate will help me out. It’s been known to happen.”
“God, you make it very easy to fall in love with you,” Felix mumbles to himself.
Eyes wide, I turn to face him.
“Is that really so shocking? I’m not all the way there, but close enough that it’ll fucking hurt if you reject my pack,” he says.
“I wouldn’t…” I deny, shaking my head. “I need to tell you about my anti-dating policy later and why it came into effect. I can’t do it now, okay?”
I cry whenever I think about my sister. Is she alive or dead? Should I hope that she’s dead if being alive is a living hell? I unfortunately know too well the evils that exist because I hear about them from clients, Omega’s Haven, and my friends.
Not knowing is a double edged sword. If I knew, maybe I could mourn and attempt to move forward. It’s the same reason Lars and Caleb keep looking. The difference is that we know Alisa is alive, simply lost.
“Of course,” Felix says gently. “I didn’t mean to get so heavy just now. Do you need a second? Maybe some water?”
“I haven’t had much water,” I admit.
“I’ll be right back,” he murmurs. Kissing my forehead, he walks away to get me some.
My attention gets pulled away almost immediately as I go check on the caterers, who are already setting up and preparing the bite size appetizers. They are very capable, and I smile as I press my cold hands against my cheeks.
Looking up, I see the sky’s odd cloud pattern, and wonder if it’s waiting to dump snow on us all. Just because the weather says we should only get a light dusting, doesn’t mean that won’t change.
It seems I’ve lost Felix, because I don’t see him again as I walk through the event. Malcolm and Remy are chatting with people, while Brice is watching how the packs interact with different omegas. Taking a page from Brice, I walk closer to the tables and grouping, and listen to the conversations.