Chapter 55
BAILEY
When Jase and I stroll into the town hall holding hands, dozens upon dozens of gazes hit us. And now there’s applause.
I’m smiling so big my face hurts. Linc, who’s by the entrance, slaps Jase’s back flashing a huge smile.
“Super happy for you two, Bailey.”
“Thanks, Lincoln. Thinking good thoughts for your turn,” I say.
Linc smiles wide. “I’m thinkin’ good thoughts too. Hope you’re not wrong.” He saws his palms back and forth in anticipation with a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Not as in K. N. O. T.”
He winks at Jase, wiggling his elbow into Jase’s side.
Jase laughs and we’re on the move.
Finally, laughter from him. He’s had murder in his eyes all day. Even after he made me come violently four times this afternoon.
My mate is still holding onto all that anger. He’s definitely a touch edgy. I know he’d much rather us be home tonight.
The town hall has been transformed back from the dorm-style space it’s been for the Moonshine Springs people to the party zone it is whenever we have an event. I know the library is full of all those airbeds, supplies, and bedding. I was told it’ll all be clean and tidy by tomorrow.
I’m a little sad they’re all leaving, though. It was great having all this activity and all the extra visitors in the library.
My hair is loose tonight, and Jase intentionally draped it over my right shoulder just before we walked in here.
I love that he wants my mate mark on display for everyone.
And he’s got bitemarks and scratches on his neck from our earlier activities, too.
Our afternoon interlude was so intense I had Jase command a shift and back so I could physically move.
The space is filled with folks from our pack as well as Brody’s, though it’s not everyone.
Jase told me earlier that because we’re at code orange, the council wanted a manageable crowd and didn’t want our village congregated in one place.
Still, it’s a good turnout. And I’m sure Brody and his pack are feeling the love.
Tables are full of food. There’s music playing. People are smiling, laughing, waving, some of them dancing. Happy kid noises also fill the space. The vibe is excitement and gratitude. I am so happy we came tonight.
Brody and Adelaide are at a table in the corner.
His arms are around her; she’s leaning against him while they contentedly watch the room.
He presses a kiss to the top of her auburn curly-haired head before he whispers something that makes her smile.
He’s looking at her like he wants to whisk her away and keep her all to himself.
She sees me and waves. I wave too. We exchange knowing smiles. We’re both freshly wifed and feeling overjoyed with how Fate worked in our favor.
I see Ivy and Amie, who wave at me from one of the cluster of picnic tables. Amie pats the spot beside her.
Tyson, Mase, and Riley are standing by the big coffee urn together, obviously in conversation, but looking this way with joy on their faces while waiting for Jase to join them. They’ve got coffee cups in their hands instead of alcoholic beverages.
I wave giddily before I kiss Jase’s jaw and rush toward the girls.
Before I get where I’m going, I glance over my shoulder and he’s stopped before getting to the guys. He’s watching me. And his eyes are full of heat.
He likes my gold dress. Second time was the charm, I guess. He’s already told me he can’t wait to get me back home and out of it.
I still caught a faint hint of the pheromone despite Mom taking it to the drycleaners for me, but I’m over my mortification. Well and truly over it.
Stacy and Caroline are serving food to children. Misty is on the dancefloor with some of the kids, all of them dancing in a circle.
“This is awesome!” I say, about to sit beside Amie, but my parents are rushing this way to greet me.
“Oh, you came!” I say.
Mom is examining my mate mark with a big smile.
After I hug them both and we exchange quick pleasantries, Mom rushes toward Skye and Lucy, who come in with more food. Dad wanders toward the coffee urn.
“Look at you!” Amie says, bumping my shoulder with hers as I sit. “I think someone spent the past few days learning what all the fuss is about in the most delightful way!”
I blush while also nodding enthusiastically.
Malachi walks by and waves with a smile, calling out, “Congratulations!”
I wave back, glad he’s not holding a grudge against me.
“We need your full mating story,” Ivy informs. “But let’s save that for a girls’ day. Maybe tomorrow?”
“Maybe next week,” I amend.
Amie elbows me playfully. “I hear ya, girlie…”
I then fill them in on our planned trip and promise we’ll do lunch before we go.
“So? What happened today with Sherry?” Ivy asks.
I tell them about run-in with Sherry, but I speak as soft as I can, so I don’t affect the otherwise awesome vibe here tonight.