Hosting people at our house has become something I love and tonight is no different. After we’re full we all decide to head upstairs.
Shiloh heads with my brother and her pack to the game room where I’m sure some sort of competition is bound to start. Meanwhile I show Andie my nest. Shiloh has already seen it inperson and was a big help in finding some antiques I needed for the space.
The difference between when I first walked into this house and how my nest looks now is night and day.
This nest is my dream. A collection of vintage pieces, soft blushes and golds.
“It’s stunning, Claire. A far cry from the Under the Sea suite,” she says and I groan.
“Don’t remind me.”
Andie laughs, and I swear her skin looks clearer than ever. What they say about a pregnancy glow is real.
“So, has it been everything you dreamed?”
“It has,” I tell her with a smile.
There’s a loud booing sound from the game room and I roll my eyes while Andie raises a brow. I wave a hand at her to follow me.
“You’re a dirty little cheater, Wells Torrin,” Elliot’s booms.
“Moi? A cheater, never. It’s not my fault that you don’t know how to play the game,” Wells snaps back.
Andie looks over at me and I shrug.
“I didn’t see him cheat,” Jonah unhelpfully adds, and Elliot points at him.
“Stay out of it, Sørensen.”
Jonah just laughs, leaning back into the couch.
I stare at my two mates lovingly as they argue over a game of shuffleboard. Shiloh and her pack along with Forrest look unphased while Andie’s pack looks confused, but I just bask in how far we’ve come. Especially when Elliot rounds the shuffleboard table and starts tickling Wells, who I’ve come to learn is exceptionally ticklish. It sends my Beta to the floor, and Elliot is relentless as he tickles his ribs.
“Fuck. Okay. I cheated,” Wells pants out between laughter. “Just stop tickling. Please.”
Elliot releases him and points a finger at him. “I’m going to get you back, Torrin, just you wait.”
“I’m pissing my pants over it. And it’s Smith-Torrin” Wells says, shoving at Elliot’s unsuspecting shoulder, before slapping his ass and coming to the hallway. “Excuse our Alpha, he’s rather immature,” he tells Andie with a wide grin, kissing the side of my head.
Elliot just shakes his head, but I can see a smile on his lips. This was always the way he played with my brothers and it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that he’s found a real home here. He’s no longer just here for me. He cares about Wells and Forrest too.
Andie yawns, and her pack is next to her in a second. “I think we’re going to call it a night, but we’ll see you tomorrow morning?”
“Can’t wait,” I tell her honestly as we bid them goodnight. Forrest put them up at one of his chalets on the resort.
Jonah, Shiloh, Mack, and Cole stay a little later, the guys playing a myriad of games. Most of them stop playing video games because Mack kicks all their asses.
Shiloh and I just watch on as we chit chat.
“Has Axel come to visit lately?” I ask her, knowing that she won’t rat to my brother about meddling in our brother’s business.
“No, but I heard him on the phone with Jonah,” she whispers softly, making sure her Alpha doesn’t hear. “Something about a clinical trial.”
My brows furrow and before I can ask her more about it, her quietest pack mate Mack is looking at her with pleading eyes.
“I think we’re going to head off to bed. I’ll see you for breakfast,” she says and I give her a nod.
They’re family and they stay in our pack guest room. I ponder her words about my brother, but let them go.