I could hardly hear what they were saying, even with my enhanced hearing. Neron didn’t look happy to see him, and I didn’t like how man was bothering him. My legs carried me back to the party, searching for one person I needed the most.
Lucky for me, she walked into the hall with a large mug in her hands. “Nuria, I need to talk to you.”
“You cannot have my tea!” She growled at me. Rolling my eyes, I flicked her nose.
“I don’t care about your damn tea! I need you!” Without giving her time to answer, I grabbed her elbow and dragged her to the window. I pointed to Neron and the unknown man in the distance. “What’s going on over there?”
Nuria smirked. “I never pegged you for nosy.”
“Unfortunately, when you hang around Jackie for as long as I have, it becomes second nature.” I laughed. “But, seriously, do you have any clue what’s going on down there?”
Nuria careened her head out the window, squinting to get a better view of the pair. After what felt like a minute, she groaned and shook her head. “That’s Wystan, Ezekiel’s son and current Alpha of the Iron Stone Pack. Or, as Neron puts it, a pain up his ass.”
“They don’t get along?”
“Nope. They’re allies, but their personalities clash whenever they meet.” She shrugged her shoulders, setting her mug on the windowsill. “If I were you, I’d should stay away from Wystan.
“Why?”
“He’s a persistent little shit, especially when he spots something or someone he likes.” Nuria rolled her eyes. “Men like that remind me every day on why I like tits and pussy.”
I grimaced, giving my friend an incredulous look. “Must you be so vulgar?”
“Just telling the truth.” She chuckled, swirling her tea with a spoon. “Don’t you agree?”
“No comment.” Heat rushed to my cheeks, but I shook it off. “By the way, how many cups of Phoebe’s tea did you have today?”
“I lost count after the ninth cup.”
“Well, you can kiss sleeping tonight goodbye. You aren’t supposed to drink that much tea in one day.”
“There’s no rule that says I can’t.” She replied nonchalantly, taking a huge sip. “It’s so sweet like her. Like her scent. She sat down and crafted individual tea bags for me to enjoy.”
“She is good with her hands, I suppose.”
My friend’s mood shifted, her suggestive smile shining while bouncing her eyebrows. “Is she now? I’ll keep that in mind.”
*Oh no*. I walked right into a trap. “Fucking hell.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. Who the
hell let Nuria out of horny jail?
“You know what else?”
“No, I don’t want to know what else.”
“It makes me wonder if she tastes as good as this tea.”
And this was where I made a U-turn back to the party. Fucking werewolves and their fucking libidos.
***Neron***
“Why don’t you ask Kiya to go with you to the Alpha Gathering next week?”
Kids rushed past us in their mini-sugar rush with cake crumbs dotting their lips. Mom had cut the star of the show into many pieces, currently enjoyed by all the partygoers alike. Spongy vanilla mixed with thick strawberry sauce melted in my mouth when I took a bite. I needed it after my recent encounter with Wystan outside.
I shook my head, sighing through my nose. “Is that such a good idea, Mom? I don’t like the idea of her being in a room surrounded by many Alphas.”
“Are you worried she’ll attract them? I wouldn’t blame them; she’s a beautiful woman.”
“That she is.” I smile to myself, my eyes finding her in the distance, eating her slice of cake with my Betas and Gammas. “I know she can take care of herself, Mom, even if one tries to overstep their boundaries. Kiya kicked my ass plenty of times and I know she’ll do the same to them.”
“A powerful woman garners attention, especially when one is our Moon Goddess’ avatar.” Mom took another bite of her cake, crushing the edible pearls between her teeth. “However, I don’t think you’d want to take Nuria with you again, huh?”
No way. I love Nuria, but she’s a goddamn terrorist whenever we share a room.
I grimaced at the memory of her slapping a handful of shaving cream on my face as a wake-up call. Or the time she blasted music in my ears through her earphones. She helped garner alliances with some alphas on the east coast, but I’d like to sleep peacefully without the looming threat of her waking me up the ‘sisterly’ way, as she liked to put it. “Absolutely not.”
“Then ask Kiya. The worst she can do is say no.”
My eyes found Kiya once again, laughing as she clinked glasses of champagne with Lorelai. We’ d travel to Miami, stay in a hotel room for three days, and she’d get a taste of what I’d have to do as Alpha. Anthony and her sister Lyria attend the meetings as well, so she’d have the benefit of having her family there. Many Lunas are in attendance with their mates. We talk werewolf politics, allegiances, and so much more that’ll benefit the packs of North America.
Having Kiya beside me through the journey was more than I deserve. Yet, I wanted that slice of the potential future ***i*** she were to be my Luna, making all the big decisions with me. Would she be comfortable being in proximity with me for all that time?
Could I handle having her close to me for that long, especially with the mate bond acting up?
“You two were made for each other, Neron.” Mom reiterated, swishing the pink liquid in her glass. “I know you both are distancing from each other for your own sakes, and I hope you don’ t think I’m putting any pressure on you.”
“You aren’t, Mom.” I held her free hand in my own. “I understand what you’re trying to do. And Nuria, despite her unorthodox ways of approaching things. You two want me to be happy.”
“A mother always strives for the happiness of their children. Kiya is my child too, and I want her happy as well. If Selene allows it, you both will find your way to one another. If not, then she will grant the happiness you rightfully deserve.” She reached up and cupped my cheek. ” How is your Foresight?”
“I’ve gotten no visions of Kiya getting hurt lately, which I’m thankful for.”
**Pappa* said it gets easier to manage over time.”
“Does it?”
Mom nodded. “You and Nuria are still very new to it. Give yourself some grace.”
“Is there a chance we could talk to *morfar*?”