Chapter 30
It felt good and kind of weird to be home in Biloxi. Vega missed her packmates but so much had changed in just a week. Laying her head on Gabriel’s shoulder as they headed up to the front door of one of the pack’s hotels, she said, “I’m going to miss everyone but I’m really looking forward to our next op.” Whatever it might be. August had simply checked in, briefly, to make sure everyone was okay and to tell them that Carson was officially dead—executed by Judoc’s pack. But he’d said they had an extra week, and honestly, she was okay with it. More sexy times with Gabriel? Yes, please.
“I’m looking forward to when we’re alone again,” he murmured, his grip around her tightening. When he lowered his voice like that and got all growly, it sent shivers up her spine.
She looked up at him as they reached the entrance to Howlers, where they were supposed to meet the pack for some kind of dirty Santa party—she could only imagine how insane things would get soon. “Why don’t we ditch this party and go find somewhere private?” she murmured.
He started to respond then sighed and did a chin nod thing to the restaurant/bar. She looked up to see the entire pack—and a lot of others, including Bo and Nyx, Ian and Fiona; even Gray was here with Ophelia, and he hated public places—with a big sign that said Congratulations!
It took her a moment to realize that it was because of her and Gabriel. Because they’d gotten mated—which was the equivalent of a human marriage but a whole lot more permanent. “You knew about this?” she asked as they stepped inside.
“Kinda.” He snickered as they were bombarded with shifters from all sides. Shifters of all kinds, vampires, half-demons, a demigod—the whole crew was here and then some.
She could literally feel the love from everyone wrapping around her, infusing her. Gabriel didn’t let go of her hand even as they were greeted, kissed, and hugged—okay, tackle-hugged, because that was the shifter way. At one point something bubbly was pushed into her hand and as she took a sip of the expensive champagne she felt her very sneaky mate slip something into her back pocket.
Ignoring it for now, she waited until the crowd thinned and it was just her and Ophelia, who looked ready to pop any moment now.
“How are you feeling?” Vega asked.
“Really good. Surprisingly good. I figure the last month will be hard but I’m still seeing patients and…oh my gosh, who cares! You and Gabriel! I freaking knew it would happen one day. Victoria and I had a bet on how long… Oh, ah, never mind.”
Vega narrowed her eyes at the petite healer. “Seriously? I was going to say I expected more from you but…yeah, I’m not surprised. We’ve all got bets on your due date.” Grinning, she took a sip of her champagne.
Ophelia shrugged. “Yeah, I know. I made sure to get in on that action—using Solon to place the bet for me.”
“You’re bad.”
“I know. Hey, Gray looks like he’s about to explode. Let me go grab him. See ya later though. And congrats again. Being mated looks good on you.”
Vega simply nodded and smiled as her friend hurried away, and pulled out the note Gabriel had slipped into her pocket. Warmth infused her as she read his bold handwriting. He’d saved all the letters he’d ever written her and she was only halfway through them. She’d decided to savor them and take her time reading through all of them. He, of course, had already read through all the ones she’d written him. Now she was really glad she’d saved them.
Vega,
I booked the penthouse suite. Whenever you’re ready, let’s go so I can bury my face between your legs. Let’s aim for five orgasms tonight.
Yours forever,
Gabriel
Just like that, heat bloomed between her legs as she imagined him doing exactly what he’d said. Looking up, she found his electric green eyes on hers. He was standing next to three packmates, clearly not listening to a word they were saying, and basically fucking her with his gaze.
She really, really figured they should stay but… She nodded toward the exit and before she could blink he’d shoved his glass at Ian and was racing toward her. She’d barely put her own drink down before he tossed her over his shoulder and was striding from the bar.
They left to the sound of whoops and hollers and she didn’t care at all.
“I don’t plan on coming back down here at all,” Gabriel murmured as they reached the elevators, still not putting her down. Instead he smacked her butt—and she loved it way too much.
“But you do plan on coming.”
Laughing, he pinched her butt. “Not sure how I ever lived without you.”
“Right back at you.” And their adventure was just beginning.