Claws & Crochet

Part 93

ZOEY

Warner's body goes rigid for a moment, and I'm sure I've found a way to offend the most unoffendable man on earth.

Then all the tension spills out of him with roaring laughter. He tilts his head back, letting the joyous sound fill the night air, and I'm caught between a scowl and a smile. Next thing I know, I'm in his arms, lifted high and whirled about.

"Goldfish crackers. You are the perfect woman, Zoey Gunner." Warner shouts this out, and I'm betting everyone in the bar can hear him.

"And you're too forgiving," I scold him. "Please let me go make you something better." My desperate fingers tangle in his silky hair, but he just lets out a happy growl as I tug at the roots.

"No. Our ceremony will have Goldfish crackers. It's settled. Besides," he gently sets me down on my feet, "I can't wait another minute to be officially mated to you. I'll eat dirt if it means I can finally call you mine."

"Goldfish aren't dirt," I mutter.

Warner grins before pressing a kiss to my forehead and pulling me toward The Rabbit Hole.

Unlike the first time I stepped through the entrance of the werewolf bar, this night lively voices fill every inch of the place.

"They're here!" Courtney pushes through the crowd wearing a glittery yellow top that sparkles like gold in the dim lighting.

All heads turn our way and celebratory greetings get shouted as Warner waves a hello.

"To the woods!" Courtney shouts, marching toward a back door. Roderick meets our stares across the room, and I pick up a grimace on his face in response to my friend's high-handed ways.

But Warner and I grin at each other and follow after her, melting into the group of wolves exiting the bar.

Even though winter has loosened its grip, the nights still get cold. Warner loops his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to his warm body.

Perfect.

Soon we're in a small clearing, the space lit by an almost full moon. Two nights from now, the pack will go on a long ride, and then a long run. I always miss Warner when he's away. I wonder how it will feel once this bond is solidified between us.

Will I ache less? Or more?

Doesn't matter. I still want to claim every inch of him.

A crowd forms a circle around us. The whole pack has gathered. There has to be close to a hundred, and knowing that they're all here to watch this mysterious mating ceremony between Warner and me has me wanting to hide behind my wolf. But that's the problem with circles. There's no behind when you're in the middle.

"Zoey," Warner's soothing tone brings my attention to him. "We don't have to do this tonight. Not if you aren't ready."

He's misinterpreted my nerves.

"I want this, I just didn't realize we'd be stared at." I murmur, even though the other wolves can probably still hear me fine.

He grimaces. "Sorry, but that's the deal. You're joining the pack, so the pack wants to see you. Just remember"—his warm hands cup my face, tilting me up so I can only see him—"they're all happy for us. For this. A pack gaining a new member is always celebrated."

"But I'm a human."

"You're mine." He growls. "And soon, you'll be theirs, too." He nods his head toward the gathered wolves. "All of them will respect you. Protect you. Some will probably love you. I can't blame them."