The Demon and His Plaything

23| A new normal

Derek had never just been before. He had always been working towards something. It was nice to relax and not think about the future. He spent the time away from the pack drinking with Grim and, on one of the nights, Godrick as well after Samantha returned home.

He had to go home after only a few days though, needing to be with his family and friends. It was nice to be away but he knew the pack was where he belonged–with Samantha. Upon his return, he struggled with his Alpha training with Samantha's father, with his knowledge but he pushed through as best he could.

Samantha excelled at her training, even discussing with Grim alternatives for pack supplies and how to courier their exported goods. Where possible they bought from other packs filling the gaps with whoever could supply. Grim was suggesting he run the logistics part–they were using a human company at the moment.

She didn't tell her mother she was in discussions with Demons for this, just that she was discussing with a competitor of the current company they worked with. She was going to build the compelling case first and then broach the subject.

She had little to do with her parents outside of her training with them, having moved in with Derek. They had shifted to a two bedroom on the Alpha floor, so they could have their own space when needed. The refugees were moved into their permanent accommodation or moved out to another pack.

They made sure to attend mealtime to greet pack members but would eat together at home. Derek enjoyed the domestic bliss of cooking for them each night.

Either she alone or the two of them would leave the pack to see Godrick. He was always hungry for her, being a good sport about not being able to be with them like they all wanted.

Weeks after their first night all together, Derek was cooking for them at Godricks place. He poured them all a glass of red wine after he laid out their plates. "This is the last dragon wine I've got, so savour it."

Samantha greedily reached for the glass, eliciting a laugh from Godrick.

"So good," she moaned a little too enthusiastically as she took a sip, garnering heated looks from the two men. "I should speak to Grim about how we can set up an import of this from Therien," Samantha said excitedly. She quickly texted him her idea.

"Turn off baby." Godrick squeezed her knee.

"Sorry," she rolled her lips not to smile. "Can't help it. I'm close to finishing the proposal. Grim has some really great ideas."

Godrick and Derek glanced at each other with doubt on their faces. Derek had spent more time with the Grim now–he was a silly guy.

Samantha noticed their look and chastised them. "Hey, don't be mean."

They finished their meal, the conversation revolving around what they were going to do over the weekend in the city.

"I think we should go to a movie festival that's on," Godrick said again.

Derek blew air out. "We watched a bunch of movies the last time we were here. Let's go out out. I heard about a place outside of packlands where you can hike."

Godrick rolled his eyes. It was often like this. He turned to Samantha. "What do you want to do?"

Samantha finished her glass of wine. "I'm done with talking, unless it's in the bedroom."

She stood and lifted the spaghetti straps and dropped her dress, letting it pool at her feet.

Both men appreciated her sudden nakedness, stunned into silence. They both sat dumbstruck by her as she turned and walked to the bedroom.