Alphas Choice

N I N E T Y - O N E

I led Gabriel out to the back garden and sat at one end of the table, I knew Cammy would want the other table head. The group joined us as I was pouring a glass of wine, I passed it to Gabriel and he poured himself some. Myra sat next to me across from Gabriel and Eli sat next to Gabriel. The wine was passed around then two more bottles opened as everyone filled their glasses. I held mine up to everyone.

"To great friends." I cheered, they all held up their glasses and took a drink.

There was meat and cheese laid out on the table along with a hearty selections of bread and olive oil. Bruschetta and some pickled vegetables were on a platter as well. We started picking away at everything and I noticed Eli not eating much.

"Is something wrong Eli?" I asked looking at him.

"Well I don't want to fill up on bread, I'm excited to try the food." He smiled and Cammy laughed, he turned to look at her.

"So I guess I should forewarn all of you, Italians like to gather over meals and use them to socialize, usually we will have wine and a first course around 6:00-7:00 and actual dinner is served anytime between 8:00-11:00 in the evening. Eat as much as you want, you will still have room." She laughed.

"So there will be lots of food and wine most of the day is what you're saying then?" Myra asked and Cammy nodded. "Perfect." She grinned and Eli shrugged picking up more things to eat.

"So Gracie, are you going to tell us about your trip?" Cammy looked at me then Gabriel. "How was Japan? How was the island?"

"It was all amazing, Sakura and Sasori both have found their mates and are hoping to come visit in the spring!" I mentioned to her and she looked happy.

Gabriel and I spent the next two hours talking about our trip, leaving all the sex out if it. I lightly made fun of Gabriel telling them how his wolf wasn't paying attention and accidentally drank the salt water.

"But that's not the end of the story..." Gabriel piped in laughing. "Someone thought it would be funny to throw me up in the air and catch me like I was riding a horse. She ran up a huge hill and dove with me on her back off a fucking cliff." He laughed and I just grinned, everyone erupted in laughter at his expression, we were all feeling a little wine buzz enjoying ourselves.

"Mie belle signore!" Stefano came out with his hands up. "Welcome everyone, I hope you are enjoying yourselves, by the sounds of all this laughter you must be! My name is Stefano Rossi, I will be your humble chef for the week. You have all made it to Italy! Where the wine and food are abundant, I will try my best to make your stay as memorable as possible!" He cheered, he looked around and saw Felix and smiled. "Ah bel singor Felix, you have come back to visit me!" He said placing his hands on his heart dramatically, he thinks Felix is the cutest thing around and spoiled him when he visited last, Cammy and I thought it was hilarious.

Your boyfriend has missed you!  Cammy linked to Felix and I. He's going to be so upset to hear you found your mate.

Stefano bowed to the table to return a moment later with Maria, they each carried two plates and set them down, left to grab the last four and served us.

"Buon appetito! Bistecca alla fiorentina e fagioli bianchi!" He said bowing again and leaving.

I looked down and a huge steak was on my plate, the boys had even bigger pieces of meat, it was served with white beans. Everyone dug in and it was so good, cooked rare over a wood fire.

"I could get used to a meal like this!" Eli exclaimed shoving more in his mouth.

We took our time eating and talking, Myra and Eli filled us in on some stuff happening with the pack, nothing overly exciting really. Cammy talked about changes happening at the castle and how mum has taken on a huge role now that dad wasn't there to stop her. After an hour I excused myself to run to the washroom and decided to grab my camera when I was done. I stopped in the kitchen on my way out, Maria was tidying up.