Follow The Current

•23•

•Callie's POV•

"I'm telling you, this family is dysfunctional." Flora says to me as Aunty Claire and Uncle Josh hurry to set the dinner table.

I laugh, "You're family is any better?"

She shrugs and smiles, "Fair point."

I notice Cason and Justin talking, "Seems like they're getting along."

She looks over too, "Yeah, Justin likes his company."

"Shall we join them?" I ask.

She just nods and we walk over to them. I touch Cason's arm in a welcome and I see Justin wind his arm around Flora's waist.

"But, yeah. We'll see what happens." Justin finishes talking.

"I guess in the end, it is the Alpha's choice." Cason replies, taking my hand in his.

Look between the two, "What is?"

Cason glances at me, "Who his Beta and Third are."

I look back to Justin, "I thought it ran in the blood, like Alpha does."

Justin shakes his head, "Of course, Beta and Third are more powerful, but the Alpha is allowed to choose someone else."

I glance over at Alec, who was getting a tour of Barbies by Summer herself.

Looking to the guys again, I purse my lips, "This is about Alec, isn't it?"

Justin just averts his eyes and Cason gives me a nod.

It made sense. Justin was two years younger than Alec, while Todd was the same age and his best friend. Of course Alec would want Todd as Beta, even though Todd would have Third blood in him.

Justin was most likely to get Third, while he had Beta blood in him.

"Maybe he'll do it the typical way." I say, trying to give him a small hope.

He glances at Alec, "I think we both know that's highly unlikely Callie."

"Alright everyone! Dinner's up!" Aunty Claire says from the table.

I give Justin a small, supportive smile and Cason leads me to the table. I sit between Grandma and Cason, and he sits next to Justin, who Flora sits next to after that.

Grandma smiles at me, "It's nice to be back."

I smile back, "I'm glad Grandma."

Summer, Leo, Aunty Claire, and Alec sit on the other side of the table, while Grandpa and Uncle Josh take the heads of the table.

They pour some wine, grandma starts putting some into my glass. I give her a look but she just winks at me before putting some in Cason's too.

I see Uncle Josh doing the same for Justin, Flora, and Alec.

Summer and Leo get some apple juice, much to their disappointment.

Uncle Josh raises his glass, "To good health and new beginnings."

Everyone repeats it in agreement and we clink glasses before taking a sip.

"Okay, dig in everyone." Aunty Claire says, passing around the salad.

••••*••••

Cason and I decided to walk home, the cool air providing a fresh perspective.

His hand was around my waist, our body heat mingling to supply extra warmth.

I look up at him, "Oh, I just remembered. When is Kayla's birthday?"