My Appalachian Alpha

7

Eli POV
When Avery mind linked and told me that it was Emma that was here, I couldn't believe it. If Emma was here, it meant she had to have felt something when we met, right? I suppose she could have been just being polite when she accepted Tom's invitation, but my wolf was clinging to hope that our mate wanted us. That she wanted me.

Tom might be a crazy old wolf, but he has a soft spot for mates and I have no doubt he did this on purpose. And I'm grateful. Standing here watching Tom drag Emma around and introduce her to everyone is the best thing that's ever happened to me. My mate is meeting my pack. And while the pack was reserved at first, they have fully embraced her now. Whispers travelled fast that she was my mate and the future Luna and I am proud to say the pack has been on their best, mostly human, behavior.

Sine I don't know how much Emma knows about the supernatural world, we will hold off on the pack run after Emma leaves. As a witch, she surely knows more than a human, but I don't want to scare her if I'm wrong.

Dammit, just the thought of her leaving is unbearable.

I walk up to Emma and Tom, finally giving in to the pull to be near her.

"Thank you again for inviting me. This has been amazing. Your family is incredible," Emma says to Tom.

"It was nice to have you join us today," I say, smiling.

"I'm just thankful I got to come. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming. I really better be heading home though. It will be dark soon, and if I got lost getting here in daylight, I can't imagine the drive home in the dark."

"Could I at least give you a tour of the house first? Avery informed me that you were promised a tour."

"So it's a house?" Emma asked a bit surprised as she looked behind me at our pack house.

"It is. I'm happy to show you around."

"Who's house is it?" Emma asked.

"Well, I guess it mine." I say honestly.

"Yours? You live here... in this house?"

"I do," I say with a small chuckle. "Come on, I'll show you around."

I lead Emma into the Pack house and watch amused as her eyes light up. Looking around I can agree it's a beautiful home. And having her here to see it is everything. I want nothing more than to have this be her home too.

"I've never seen anything like this, and this kitchen....I love it," Emma swoons.

"You want to know the best part of the kitchen?"

"Umm YES."

I reach into a hidden cabinet and pull out a plate of freshly baked cookies.

"Ms. Padison makes a batch of cookies daily and keeps them in here. Want one?"

Emma nods and her eagerness is the cutest damn thing I've ever seen. She's so perfect it hurts to not be touching her, to not mark her, to not...

"Oh my gosh, these are incredible. I must have this recipe," Emma says enthusiastically. "Who is Ms. Padison?

"She's one of the cooks."

"You have multiple cooks?"

"Yes. I'm not the only one who lives in the house. A lot of...extended family do as well."

"Oh, that's great! I don't have a large family. Actually, it's just me and my dad. I can't imagine having a family as large as you have. That's a lot of love and support."

"It is, and while there are some challenges, I wouldn't have it any other way," I say, warmly. And I mean it. This pack is half of who I am. The other half is standing right in front me, taking another huge bite of her cookie.