by Siobhan Muir
Julianna let her mother’s words sink into her consciousness, and some of her confusion eased.
“Is that what you’ll do, Mom?”
Beth smiled ruefully. “Yes, I’ll try. I admit I was concerned she wanted to take you back as her daughter, but in reality, it’s too late for that. She can only start to build that kind of relationship with you. I already have it.”
Julianna chuckled, wiping away her tears. “Yes, you do. Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, dear one. Now, are you having breakfast?”
“Yeah, I didn’t feel like cooking this morning.”
“I can imagine.” Beth picked up the menu. “What are your plans for the weekend? Do you have to work the whole time?”
Thinking about the choosing ceremony scheduled for that evening, Julianna suspected neither she nor Jeff would be working much at all that weekend. She wanted to tell Beth everything about the pack and the discovery of Jeff Lightfoot as her True Mate, but Beth’s humanity made it impossible.
“Not tonight. Jeff Lightfoot invited me to a party.”
Beth dropped the menu to the table.
“Jeff Lightfoot invited you to a party? Do you think he’s getting serious?”
“Yes.”
“Are you going as his special guest?”
“Yes.” Julianna blushed as her mother’s smile widened.
“Is it a formal party?”
“Yes, why?”
“This must be a dream come true for you. As I recall, you mooned over him for years.”
Mooned. How accurate. Julianna nodded and smiled ruefully.
“It must be all that time you spend working with him. He’s finally figured out you’re a beautiful and accomplished young woman,” her mother said confidently as she picked up the menu again. “I was surprised at his ignorance when it came to you. But he was young and male, and young men can be very blind when their hormones are running. Now that he’s a man, and still unmarried, he’s able to see the extraordinary woman you are. About time!”
Julianna snorted, amused, and Beth winked.
“By the way, he stopped by yesterday.”
Julianna choked on her tea. “What?”
Beth looked far too smug. “Apparently, he wanted to see how I was doing after your dad’s passing and offered any help I might need.”
“Really?”
“He also mentioned that he thinks you’re wonderful and asked if it would be okay to court you.”
Julianna gaped, her jaw hanging. “Court me? He actually said the word ‘court’?”
Beth tried to look innocent, but her eyes twinkled. “Yes, he did. I said I’d think about it.”
“You did not!”
Beth laughed. “No, I didn’t. I said ‘go right ahead, young man.’ Oh, dear one, I’m so happy for you. You do want him to court you, right? Even after Terence?”
Julianna grinned. “More than anything.”
“Excellent.” Beth nodded with satisfaction.
Cindy arrived to take their orders and chatted a short time with Beth. Julianna settled herself in her mother’s words about Sebrina and Jeff, and felt her unhappiness lift. Sebrina’s past choices couldn’t be changed. Holding on to anger over them wasted precious energy. Besides, Jeff had come to her mom and asked for her blessing. Life had shifted from sad to awesome.
“Now, what time is the party tonight?” Beth asked as Cindy took their orders to the kitchen.
“Seven o’clock.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to wear?”
“Yes. Tawny Lightfoot and I went shopping on Wednesday.”
“You went with Jeff’s sister? Wow, you really are getting to know the Lightfoots.”
Her mother had no idea.
“Do you want some help with your hair for the party?” Beth asked. Julianna suspected she wished she could have gone shopping with her daughter.
“Yes, please. Can you help me?”
“I’d be happy to.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Julianna hoped all her gratitude showed in her voice.
“You’re more than welcome. You’ll knock his socks off tonight.”
I sincerely hope so.
* * * *
Jeff stood between his father and sister in the entryway of their home and fidgeted. Three days without Julianna had become torture. Thank the Goddess he wouldn’t have to repeat her absence any time soon.
He wore a black tuxedo tailored for him, and it fit just fine, but with the nearness of the full moon, it felt like a suit of armor. He tried to keep an even expression on his face like usual, but he couldn’t stop himself from scanning the doorway.
Seven o’clock had come and gone, but Julianna still hadn’t stepped through the doors.
He greeted the Winthrops as they passed by, nodding to Cameron. She smiled at him sweetly and demurely. A gold sequined sheath dress rippled over her form like molten metal, molding over her breasts tight enough to show her nipples. The back dipped very, very low, so low Jeff knew she wasn’t wearing anything underneath. Her wolf’s head Token dangled from her left wrist and winked in the light of the foyer like a warning.
“Have you talked to Ms. Morris this afternoon, Tawny?” he asked his sister, shaking off the odd unease.
“Yes, and she promised to be here, Jeff. Don’t worry.”
His sister wore a little black dress with a halter-top neckline and the hem of the skirt stopping just above her knees. Their mother’s pearl choker lay at her throat, and a pearl net wrapped around the bun in her hair. He thought she looked beautiful, but he suspected she’d dressed for someone else.
“I’m not worried.”
Tawny just snorted.
He wasn’t worried. He just wanted to see Julianna right now! He almost shook his head but stopped before he gave himself away. He told himself he shouldn’t see her before the party, but his flimsy assurances couldn’t stem the flood of desire.
Dammit, sit! We’ll see her soon enough.
I want to see her now, his Brother whined.
Jeff nodded and shook hands with most of the guests coming in through the doors, but he barely remembered what he said and to whom. Eloise Farkas entered with her parents, but without Tommy Scatterstone. Jeff idly wondered if she’d finally realized whom she truly wanted by her side. They still hadn’t heard anything about Nora Farkas.
Jeff nodded to Zach, Kyle, Leo, Thomas, and Henry, his cadre of betas. They struck a resplendent picture in matching tuxedos made for this kind of event. To his surprise, Gary and Woody came in together, also wearing tuxedos, although Jeff thought Woody’s might be rented. The omega bouncer didn’t come to these events very often.
Jeff nodded to them, recognizing a difference in both males. They carried themselves with more confidence than they had a few days before. He scented their excitement and pleasure at attending the event.
I’d be excited and pleased, too, if Julianna would just show up!
Brenda Solaris entered the house like a queen surveying and receiving her subjects’ blessings. Her fiery red evening gown with a halter top and ankle-length skirt slit to the hip certainly caught the attention of everyone around her, particularly the unattached males.
Fortunately, I am attached.
The cord of her wolf’s head token wrapped around her right wrist. It dangled below a diamond tennis bracelet, barely visible.
Brenda sparkled and charmed, and her smile suggested she knew she’d be the next Luna. She took the Alpha’s hand and smiled, her eyes flashing coquettishly for Jeff. Jeff replied with his amused half-smile and caught the scent of apricots again. Mixed with her overwhelming anticipation, the scent struck him as cloying and thick, and he wondered how she could breathe through it.
“So good to see you again, Alpha, Jefferson.” All her graceful moves seemed calculated to impress.
“Welcome back, Ms. Solaris,” he said dutifully.
“It’s my pleasure to be back in your house. I hope to be here more often in the
future.”
Jeff allowed his smile to widen a little, but he said nothing to that and she was forced to move on as more guests arrived. He felt relief when she had gone and his eyes swung to the entrance, looking for Julianna once more.
His gaze caught on Sebrina instead, and his unease tripped another warning. The old Paiute woman shambled slowly without her usual smile. She appeared tired and worn down, older than he’d ever seen her. Everything about her screamed sorrow and resignation, and Jeff found himself reaching to take her hands.
“Ah, Jefferson.” She offered him a warm smile that didn’t fill her eyes. “Good to see you. How are you this evening?”
He laughed lightly. “Excited and anxious all at once. But tell me how you’re doing, Mistress Westwind. I scent sorrow on you tonight.”
She gave him a thoughtful look as she cocked her head. “That story isn’t mine to tell, Jefferson, but perhaps it’ll become clear when the Lady Moon shines full. Tonight, I’m simply here to enjoy the company of other Moon Singers and see the next generation of the pack’s leadership develop.”
“Yes, of course,” he said inanely. “Please, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. Perhaps we can share stories later with a friend. Have you seen Ms. Morris yet this evening?”
Sebrina shrank into herself like a wolf flattening its ears and lowering its head and tail. Sorrow suffused her expression, and Jeff suddenly wondered what had happened between the two females.
“I have not, my son.” Sebrina shook her head, her mouth tightened in pain. “I’m sure she’ll arrive when she’s ready to do so. Please excuse me. I don’t want to hold up the others. I’ll speak with you after.”
She shuffled away, and her long purple skirt floated around her ankles like a cloud. Jeff watched her go with concern, but he had to turn back to the guests coming in. What could be bothering Sebrina? Nothing ever fazed her. What had happened in the last few days to make her so sad? He puzzled over these thoughts as he continued greeting the rest of the guests, including the Cutters and their sullen daughter, Tammy.
The teen no longer wore a wolf’s head token, and only a small silver chain hung around her neck in its place. Her eyes filled with resentment when she looked at him, and she stank of suppressed frustration. She said enough to the Alpha and Jeff to be dutiful, but teenage angst suffused her body language.
Yet another reason why you wouldn’t make a good Luna.
Tawny suddenly inhaled and grasped his elbow. He glanced at her then lifted his gaze to the doors to see what had caught her attention.
His heart just about stopped in his chest.
Julianna stood in the doorway, glowing like a shining star against the black sky. She wore a long velvet gown that clung to her curves like second skin, and Jeff’s Brother howled with lustful joy. The rich teal of the velvet and the tastefully low neckline drew attention to the smooth skin of her breasts. He immediately wanted to drag his tongue over them to discover if they were indeed as smooth as they looked.
She’d pulled her glorious hair away from her face with two aquamarine-studded silver hairpins, winking brilliantly against her dark mane. Silver hoops grazed her neck, enticing him to brush them aside for a taste of her sweet skin. A gauzy scarf tied at the side of her neck trailed down her back to brush the top of her ass, and his hands itched to do the job instead.
Julianna’s beauty hit him like a punch in the gut, and her pure scent filled his nose until he staggered with pleasure. Jeff’s cock surged, and he wanted nothing more than to pounce on her, kiss her into submission, and take her hard and wild. He held himself still, awestruck by the beautiful female who sauntered toward him.
She, too, greeted people with a smile or a word, but her attention was sincere and full. When she stopped in front of the Alpha, she looked up at Richard with a grateful smile while he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. Jeff gritted his teeth to keep from ripping her hand out of his father’s and waited for her to turn her luminous eyes on him.
“Thank you for coming tonight, Ms. Morris,” Richard rumbled.
“I’m honored to be here, Alpha.” Jeff knew she meant every word even as she turned to him. “Good evening, Jefferson. How are you?”
Horny, desperate, and rock hard for you, he thought, but he said with a real smile, “I’m great, thank you, Ms. Morris. We’re very glad you could come tonight.” Fucking ecstatic!
“Thank you.” Her eyes blazed with her desire as she caught the scent of his arousal. “I’m very happy to be here.”
She took his hand and shivered at the exact moment excitement and lust shot through his body with her touch. He clenched his jaw and sternly reminded himself to let her go so he didn’t appear to be favoring her.
Fucking appearances! I’m so done with this charade.
Julianna licked her lips, and his blood boiled through his veins. He had to think about changing the oil in his Camaro when she turned to Tawny and greeted her as well. He watched them share a look full of meaning and understanding, but Jeff couldn’t translate.
“I’ll see you at dinner.” She dipped her chin.
“Yes, of course,” he blurted out, distracted.
Jeff watched her walk away, and his breath caught. The back of her dress rested modestly low, and a slit in the skirt stopped three inches short of her ass. A train of a gauzy material just like her scarf filled the slit and he wanted to sift through it with his fingers. Before she disappeared through the crowd, she cast one last appreciative look back over her shoulder, and his cock tried to stand up and sing.
Down! He groaned under his breath. How the hell am I going to make it through the evening?
Jeff knew his duty, but he desperately wanted to escort his Mate to her seat in the garden. And stay by her side, forever. Declaring her my favorite and skip all the rigmarole. Forcing his shoulders to relax, he stayed, but his smile felt strained by the time he escorted his sister to the garden. Tawny looked over at him and grinned, but said nothing.
Her smile remained in place until she caught sight of Zach standing beside Theo. Tawny’s attention sharpened, and her body tensed. Zach suddenly straightened up and stared at her with the same intense focus, making Tawny blush.
Is Zach checking out my sister? Jeff raised an eyebrow at his First, who coughed with chagrin and nodded, his expression smoothing into its usual impassiveness.
Jeff felt Tawny sigh with disappointment, but before he could ask her about it, they arrived at the table where Julianna spoke with MaryBeth and JenniLynn Grayhound. Julianna kept up her conversation with the twins, but she sent him a glance, acknowledging his presence. His insides turned to mush, and his pants tightened once more. Tawny elbowed him, and he realized he’d been standing there, staring at Julianna like an idiot.
“Uh, right, okay.” He pulled out Tawny’s chair for her. “I’ll leave you then.” He kissed his sister on the cheek and turned away, trying to get his arousal under control.
* * * *
Julianna savored Jeff’s presence like the heat of a small sun. The scent of his desire burned her, even from where he stood waiting for the ceremonies to begin. She’d wanted to throw herself into his arms when she came in but told herself she could wait until after the ceremony. Her body didn’t agree, but she’d managed to walk away.
Think about something else or everyone is going to scent your arousal!
Like Jeff’s impromptu visit to her mother. It was sweet and considerate and just plain nice. Her heart swelled, and she fought back tears of joy. She’d come full circle in this crazy dance. She stood, dressed up, in the garden under the twinkling lights of the tents, waiting for her future to bloom before her. But this time, she’d chosen the outcome.
“Are you sure you want us in your cadre if you’re chosen?” Jennilynn asked for the sixth time. “We’re only low-level betas. There’re many other betas with more experience who favor you.”
“You’re both, what, twenty-eight years old?”
The women nodded
.
“You’re the only betas other than Tawny Lightfoot who spoke to me the first evening I became a packmember. I value that kind of friendly kindness.”
“Well, we liked you the moment we scented you.” Marybeth blushed. “You smelled right.”
“What do you mean, ‘smelled right’?”
“Uh, well…” Marybeth’s blush deepened.
“What she means is she can scent when someone is right for something.” Jennilynn rolled her eyes at her sister.
“Really?” Julianna turned her gaze to Marybeth.
Marybeth shrugged self-consciously. “Oh, it’s just this weird sense of rightness about people. Everything just smells ‘good’ or ‘settled’. It’s hard to explain.”
Julianna was impressed. “That’s a very useful talent.”
“It would be if it worked for me, but it only works for other people.” MaryBeth grimaced. “I have to muddle along on my own like everyone else. Except they have me.”
“Yet another reason to have you in my cadre. It seems like a very good skill to have available when problems crop up. Perhaps you could help determine if someone might help or hurt the pack.”
MaryBeth looked thoughtful. “I guess. I’ve never tried that before.”
“You might get the opportunity if I’m chosen Luna. Would you be willing?”
“I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it. It seems like a big responsibility.”
“Please think on it and let me know what you decide. Regardless, I’d still like you both in my cadre.” Julianna took a hand of each woman and squeezed gently.
“We’d be honored, Mistress Julianna,” they said together without hesitation. Relief hit Julianna. Thank the Lady Moon they agreed. She couldn’t imagine them outside of her inner circle.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to begin.” Richard’s voice boomed out over the assembly. Julianna nodded to her friends and found her seat.
