“Aww.” Maisy’s voice hitched as she batted at his chest. “You’re sounding all gushy.”
“Me? Gushy?” Zohar shook his head, scowling. “Don’t say that ever again. I’ve a rep to protect. Now, come on, before I say something else that’ll get me into trouble.”
Hand in hand they made their way to the door, the music from the party that was already in full swing growing louder with each step. Maisy pausing to draw in several deep breaths with Zohar’s hand on the door knob. “Ready?” he asked.
“If I say no can we go back to bed?” she queried with a raised eyebrow.
“No,” he laughed back, pulling the door wide.
As soon as they stepped outside there was a deafening roar of welcome from the assembled Pack. Shouts of congratulations, welcoming cries to the new Alpha couple filling the camp as Zohar strode with purpose toward a table set up for them. He kept one arm around Maisy’s waist, using their link to send calming waves through to her, as well as a portion of his power and strength.
He watched her carefully, saw her keep her head high, making eye contact with everyone they passed, and their resultant lowering looks. Thank the Goddess the Pack was accepting her role as his mate. If they hadn’t then the night would have been a nightmare clash of his wits against any who dared to challenge their place as Alphas.
Of course, he would have no trouble establishing his position. Only a fool would challenge him but if anyone dared to oppose Maisy then he would have to force himself to stand by and watch as she dealt with the situation herself. That was not something he could envisage doing, but she’d made him promise that he would not intervene, and he couldn’t refuse her.
Damn, he couldn’t refuse her anything. His sunshine had him under her spell and he’d do anything for her. He’d promise her the damn moon and move heaven and earth to get her it if he had to.
Gwenola rushed forward, smiling as she arrived, arms outstretched before she remembered Maisy’s new rank. “Oh, sorry,” Gwenola gasped, her hand shooting to her mouth. “My apologies, Alpha,” she said in a subdued tone. “I’m so happy for you both and I wish you a happy life together. I’m glad you decided to stay, Zohar. The Pack needs you, and you Maisy, you’ll be a great team and I’ll always be here if either of you need any help, or advice on anything at all.”
Maisy released Zohar’s hand, reaching for Gwenola, embracing the woman. “Thank you so much. I’ll be bending your ear so much you’ll regret offering.”
“Aww, I’m happy to help, Maisy . . . sorry, Alpha.”
“Maisy’s just fine.” Maisy peeked up at Zohar. “Isn’t it? Or not? Shoot, see, I don’t know about all this stuff.”
Zohar gave a curt nod. “In informal situations, your name is fine, so long as that’s what you want. In formal meetings, or if you don’t wish to be called by your name, then it should be Alpha.”
“Well, this is definitely informal, so Maisy is just fine.” Maisy grinned.
Gwenola led them to the table, laden with food and drink. “I hope everything is to your satisfaction and if there’s anything else you need just holler.”
Zohar pulled out a chair for Maisy, waiting until she was comfortable before sitting beside her, and whispering, “How long do we need to stay?”
Maisy glanced over, smirking. “We’ve only just arrived.”
“Sorry, what’s your point?” Zohar chuckled. “Can’t we leave yet?”
“No,” Maisy answered with a laugh as Danko and the rest of his men arrived bearing gifts of bottles of single malt whisky.
“Congratulations,” the men whooped out as one, obviously all of them had already been imbibing for some time.
Danko’s smile was so wide it split his face in two. “Alpha, boy oh boy. I never thought I’d ever be calling you that, but I gotta say . . . it suits you, Zohar.”
Zohar tilted his head, scrutinizing his friend. “How much have you had to drink?”
“Me?” Danko’s eyes opened wide with shock. “Not a damn drop. I’m wired with happiness. I’m on duty and I don’t drink when on duty. You know that.”
“Good.” Zohar hooked his finger, drawing Danko toward him. “That means I can ask you an important question.”
Danko waved the rest of the squad away before leaning across the table. “What’s up?”
Zohar glanced at Maisy before focusing on his friend. “What would you say to a change of career? Want to join me here as my Beta?”
Danko shot back, standing upright, eyes wide and looking all around. Zohar could see the cogs in his friend’s head spinning as he gazed over the camp, taking in the Shifters assembled for the party and finally returning to Zohar. “For real? You’re asking me to give up the top spot at the Council and come here, to this backwoods Pack, and play second fiddle to you . . . again? With no hope of ever being top dog? Or, in this case, Alpha. You want me to walk away from my only chance of being number one?”
Zohar’s face was his usual game face, no emotion showing whatsoever as he replied calmly. “That about sums it up. So, Danko, what’s your answer?”
Maisy’s hand landed on his thigh, digging her fingers in tightly as they waited.
Danko crossed his arms over his chest, staring down at him, his face as inscrutable. His friend looked at Maisy briefly then back at him before he finally answered. “Seeing you two sitting there is nothing short of a miracle. You, Zohar Drake, the most feared Enforcer in the land and who now has a mate, and a Pack. I can’t deny being here has been different, a good different, and it’s shown me that things can change, that we can change.
