Chapter 29

ANNA

Anna left the bathroom wrapped in a towel, and her legs trembling. She collapsed onto the bed, watching as Zach came out of the bathroom, the steam from the shower wafting through the door.

Anna watched him, her eyes half-mast and tracking a droplet of water as it traveled from his shoulder, down his chest, and over his muscled abdomen and stomach before being stopped by the edge of the towel that was wrapped low around his hips.

Her breath hitched in her throat when she looked up and caught Zach’s gaze, his eyes heavy-lidded and hot.

“Cut it out,” he rasped.

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You know exactly what you’re doing.” Zach quickly dried himself before dropping his towel and picking up the jeans he’d discarded earlier. He first slid one leg in and then the other.

Anna huffed as he pulled the denim up his legs, doing up the button and zipper with finality. “Get dressed, and we’ll find some food.”

“I’m not hungry.” Anna pouted, not moving.

“You’ll need the fuel for later.” Zach sent her a suggestive wink before pulling his shirt over his head. Anna shook her head as she finally got up and went to her closet for some clothes.

Once she was dressed, choosing black tights and a long navy shirt, she wrestled a brush through her hair so it no longer looked like she’d been rolling around in a bed.

They’d had a shower, but she hadn’t had a chance to wash her hair, Zach having distracted her with his focus on the promise of tasting her everywhere.

As his lips had skimmed down her body, nipping and sucking anywhere he touched, they had discovered the fully completed bond meant that Anna’s pleasure rebounded between them, tripling in intensity until neither knew who was even experiencing the sensations.

It was a definite upside to the bond. Anna’s mind was still whirling over the new, vibrant connection.

It felt as if another person was inside her mind with the ability to tap into her innermost thoughts at any time. It was unnerving but also comforting to know that Zach was always there.

As they were coming down from the high in the shower, Zach had told her that there were ways to temporarily close the bond to give each other privacy or just time alone; it was something that Anna was going to have to practice later.

They left Anna’s quarters hand in hand, walking in the direction of the dining hall. She was nervous, feeling as if everybody would know what they had done like it was written across her forehead.

Anna raised a hand and was scrubbing it quickly across her face—just in case—when Zach looked down at her, one eyebrow raised, his lip tilted in amusement.

Before she could say anything, Zach reached forward and pushed open a door, making Anna realize they were already at the dining hall.

He waited for her to move inside before coming to stand beside her, once again taking her hand and leading her forward.

It was close to dinner time, so the room was packed with people. Anna tried not to look around too much and quickly averted her gaze if she made eye contact with anyone.

Zach led them to a table that was occupied by Alex and Steph and some other pack members that Anna didn’t know. She greeted Steph first before turning to look at Alex.

As soon as their eyes met and she saw the smirk on his face, she knew that he knew. Anna looked up at Zach, the question on her lips, when his voice sounded in her head.

~“You smell different.”~ His voice was colored with amusement, even as he chuckled out loud as Anna fought the urge to sniff herself.

~“What?! What do I smell like?”~

~“Me. Well, a combination of the both of us. Our scents have merged.”~

“What're you laughing at?” Alex asked knowingly, gesturing to the seats next to him.

“Nothing important.” Zach grinned. He sat down, and as Anna started to slide into the seat next to him, he wrapped an arm around her waist and yanked her onto his lap.

Anna felt her cheeks heat up as Alex raised one eyebrow, watching them.

“Guess congratulations are in order,” he commented, taking a drink of water from a glass in front of him. “’Bout time.”

“Hopefully all the adolescents and trainees will settle down a bit now,” Steph piped up, a grin on her face.

Anna’s head swung to look from Alex to Steph and back. “Why would our mating have anything to do with them?”

“He”—Alex dipped his head at Zach—“was so volatile that it was setting off the tempers of anyone who didn’t know how to control it. Now that you’re mated, it should stabilize the pack.”

Anna chewed on her lower lip and avoided looking at Zach. “I didn’t realize…”

~“It isn’t your fault, Anna.”~ Zach stroked a hand down her back, leaning down to rub his cheek against her shoulder. ~“We needed time, both of us. We’re mated now, and that’s what matters.”~

Anna gave a short nod, snuggling deeper into Zach’s body. ~“Just keep reminding me of that, maybe?”~

The jangle of bracelets sounded from behind them, and Anna looked over her shoulder to see Theresa approaching the table.

The maternal smoothly slid into the space next to Zach and Anna, giving a warm smile to the whole table before focusing on the pair.

Leaning forward, Theresa planted a warm kiss on Anna’s cheek before patting Zach’s hand, which rested on Anna’s knee.

“I am just ~so~ happy for the two of you,” Theresa started, “and thrilled that you’re officially here to stay with us, Anna.

“I know you had your doubts for a while—I can sense these things—but you’re a wonderful addition to Silver River.”

Anna could only stare at Theresa in silence before throwing her arms around the other woman and wrapping her in a tight hug. Theresa hugged her back, not letting Anna go until she loosened her hold.

Anna hadn’t realized how deeply she worried that the rest of the pack wouldn’t accept her as Zach’s mate, especially with the immortal genetics and all it might imply.

Just being around Theresa filled her with reassurance, reinforcing that this was home.

Suddenly, the maternal jumped up, startling the other occupants of the table.

She gave a little clap, exclaiming, “Oh my goodness! Now, we can have a mating ceremony! Oh, don’t look so scared, Anna. I can help you plan the whole thing. We can invite the whole pack—”

“Theresa.”

“Except the ones on duty, of course. We can have it outside in the main clearing.

“I’m sure we can dig up some beautiful lights to have in the tree, and I’m sure Jon knows where that big outdoor speaker went. I know he used it last.” The last part was said in a grumble.

“Don’t look so scowly, Zach. The pack needs this after dealing with you for the last few weeks and what happened to poor Jamie.

“Not to mention the strange individuals we keep seeing wandering outside. Don’t think the pack hasn’t noticed them!”

“Theresa!” Zach said again, his voice filled with warning.

Theresa ignored him completely and continued rambling about her plans for the mating ceremony, even as she turned and walked away from the table.

Anna stared after her, her mouth dropped open in shock. She wasn’t really sure what had just happened.

“Well,” Alex commented, his expression the most amused Anna had ever seen it. “Looks like you’re having a mating ceremony.”

Zach growled, his eyes glowing threateningly. “Shut it.”

“He’s right.” Steph laughed. “Trying to stop Theresa would be like trying to stop a spreading forest fire. You douse one spot just as another pops up.”

Zach slouched back in his chair, his arms still wrapped tightly around Anna’s waist as he buried his face into her shoulder.

He mumbled something, and Anna twisted, trying to hear him, but his tight hold held her fast.

“What?” she asked quietly, wondering if it was something he didn’t want everyone else to overhear.

“We can have a ceremony, but only if you want to.” His tone was reluctant, as if he were talking about getting a root canal.

“You don’t want one?”

“It’s not something I dream about, no. I know it would be good for pack morale. We haven’t had one in months…but we’ll only do it if you want to.”

Anna considered his words for a long moment. On one hand, she really didn’t want the attention, but on the other, it would be a good way to get to know the pack.

It seemed important that their relationship was established within Silver River. It wasn’t like anyone had challenged her yet, but they were wolves, after all.

Glancing around the dining hall, Anna was sure that some of the pack were unsure of her, no matter what Theresa thought.

“Yes, I do,” she murmured to Zach. As soon as the words left her mouth, a loud roar erupted at the table.

Everyone was hooting and smashing their fists down on the table, while the rest of the dining hall stared at them, mystified.

“We haven’t had a party in months!” Steph finally explained. “It’s about time we let loose.”

Zach muttered a curse word, his frustration clear in the bond. Anna bit her lip to hide her smile, knowing her amusement was probably clear to him.

He obviously wasn’t a party animal and wasn’t looking forward to seeing what the rest of his pack mates might get up to.

It didn’t take much for the word to spread through the hall, the volume ramping up as everyone started talking excitedly.

Anna caught sight of Theresa smiling with deep satisfaction across the room, and she sent Anna a cheeky wink when their gazes met.

As Anna sat there listening to the chatter, she couldn’t wait for the ceremony. She had a feeling it was going to be the most fun she’d had in a long time.

“Do you want to invite your father and Dominic?” Zach’s quiet words made Anna freeze, her thoughts immediately going to the two immortals.

She knew that she needed to decide what kind of relationship she would have with both of them going forward, but every time she thought of them, she thought of the Circle and what trouble they might be planning next.

“I guess I should…right?” she asked Zach hesitantly, grabbing one of his hands with both of hers.

“Probably. Even if you don’t want a personal relationship with them, Silver River needs them right now. They’re our best resource for fighting other immortals.”

Anna nodded, knowing that Zach was speaking as the alpha and thinking of the pack. It made sense, and it superseded her desire to avoid both Caius and Dominic.

“I do need to speak to them about being an immortal as well, and what it might mean for me as a shifter,” Anna murmured, absentmindedly stroking Zach’s hand.

“I agree you should speak with them and learn about yourself, but it doesn’t mean anything for you as a shifter.” Zach was firm and unrelenting.

Even if Anna had wanted to argue—which she didn’t—he would be unmovable on this subject. Anna turned her head slightly to hide her smile, meeting Steph’s gaze instead, who grinned back.

Deciding to change the subject, Anna commented, “Wasn’t there something you needed to talk to Alex about? A job or something?”

The change in Zach’s body was immediate. He completely relaxed under her, and amusement filtered down the bond.

“Thank you for reminding me,” was all he said before moving his head to Anna’s other side so that he could look at his second.

“I need you to go find Clara; she wants the new system checked before setting it up in the trees.”

Alex’s face went blank without even a twitch or spasm to indicate his feelings about Zach’s order.

“Why can’t you do it? It’s your project,” he asked.

“Because I’m busy with my new mate and planning a mating ceremony,” Zach replied, the epitome of smugness.

Alex’s lip twitched, and if Anna had to guess, she would say he was trying not to snarl at Zach.

“Fine. I’ll do it this afternoon.”

“Don’t scare her too much.”

“I’m not scary,” Alex growled, his dark eyes glowing slightly.

“You’re a little bit scary,” Steph said, her mouth full of food. “You’re scary like a robot is scary.”

“A robot?!” Alex was completely affronted. Before anyone could say anything else, he shoved his chair back from the table and stood.

“I’m going to go see her now, get it over and done with, and prove I’m anything ~but~ scary.”

Steph snickered, waving goodbye as Alex turned on his heel and stalked away. She then turned to Zach. “What the heck are you up to?”

“Nothing.” Zach was all innocent. He then turned to Anna. “Hey, do you think we should actually get some food while we’re here?”

As if on cue, Anna’s tummy rumbled, and she flushed as everyone at the table laughed.

“Yes, food would be great.”

“All right, you wait here, and I’ll get us both a plate.”

She slid off Zach’s lap into the next chair, and Zach stood, stroking his fingers over her cheek before striding toward the food tables. She watched him go, her heart fluttering comically.

“I’m glad you guys have finally got your shit together.”

Steph’s voice brought Anna’s attention back to the table, and she smiled helplessly at the other female.

“I know I fought it for so long when I probably should have just trusted in the bond. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

Steph sighed dramatically. “I want to find my true mate, but I don’t think it’s in the cards for me. Can’t say I want to mate with anyone here, either.”

She looked around the dining hall scornfully. “There aren’t many who can handle me being as dominant as them as well as me being a lieutenant.”

“Do you think you will go out of the pack?” Anna asked, hearing the loneliness and envy that Steph tried to conceal.

“Only to other parts of Silver River. I’m not one to go off on my own; I’ve always preferred being with the pack.”

Steph looked back at Anna and gave a forced grin. “I’ll tell you what, though, this ceremony of yours will be epic. It’s been close to a year since we’ve had a mating ceremony.”

“I’m a bit nervous,” Anna admitted quietly. “I’ve never even been to a mating ceremony before.”

“You have nothing to worry about. The ceremony itself is short. Theresa or Alex will lead it instead of Zach, and you’ll make promises to each other as mates while having an all-important ribbon around both your arms. Then, party time!

“You’ll show off your marks to everyone, dance, drink, and be merry.” Steph paused, blinking owlishly. “Hey, just like Christmas!”

“As long as there’s no public consummation.” Anna laughed nervously.

“Nah, that was abolished eons ago. Although I’m sure some shifters still do it,” Steph considered.

“Who still does what?” Zach asked, sitting back down and placing a plate overloaded with food in front of Anna.

There was a pile of roast beef and vegetables almost toppling off the plate and a large salad.

“Is this all for me?” Anna asked, aghast. “I’m only one person!”

Zach looked at his own plate, which was considerably larger.

“I toned it down a little bit,” Shrugging, he asked again, “Who still does what? I was shamelessly eavesdropping, but it’s too noisy in here.”

“Some shifters still practice public consummation at matings.”

Zach immediately looked at Anna, his eyes gleaming with all sorts of bad ideas.

“No! Absolutely not!” She held a hand up in front of his face. “Get any kind of thought like that out of your head! I was just making sure it definitely doesn’t happen here.”

“Probably a good idea; I wouldn’t want anyone else getting a good look at you in that way,” Zach said thoughtfully. “However, being outside under the trees and the moon—it does hold some appeal…”

“Oi, enough of that!” Steph snapped waspishly, but the twinkle in her eye let them know she was just joking. “You’ll make me feel all jealous like the old spinster that I am.”

“Hardly,” Zach scoffed. “You’re in your prime; you’re just picky.”

“I resent that,” Steph retorted, turning her nose up into the air. “In fact, I think I might go find Alex and conspire against you.”

Zach stared at her. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would. I know you’re planning something with him and Clara, and he knows it too. Revenge will be so sweet.”

Zach pointed a finger at her, wagging it. “Don’t ruin my plans, Steph.”

“If your plans are going to leave me alone while someone else is happily mated up, I will ruin them ruinously.”

“Is that even a word?!”

Anna stayed quiet, taking a bite of potato as her eyes ping-ponged between the two, filled with amusement at their bickering.

This was what a family was, what it should feel like. Grey Wing had been missing this vital element; they created a cloud of fear for someone who should have been the most trusted pack member.

No one had ever challenged Blake, not like how people challenged Zach, even in jest.

It was a huge part of the reason that Anna had been treated so badly for so long: people kept overlooking it for fear of that same treatment falling on them or their families.

Anna knew for a fact that no one in Silver River would ever be treated like that, nor would they fear it. Not while Zach remained the alpha.

Scooping up another forkful of food, Anna considered her place within the pack and knew that it would never happen while she was there either.

Zach tugged affectionately on a strand of Anna’s hair without pausing his banter with Steph. She smiled, knowing he was listening in on her thoughts.