Page 193 of A Broody Mate for the Human

“It’s lovely to finally meet you,” Celine tells him with a smile. “I’m sorry, we can’t stay with you for now,” she further says. “Marius and I just used the five minutes of quiet to say hello to you.”

“Do we have to return to doing business and politics already?” Marius scrunches his nose. “I swear some of my brain cells died when talking to that Alphawhat’s his name. I don’t know how you and Liam do that.”

Celine takes his hand and grins. “Yes, we have to,” she says amused, while she pulls him along.

I try to remember all the names and faces introduced to me. Working as an advisor for the Council means it’s important to remember as many people as possible. I notice some of the members from other packs are wary when introduced to me, but only until one of my fellow pack members approaches and shows their loyalty to me as their pack member.

After a while, Raffy and I decide to take a little break and walk to an emptier corner of the huge hall. It’s then that someone unexpected approaches me. My eyes widen when I see he is accompanied by a tall young man. “Matthew!?”

Matthew halts in front of me and Raffy and smiles nervously. “Hello, David,” he looks at Raffy, his gaze anxious. “Raphael. I…” He licks his lips anxiously. “It didn’t feel right not to say hello. I came with Alpha Finn today.”

“Alpha Finn.” I blink. “You changed packs?”

He nods. “I… listen, Dave, I know I did you wrong, and I’m not sure if you even want to see me now—”

“I don’t mind,” I tell him, because really, I don’t. It’s not like I need to befriend him, but I feel no bitterness towards him anymore. I smile. “Our story, Matt, as painful as it was, it led me to Raphael.”

“It was the wake-up call I needed,” Matthew explains. “And the second one I needed was the one you gave me after the attack on your luna.” He pauses, reaching out his hand to grasp the hand of the young man next to him. “The journey was painful and devastating, and I’m not even sure if I deserve this here… but… it led me to Emmanuel.”

My eyes widen, before I let out a squeal. “You met your second chance!?”

Matthew looks at us all bashfully and nods. “You don’t need to hold back by the way. Emmanuel knows my past—all of it, also how shit I was to you.”

Emmanuel looks at Matthew kindly and nuzzles his nose into his neck. He is smaller than Matthew and skinnier. His skin looks sun-kissed, and his hair and eyes are dark brown. “I’m happy to meet you,” he tells me warmly. “I was one of the slaves of Blood Snow. Alpha Finn and Luna Freya rescued us, and Matthew here was part of the rescue mission.”

Matthew puts an arm around his mate’s shoulder and looks at him warmly. His love for him is evident. My chest almost bursts in relief. He managed to overcome his past, and he fulfilled his promise… and is a good mate to his second chance. He accepted him, a former slave, and seems to be completely supportive of him.

I shake his hand eagerly. “It’s nice to meet you, Emmanuel. Tell your mate I harbor no ill feelings towards him. I’ve told him a few times already, but it seems he doesn’t believe me.”

Matthew looks flustered while Emmanuel laughs.

“Are you a ranked member?” Raffy asks Matthew. “Or did you join as a regular pack member?”

“Emmanuel is the delta of the pack,” Matthew explains.

Raffy looks sincerely surprised. “You were a gamma’s son, right? So, it doesn’t matter to you that your mate has a rank above you?”

“Does it to you?” Matthew returns the question.

He and Raffy seem to look at each other intently, and a new form of understanding seems to pass between them. I can feel through the bond how Raffy relaxes. “The Moon Goddess doesn’t grant second chances just like that,” he says quietly. “And I’m certainly not one to judge someone.” He pauses. “It’s good to see you doing better, Matthew. Just please stay away from my mate.”

I elbow him in annoyance while Emmanuel laughs. He snuggles against Matthew. “Don’t worry, I’m not sharing with anyone,” he promises.

Matthew growls. “Me neither,” he grumbles, looking at his mate possessively. Other than the way he used to look at me, this time, his gaze is full of love. I’m glad that this chapter of my life is now completely closed. Knowing that Matthew managed to overcome his past and move on sets my mind at ease and makes me feel relieved.

“Dave, Raffy!” Esme comes running towards us. “They are soon starting with the official part of the festival.”

I nod towards Matthew and Emmanuel one last time before allowing my mate to pull me along so that we can find a good place to see everything.

Chapter sixty-three

Home

*DAVE*

Theofficialbeginningofthe winter solstice is marked by Liam and Annie introducing the guests and visiting packs. It’s probably nothing special for my fellow pack members, but I eat up everything Liam and Annie speak about. It’s so interesting to see who the other alphas and lunas are and which packs they’re from.

There is even a little band that plays some live music, and overall the atmosphere is great.