Page 29 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

BBQS AND BATTLES

Harrison

The weight bar in the gym presses down on me, each rep a reminder of the burden I carry as Gamma of the Waterton Pack.

I can feel the strain in my muscles and the sweat beading on my brow, but it’s not just the workout that’s making my heart race; it’s the thought of Wren.

She’s become my anchor in this storm of chaos that surrounds us, and today, I’m trying to keep a brave face for her.

Yesterday was a whirlwind. Wren contained a magic in that blue artifact stone, and though I tried to act unfazed, the truth is, I’m deeply worried.

The rogue problem is still looming over us like a specter, and the Rogue King, that elusive fucker, feels closer than ever yet still out of reach.

My wolf senses it too — the unease, the tension in the air.

My wolf growls, “ We’re not done with him, not by a long shot.”

“Come on, Harrison! One more set!” Dalton’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I focus back on the weights in front of me.

I push through, feeling the burn in my arms, but all I can think about is Wren and her enchanting abilities.

Something about her magic resonates with me, amplifying my instincts, sharpening my intuition.

I can feel her presence like a warm flame in my chest, but it also means I’m more aware of the dark shadows lurking around us.

With a final grunt, I rack the weights and wipe the sweat from my brow.

Just as I’m catching my breath, the door swings open, and Wren strides in.

She’s a vision, her sun kissed blonde hair cascading down her back in waves, and even in a sports bra and those yellow and green tie dye yoga pants she loves so much, she radiates strength and beauty. My heart skips a beat.

“Hey there, strong man,” she teases, her eyes sparkling. “I see you’ve been working hard.”

“Only because I have to keep up with my amazing mate,” I reply, grinning. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride for her. She’s not just a witch; she’s a force of nature, and I’m grateful to have her by my side.

As she approaches, I notice her gaze flicker toward the door, and I follow her line of sight just in time to see Dalton stiffen.

It’s subtle, but I catch it. I don’t comment, though; I’ve learned that sometimes it’s best to let things unfold on their own.

“What’s up?” I ask, trying to keep the mood light.

“Poppy’s here,” Wren announces, her tone casual but her eyes betraying a hint of curiosity. “She’s looking for Octavia.”

Dalton takes this as his cue, muttering something about needing to shower before darting out of the room. I watch him go, my brows knitting together. He’s been acting strange lately, especially around Poppy. It’s not my place to pry, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is brewing there.

“Do you think something’s going on between Dalton and Poppy?” Wren asks, her voice low as if she’s afraid someone might overhear.

I shake my head, playing it off. “Nah, it’s probably nothing. Dalton’s just… well, he’s always been a little quirky around new people.” But in the back of my mind, I’m not so sure. My instincts are as sharp as ever, and they’re telling me there’s more beneath the surface.

Wren narrows her eyes, clearly not convinced. “You think so? He’s been acting weird around everyone, not just her.”

“Maybe he just needs to figure things out on his own,” I suggest. “We all have our stuff to deal with, right?” I change the subject, hoping to steer her thoughts away from Dalton and Poppy. “What do you think about the pack BBQ tomorrow night? You want to go or stay in?”

Wren’s face lights up at the mention of the BBQ. “Of course I want to go! It’ll be a nice break from all the stress we’ve been dealing with. Plus, I want to show everyone how good my mate looks from lifting those weights,” she laughs.

I can’t help but smile back at her enthusiasm. “Well, I’ll be sure to flex for the audience,” I tease, puffing out my chest playfully.

As I turn to head to the showers, I lightly smack her butt, earning me a playful squeak from her.

I glance back with a smirk, catching the way her cheeks flush a deep crimson.

“I’ll meet you in the dining hall for lunch,” I call over my shoulder as I walk out, already feeling the warmth of her gaze following me.

The hot water in the shower feels incredible, washing away the grime of the workout and the weight of my thoughts.

I take a moment to lean against the cool tiles, shutting my eyes and allowing my mind to drift.

The Rogue King still haunts my thoughts, a lurking shadow that refuses to dissipate.

I can’t shake the feeling that he’s plotting something, biding his time while we think we have the upper hand.

I finish up quickly and dry off, throwing on a clean black shirt and jeans before heading to the dining hall.

The scent of freshly cooked food wafts through the air, and my stomach growls in response.

I can see a few pack members milling around, laughing and chatting, and the familiar warmth of camaraderie fills the room.

Wren is already at the table, sitting with Octavia and Poppy. As I approach, I can’t help but notice the way Wren’s blue eyes light up when she sees me. It’s a small thing, but it makes my heart swell. That’s my mate, and she’s everything to me.

“Hey, handsome,” she greets, her smile infectious. “Did you work up an appetite?”

“More like a ravenous wolf,” I reply, pulling my hair up in a ‘man bun’ that my mate loves so much, as I take a seat beside her. “What’s for lunch?”

“We’ve got grilled lemon chicken, asparagus, and a ton of sides,” Octavia answers, her eyes sparkling. “I think everyone is looking forward to the BBQ tomorrow.”

“Yeah, it should be fun,” I agree, my gaze drifting to Poppy. She’s chatting animatedly with Wren, but I can see glimpses of uncertainty in her expression — something’s off. I glance at Wren, who catches my eye and raises an eyebrow, silently asking if I want to address it.

I shake my head slightly. Not now. We can’t let petty problems overshadow the bigger issues at play. I need to keep my focus sharp, not just for me but for Wren and the entire pack.

Lunch unfolds with laughter and stories, the atmosphere lightening my heavy heart. I find myself stealing glances at Wren, who is animatedly discussing plans for the BBQ, her hands moving expressively as she talks. I feel a sense of normalcy wash over me, even if it’s just for a moment.

As we finish our meal, I can’t help but feel a sense of foreboding lurking just beneath the surface.

It’s a reminder that while we may be enjoying this moment, the real battle is still ahead of us.

I lean back in my chair, stealing a moment to soak in the laughter of my pack, the warmth of Wren beside me.

We will face whatever comes next together, and that thought brings me comfort.

But even as I sit there, a part of me remains alert, watching, waiting for the storm that I know is on the horizon.

The next day dawns bright and clear, a perfect day for the pack BBQ.

The air is filled with the sound of laughter and the scent of grilled meats, and I can feel the energy buzzing around us as members of the pack set up the area near the clearing.

Wren is beside me, her presence a grounding force amidst the chaos.

“Look at them,” she says, her eyes sparkling as she watches our pack members setting up tables and decorations. “They’re all so excited.”

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through me at the sight of everyone working together. “It’s good for morale,” I reply, casting a glance at our Alpha, Wyatt, who’s directing the preparations with Octavia at his side. “We all need a break from the seriousness of the last few weeks.”

Wren leans into me, her warmth radiating against my side. “I’m glad you’re here with me,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. I turn to her, my heart swelling at her words.

“Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, Little Bird,” I reply, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. She looks up at me, her eyes reflecting the sunlight and the joy of the moment.

As we mingle with the pack, I can’t shake the feeling of unease that lingers at the back of my mind. The Rogue King is still out there, and I can’t let my guard down, not even during moments like this.

“Hey, you two!” Dalton’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I turn to see him approaching, a plate of food in hand. He looks a bit more relaxed today, and I wonder if the BBQ is helping him ease some of his tension.

“Hey, man!” I greet, clapping him on the shoulder. “You excited for the food?”

“Absolutely,” he replies with a grin, but I notice his gaze flitting to where Poppy is laughing with some of the other pack members. It’s subtle, but I catch it. There’s definitely something going on there, and my curiosity piques.

Wren seems to sense the shift in the atmosphere too. “What’s up with you and Poppy?” she asks, her tone teasing yet curious.

Dalton shifts uncomfortably, his cheeks flushing. “Nothing, really. Just… I don’t know. She’s cool, that’s all. Nothing.”

I raise an eyebrow, not buying his casual dismissal. “You sure about that?” I press, my wolf pushing and eager to dig deeper.

“Guys!” he exclaims, and I can see him struggling to maintain his composure. “It’s just…nothing serious.”

Wren nudges me playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, like a crush, huh? Sounds like you need to ask her out then.”

“Maybe, but probably not,” Dalton mumbles, his gaze drifting back to Poppy. I watch as his expression softens, a fondness creeping into his eyes. There’s definitely something there, and I can’t help but feel a sense of protectiveness over my friend.

“Just be careful, okay?” I advise, my tone serious. “You know how things can get complicated in our world.”