Page 5 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

DINNER CONVERSATION

Harrison

The atmosphere in the packhouse dinner room is warm and inviting, the smell of roast beef and rosemary potatoes wafting through the air and mingling with the chatter of my packmates. It's a familiar scene, one I’ve experienced countless times, but tonight feels different. Tonight, my mate is here.

I glance sideways at her as we step through the threshold, her wavy blonde hair catching the light and framing her face like a halo.

She looks around, her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity, and I can’t help but smile.

My wolf thrums beneath my skin, eager and excited.

He’s been waiting for this — waiting to see Wren eat, to learn what she loves, what she craves.

It's like I can feel his anticipation weaving into my own.

Wren waves at Octavia, my Luna and Wyatt’s mate, who sits at the head of the table.

Wyatt, my alpha, leans back in his chair, his presence commanding yet relaxed.

Dalton, our Beta, is animatedly discussing something with them, his hands gesturing wildly.

I lead Wren toward Octavia, feeling a sense of pride swelling in my chest. She belongs here, with us, and I want to share every moment of this evening with her.

As we take our seats, I settle in beside Wren, her warmth radiating against my side.

The omegas begin to bring in the food, and my stomach grumbles in anticipation.

But then a thought strikes me — oh shit, I hope Wren isn’t allergic to anything.

My mind races through the possibilities, and I turn to her, lowering my voice to a whisper.

“Is there any food you can’t eat or hate?”

Wren’s smile is bright, and she leans closer, her breath a gentle tickle against my ear.

“I’m allergic to horseradish,” she says, and I mentally note that down, “and lima beans are awful. And cooked liver? Just the thought makes me shudder.”

I stifle a laugh at her disgust over liver.

The way she scrunches her nose is adorable, and I feel an overwhelming urge to protect her from anything that might make her uncomfortable.

I nod, my expression serious as I resolve to check her food for those ingredients.

I want her to enjoy this meal and every one from now on. I want her to feel at home with us.

As the food is set before us — roast beef glistening under a savory glaze, mashed rosemary potatoes piled high with rich, creamy gravy, candied carrots glistening like jewels, and a fresh caprese salad — I can’t help but notice how Wren’s eyes widen.

She licks her lips, and my heart skips a beat.

She looks like she wants to dive right in, and I can’t blame her.

Wyatt’s voice cuts through my thoughts as he talks to Dalton about the recent rogue problem.

“We’ve had sightings near the border again,” he says, his tone grave. “We need to be vigilant. I have a feeling there is more to this than just a few rogues.”

Wren perks up at this news, her expression shifting from delight to concern. I can see the worry creep into her features as she glances from Wyatt to Dalton.

“My coven has spotted a couple as well,” she interjects, her voice firm yet laced with unease. “We just bumped up the power on our wards, but I’m starting to wonder if it’s enough.”

My heart sinks at the sight of her worried brow. I hate seeing her like this, the spark of excitement dimmed by anxiety.

“It will be enough,” I say softly, leaning closer to her. “You and your coven are powerful. We can handle whatever comes our way.”

She meets my gaze, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. I hold her gaze, willing her to believe me. I want her to feel safe, to understand that she’s not alone in this. My wolf growls deep within me, protective and fierce, wanting to shield her from the darkness that lurks beyond our borders.

As the conversation around us continues, I reach for her hand beneath the table.

Our fingers intertwine, and I can feel her pulse quicken at the contact.

It’s a small gesture, but it grounds us both amidst the chaos of the world outside.

With her hand in mine, I feel a surge of strength, a reminder that together we can face anything.

Octavia catches my eye and raises her glass. “To family,” she says, her voice warm and full of love. “To strength in unity.”

“To family,” Wyatt echoes, raising his glass as well.

Wren smiles, and I can see the tension easing from her shoulders. She lifts her glass, her cobalt eyes sparkling as she looks at me.

“To family,” she repeats, and my heart swells at the inclusion, the bond forming between us.

As we clink our glasses together, the clatter of dishes and laughter surrounds us, and I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging.

This is our pack, our community, and Wren is now part of it.

I want her to be happy and safe, to thrive among us, and I’ll do everything in my power to make that happen.

The meal begins, and I watch as Wren takes her first bite of roast beef. Her eyes widen in delight, and I can’t help but chuckle softly.

“Good, right?” I ask, leaning closer to her.

She nods, mouth full of food, and I can’t help but laugh. The happiness radiating from her is infectious. I find myself stealing glances at her, savoring the way she seems to come alive with every bite. It’s beautiful to witness, and I want to capture this moment, hold onto it forever.

As we eat, the conversation flows easily, but my thoughts keep drifting back to the rogue threat. I know Wren worries, and I can’t shake the feeling that we need to be prepared. The air feels charged with tension, and I’m determined to protect my pack, to protect her.

Once the meal is finished, and we’ve indulged in a dessert of warm apple pie, I find a moment to speak with Wyatt.

I pull him aside, my voice low. “We need to keep an eye on things. I don’t want to put Wren or Octavia in any danger.”

Wyatt nods, his expression serious. “I agree. We’ll ramp up patrols and keep our wards strong. If any rogues come near, we’ll be ready.”

I feel a sense of relief wash over me. I know Wren is strong, but I want to shield her from any harm, to ensure she feels safe here. My wolf howls in agreement, our instinct to protect her surging.

As the evening winds down and laughter fills the air once more, I return to Wren’s side, my heart lightening as I see her smile.

I lean in close, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Did you enjoy the dinner?”

Her eyes shine with warmth, and she nods. “It was amazing. Thank you for bringing me here, Harrison.”

I can’t help but grin, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “It’s my pleasure, Little Bird. You belong here with us. With me.”

As the laughter and chatter continue around us, I know that our journey together is just beginning, and I’m ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as Wren is by my side.