by Tena Stetler
“Of course not, Amy would—” Eli guided the truck to the road and turned left.
“Exactly…Are Rod and Cal still your backup?”
“Yes.”
“If you don’t mind, I have a suggestion,” Lathen said as the truck coasted to a stop in front of the house.
“I’m all ears,” his dad grumbled, cutting the engine.
“Talk to all three of them in the morning. Make clear that Dave is acting alpha and the others are his backup starting immediately until you return from your honeymoon. That way, you’re out of the loop. It’s sink or swim time for them. I’ll bet they’ll step up and be fine. It’s time for you to back off, as hard as that may seem.”
Eli nodded solemnly, got out of the truck, and walked up to the house. Before he opened the door, he turned and clasped Lathen on the shoulder. “I’m proud of you, son.”
“Thanks.” He shoved the door open.
“Everything all right?” Amy asked.
“Yeah. A few minor repairs Dave’s got Todd working on. Lathen has volunteered to help tomorrow along with Pepper. Everything will be ready on Friday. Including the damn decorations.” The corner of Eli’s mouth kicked up in a crooked grin.
“Me? Sure, what do you need?” Pepper asked, chewing on her bottom lip.
“You’ll see when we get there. Be a piece of cake,” Lathen said, caressing his knuckles over her cheek, twining a strand of her soft hair around his finger.
****
By the time Lathen and Pepper arrived the next morning, Todd had patched the walls and applied a fresh coat of paint to the room he’d wrecked. On the top rung of a ladder in the community room, he paused with a long-handled paint roller in hand, light blue paint spattered all over his clothes and wire-rimmed glasses. “Morning, Lathen.”
Dave stood in the center of a group of men assigning tasks as he checked them off on a clipboard. When he saw Lathen walk in, he said, “Rod, Cal, and I have a meeting to attend. Can you take over here? Eli said it’s kinda your area of expertise.” After making a final note, he handed the clipboard to Lathen.
“Happy to. Anything I should be aware of?” Flipping through the pages, he ran his finger down the list.
“Nope, all there. Tasks assigned.” Dave looked up and over Lathen’s shoulder when the door banged opened. “Uh oh.” Dave stiffened.
Lathen twisted around to see what the problem was. Standing in the doorway was a tall, curvy female with dark hair streaked with red and huge chocolate brown eyes. He sucked in a breath and shot a glance at Pepper, who was talking to someone across the room. About the time he turned around to face the woman, she’d already crossed the distance between them and slapped him across the face.
“So it’s true, you’re back,” she said in a low sexy as hell voice.
Fists clenched at his side, Lathen said, “So it would seem, but only for dad’s wedding. Good to see you, Sofie. Not.” Her hand came up, but he dodged the blow and grabbed her wrist. “That’s enough.”
“It certainly is.” Pepper appeared at his side, her hand formed in a claw, fingertips turning orange.
Sofie jerked free and coughed, clutching at her throat, choking out the words. “What the hell?”
Lathen put a large callused hand over Pepper’s, gave a slight shake of his head, and stepped in front of her. “Sofie, this isn’t the time or place. I’m sorry about the way I ended things. But that was a long time ago, and we’ve both moved on. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding to Walter. He’s a lucky guy.” He searched her flushed, angry face and in a calm tone said, “Now…if you’re not here to help, please go on home.”
“Bastard—do you know—”
He cut her off. “I apologized. There nothing more to say.” He shoved one fisted hand in his pocket and flexed one at his side should she decide to swing at him again.
“You’ve got what you came for. Now let’s go home.” A large man with shaggy black hair, high cheekbones, and piercing gray eyes strode across the floor and took hold of Sofie’s arm.
“Walter?” Lathen asked, his lips twitching. The man had certainly grown into his feet. Lathen exchanged a quick look with Dave, who remained tight-lipped.
“Yeah.” Walter nodded in Lathen’s direction. “Come on, Sofie. We don’t want any trouble.”
Still rubbing her throat, she allowed Walter to escort her out of the building.
Pepper turned to Lathen. “What did you do to her?”
“I said a lot of things I didn’t feel, trying to—I don’t know, make one of us feel better. Then I disappeared.”
“Huh, well I guess you deserved that. You know what they say about a woman scorned,” Pepper mused. “Good she got it out of her system before the dinner tomorrow night.”
“Still remains to be seen.” He sighed and glanced at the group that formed around them. “Everyone, back to work. Dave, you better get going.”
Dave peered at his watch. “Got that right.” Turned on his heel and sprinted out the door, which slammed shut behind him.
Lathen stalked over to the door. “I’m going to fix that damn thing, right now.”
Other than the rough start to the day, Lathen was pleased with the way things went. The Community Center had never looked better. Pepper won over the women of the pack as they worked side by side to redecorate the center and make sure the kitchen was in working order. Truth be told, their laughter and chatter helped ease Lathen’s nerves. Now all I have to do is make it through the dinner, the announcement, and wedding. Can’t wait to get back to Lobster Cove.
When Pepper flitted past, he caught her arm. “Ready to head to the house?”
“I am. Just let me say goodbye to the girls.” Raising a hand, she waved and called out to the women gathering packaging and papers and stuffing them into bags. “See you tomorrow…afternoon. What time do I need to be here?”
A petite woman with blond hair and green eyes smiled at Pepper. “Around three should be fine, dinner is at five, the band arrives at seven, and we’ll party till dawn, so put on your dancing shoes.” Her cheerful voice dissolved into gales of laughter.
“I’ll be here, Jan. Bye, everyone.” Pepper put her arm through Lathen’s.
As they strolled toward the entrance, a chorus of goodbyes and see-you-tomorrows echoed behind them. The door did not bang closed after them but released a whooshing sound as it shut.
Lathen grinned at Pepper as she looked back at the door. “Nice job,” she said climbing into the SUV. “What can I expect at the dinner?”
He closed the door behind her, slid over the hood of the SUV, and opened the driver side door. “I’m not sure. I hope anyone else that has a beef with me respects Dad enough to let it go until they’ve left on the honeymoon.”
“But aren’t we leaving shortly after the ceremony and reception?”
“That’s the idea. But before I leave this time, want to make sure I’m welcome back.” He pulled up and parked behind Kolby’s truck. “Kolby and Hayley must have left Anchorage early.”
Pepper hopped out of the truck. “Hayley’s here. I’ve got so many questions for her after talking with the girls from the pack.” Pepper sprinted toward the door.
“You could ask me,” Lathen called after her but smiled as she yanked open the door and nearly collided with Hayley. Two peas in a pod. Feels good to be part of the family again. He ambled up the steps. Through the doorway still standing wide open, the women’s excited chatter wafted out into the evening air. “Thought you two weren’t coming until tomorrow night.”
Kolby shrugged. “Worked a double shift last night and today, so we’d have an extra day here. Besides Dad wanted me to bring the computer system and printer he ordered for the Half Moon Community Center, so you could install it while you’re here.”
Lathen’s eyes narrowed giving his dad a hard stare. “And just when am I supposed to get that done?”
“Thought you’d have time tomorrow. A computer expert like you…shouldn’t take long.” His d
ad shot him a lopsided grin.
“It won’t if we have all the components and correct cabling. If not…” Lathen grumbled.
“Oh, I made sure we got everything because Dad and I were going to try to do it ourselves. You know what tech guys charge to do that?” Kolby asked.
“Yes, I do. In fact, that’s part of what I do in Lobster Cove. I’ll give you the family discount.” Lathen smirked.
Gales of laughter and excited conversation drifted from the kitchen where the women gathered.
“Boys, let’s take a run. I’ve had enough of women’s chatter already.” Eli winked at Amy through the doorway, then paused for a beat, glancing over at Lathen. “Or a walk—whatever.”
“A run is fine with me,” Lathen shot back. His dad’s eyes narrowed as Kolby’s widened in surprise.
“Ladies, we’ll be back,” Lathen said leading the way out the door.
****
Leaving Kolby and Hayley with his dad and Amy, Lathen and Pepper drove to the Community Center. Upon their arrival, half the pack was already there. The guys were moving and setting up tables. One across the front, chairs facing the other rows of tables. A large white glittery banner with black and maroon lettering hung on the wall behind the front table said “Elijah and Amy, Wishing You Love, Luck, and Laughter All the Days of Your Life Together.”
Most the women were in the kitchen. Jan stuck her head out when Pepper and Lathen arrived. “Pep, see all the vases and flowers on the main table?”
Pepper glanced at the table and nodded.
“Could you put the flowers in the vases and put two on each table. Lathen, could you help Todd set up the buffet tables—I think there’s four—and spread the maroon tablecloths over them. Thanks.” She ducked back into the kitchen.
“Well, I guess your acceptance wasn’t a problem,” Lathen said cheerfully.
“Yeah, but they don’t know my secret,” Pepper said, picking up a vase and adding flowers.
“I wouldn’t bet on it. Your little display yesterday didn’t go unnoticed. By now, it’s possible the whole pack knows, but being of a magical nature ourselves, probably won’t make a lot of difference. They like who you are.”
“Really?”
“Really. Now you better get those flowers on the tables ’cause I imagine she has more for you to do. She’s quite the task master, I’ve heard.” Lathen strode over to where Todd was standing one end of the table in his hands and picked up the other end. In short order, they had all four tables up and covered with the cloths.
Jan stuck her head out of the kitchen again. “Lathen, I could use you…”
“Todd and I have finished with the tables. Now I have a computer system to set up and cabling to run, so don’t delegate anything else for me today.”
“Oh, good. The other system died a couple of weeks ago. How long before we’ll be able to use new computer system?”
Lathen smiled and shook his head. “If I have everything, everyone leaves me alone, and stays out of my way, three, maybe four hours.” He took a knife out of his pocket, slit the boxes open, and set the components on a table. Checking the computer, printer, wiring, and other peripherals, he gave a low whistle. “Nice setup.” After dismantling the old system, he had the new system online and tested in less than three hours.
Pepper finished the flowers and put paper plates, plastic ware, cups, and napkins on the first table of the buffet line. Jan popped out of the kitchen and slung an arm around Pepper’s shoulder. “I think we’re done. Thanks for your help.” Jan stood hands on hips surveying the room. “Good job, everyone.”
By the time Eli and Amy and the rest of the pack arrived, the warming dishes were steaming with prime rib, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade dinner rolls, and a veggie medley. There were hot dogs and hamburgers for the kids. The dessert table had two huge chocolate sheet cakes with “It’s About Time” written on one and “Elijah and Amy” on the other in white icing. Eli’s signature logo, an adult wolf with two pups, had been altered by adding an additional adult wolf with a pink bow between her ears across the top of the cakes.
Eli and Amy, Lathen and Pepper, Kolby and Hayley were escorted to the head of the buffet line, then ushered to the front table facing the rest of the tables. The remainder of the pack waited patiently in line to get their food.
Once everyone was seated, Kolby shoved to his feet, champagne flute in hand, and cleared his throat. “It’s said in a happy marriage, the husband expects the wife to cook, clean, do the laundry, walk the dog, and care for the children. Then still look stunning when the husband gets home from work.”
The men in the room guffawed and shook their heads, while the women snorted, and gave him hard stares. One yelled out, “What planet are you from?”
Kolby held his index finger up. “But wait…The husband’s job is to thank his lucky stars that the wife keeps him around. Congratulations, Dad and Amy—I wish you both many years of happiness.” Kolby lifted his glass of champagne toward his father and Amy, took a large gulp, and sat in his chair, leaning over to whisper in Hayley’s ear, “Boy, am I glad that’s over.”
Hayley covered her mouth to stifle a giggle when snickers and murmurers of approval swept through the room. “You’re lucky you weren’t booed out of the area with that kind of ridiculous toast.”
“It was supposed to be funny,” Kolby said, red creeping up his neck.
Lathen took a deep breath and stood, all eyes upon him as his gaze swept the room, his deep, rich voice a bit shaky. “First, I want to thank you for welcoming me back into the pack without reservation and accepting Pepper. You have no idea how much it means to me.” He cleared his throat and paused for a moment wiping his sweaty palms on his pants, straightened his shoulders, and shifted his gaze to his dad.
“After all the times my dad has been there to share my big life moments, some good, some terrible, it’s an honor for me to be here today to share his. No matter how tough I made it, he was always there, as dad, mentor, and confidant.” Lathen paused running his fingers through his hair. “Now once again, he’ll be a husband and loving companion to Amy, a woman who put that sparkle back in his eyes. Words can’t convey how happy I am for him. But I have to say, Amy, you’re a brave woman to take on this man. I wish you both love and laughter all the rest of your days.” He picked up his flute, nearly knocking it over in the process, and raised it to his father. “Sláinte, as Pepper’s family would say.” Lathen took a long swig and eased into his seat.
Elijah got to his feet. “Thank you all for sharing in one of the happiest days of my life and welcoming Amy into our pack with open arms. A special thanks to my sons and their mates for making Amy feel like a part of our family.” He settled in his seat, leaned over, and took Amy’s mouth with his in a searing kiss.
Hoots and wolf whistles echoed through the room.
“Shut up and eat, you bunch of heathens,” Elijah said with a hearty laugh.
“Hey, Dad, I think you need to alter the famous family logo to match the cake.” Lathen jerked his chin toward the dessert table.
“Top of my to-do list, after we return,” Eli said with a grin, his gaze slid lovingly to his mate and soon-to-be wife.
After the dinner, everyone pitched in to help clean up. Lathen made sure the tables were wiped down and put away. Pepper gathered the vases, added water to the flowers and set them on one table for use tomorrow. Eli and Amy were tasked with seeing that the band, who were talented members of the pack, were set up in the right area. The celebration lasted well into the early morning hours.
As Amy and Eli got ready to leave, a couple of women tried to get Amy to spend the night at one of their houses, in keeping with the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. Amy thanked them graciously but said she was staying with Eli and that she’d blindfold him. Eli snorted and gave a bark of laughter as the women clicked their tongues and wagged their fingers at them.
When most the pack departed, Lathen, Kolby, Pepper, and Hay
ley stayed behind to help set up for the wedding ceremony. The decorations from the dinner were left in place. Folding chairs were set in rows, a platform and arch decorated with white and maroon roses was moved to the front of the room, flanked by silver candle holders of varying heights including maroon candlesticks.
Red fading to yellow fingers of sunlight spread across the horizon as the couples headed home. “It’s going to be a long day,” Lathen said getting out of the SUV, parked in front of Kolby’s truck. Kolby, Hayley, and Pepper nodded in agreement as they padded quietly into the house and fell into bed.
It was mid-afternoon when Lathen woke up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting into the bedroom. He rolled over and drew Pepper to him, nibbling on her neck. The desire to claim her was getting stronger by the day. He didn’t know how much longer he’d be able to control the beast within. They needed to talk but not until they got back to Lobster Cove and saw what was brewing.
Pepper turned her face up to him and brushed her lips across his. “Good morning,” she said sleepily.
“Good afternoon.” He returned her kiss lingering longer than he should have. “Something tells me we better get moving.”
“Suppose so, but all we have to do is get Eli and Amy to the center on time. Jan said she’d get her husband and brother to help move the seven-layer marble cake into the community center kitchen. Did you know she baked and decorated it herself?” Pepper yawned and sat up, and swung her feet to the floor. “We set out the plates, plastic ware, napkins, punch bowls, and cups on a table at the far end of the room near the kitchen before we left. The punch is already prepared and bottled in the fridge.”
“Just waiting for someone to spike it.” Lathen laughed getting to his feet. “And they will.”
“That’s why there’s canned soft drinks in the fridge as well.” She giggled. “I’ll share the shower with you if you promise no hanky-panky.”
“None?” He gave her crestfallen look.
She shook her head adamantly. “None.”
“Okay,” he said reluctantly, crossing his fingers behind his back. A seductive smile turned up the corners of his mouth.