Chapter 363

Shannon stepped back from whatever she saw on his face. “Amy told me about her birthday lunch, and since we’ve all become so close, I figured while she was busy, we could have lunch together.” She looked at his face and winced.

But I jumped at the chance. I stepped to her side and wrapped my arm around hers. “Shannon, that’s honestly the best idea.”

She looked at my arm around hers. “It is?”

Brandon’s face morphed into a mask of confusion. “It is?”

I nodded. “Shan’s right. I mean, we’ve spent the last six months working on our friendship. And it’s made our relationship that much easier to go ahead with, knowing that we aren’t going to fight over you.” I smiled up at him and he considered it.

I could see the exact moment he decided to go to lunch with Shannon. The exact moment he figured out he could have a little afternoon rendezvous with his lover, since I give him nothing. I saw the heat enter his eyes and knew I had him.

“Okay. Okay.” I wanted to clap. “I give in. Go have lunch with your friends. I’ll have lunch with Shannon here. Plus, we have things to discuss.”

“I know.” Shannon smiled as she slid next to him. “I mean, your mating ceremony is in a few short weeks.” I felt my stomach clench, but I smiled and nodded. “We have so much to still go over for the ceremony.”

I nodded. “I know. I’m so excited.” I leaned in to kiss Brandon’s cheek. “Soon I’ll get to kiss your lips.” I whispered next to his ear, and I heard him groan. I sat back with a satisfied smile on my face. I didn’t want to touch him at all, but teasing him was honestly fun. “But you’re right. We still have a lot to pin down.” I turned to Shannon. “Thank you for helping with it all.”

Shannon smiled, but I could see the hatred in her eyes. “Of course. You’re my sister, and Brandon is my best friend. You have everything going on here, so I do what I can.” She gripped her arm through Brandon’s. “You ready to go?”

He looked at me for a second and then back at Shannon. I could see the exact moment his brain switched off. He wanted to know what the hell we were going to talk about. I knew that’s why he came running over here. But Shannon and the potential for sex turned all that worry off, and that was perfect for me.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” He turned to me and kissed my forehead. Ugh. “I’ll see you after work? We can go over to the bakery to select the cake.”

I nodded. “Sounds perfect.”

They left, and I turned to everyone waiting. I grabbed for Alannah again. “Now let’s go. We don’t want to miss the reservation.” I winked at Rick , and we left the pack house, climbing into my truck and took off. As soon as we turned off the main drive, I pulled over.

Alannah’s brow furrowed. But I turned to Ternen. I pointed to him. “You.” He looked around and then pointed at himself. “Yeah, you. What the hell happened to you?”

Ternen looked away. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

I looked around, and I could see it in their eyes. They liked me, but didn’t trust me, not fully. I swung back around and pulled away from the curb. “I know you don’t trust me. And I don’t blame you. So I’ll ask for a vow of silence before I tell you my secrets.”

All three of them turned to look at me. “You have a secret?” Rick raised a brow as I nodded.

“I do.” I sighed. “But it involves too many others to tell everyone. I need your vow so that you’ll be forced to keep it. Even if you’re commanded by an alpha.”

Rick turned in the passenger seat to stare at me fully. “So if we take the vow, no matter what, someone won’t be able to force the truth.”

I nodded. “Exactly.” I looked back at him. “If it makes you more comfortable, I’ll take the vow as well.” I glanced at Rick. “I don’t mind, and that way, anything we discuss at this lunch will be kept a secret.”

“You wouldn’t be able to tell Vince or Brandon?” Alannah leaned over the seat.

“Nope.” I smirked. “Even if I didn’t take the vow, they couldn’t command me to tell them anything. They’re too weak.” I chuckled as the rest of them gasped. “I don’t seem it, because I can keep my aura under control, but I’m very strong.”

Rick chuckled. “That doesn’t surprise me. Your mother and father were a pair to behold.”

We pulled into the mall’s parking lot, and I turned off the truck. “Are you ready?”