He replies with a growl that makes my juices flow. I flush a little at the laughing couple that passes us, knowing they can smell my desire.
Music has gotten louder, and the buffet is ready. People line up to fill their dishes, and the scent of salmon makes me salivate. Strong fingers seem to blur with motion as a chef fillets them for the more refined guests. Although I suspect he’ll be done soon when a glassy-eyed older man sucks on a lobster claw that never makes it to his plate. Shells rattle when he tosses it into the garbage full of fish scraps. Apparently werebear are never too old for a wild party. Fortunately Annie knows how my need to eat sneaks up on me now that I'm pregnant, and she has a plate waiting at my seat. I catch her eye and mouth a thank you as I make my way to our table. Brady stands in line to get his food and chat while I sit next to Annie.
I sit and wish my dress weren't so tight. Annie says, "I see you met Victor."
"I sure did. What a pig." I stab a piece of salmon and put it in my mouth. The flavor makes me want to groan and to pick up the whole piece with my hand and devour it. Taking my cues from Donna and Annie, I refrain from both.
She smiles. "Yeah, that's a nice way of putting it."
"You and Donna put on a great party. Everything is perfect. Thank you so much."
Annie says, "No. Thank you for letting us run the show. In case you hadn't noticed, my mother likes to have control. Does she know about your alpha abilities yet?" Annie snorts. "She's going to be green with envy."
I chuckle with her as we scan the crowd. I see Victor flirting with young girls who seem taken with his charm and the Robichaux laughing with another couple. It’s clear they’re not Le Roux, and a tense aura surrounds them as if they don’t feel completely safe here. Marion's reaction to me earlier makes me wonder who Charlotte is. And I wonder how it is I heard her in my head. I didn't think alphas could talk to other clans. I keep meaning to figure out how that works and make a mental note to bring it up at our next breakfast meeting with Donna.
Sierra catches my attention with her giggle, and I watch her teasing Keith. My adorable friend makes me smile, and I hope her life in the clan is as wonderful as mine.
30
Chapter 17
Carly
Sitting at the head table, I’m comfortably full of delicious food as I watch the crowd. A group of eligible men are fighting to catch fish with their mouths when girls throw them. Apparently the winner gets to kiss the single lady. I have no doubt from the musky smell of arousal that is floating in the air that this game leads to much more than a kiss.
The ringing sound of cutlery clinking on wine glasses gets everyone’s attention, and Keith stands to make a toast. “As most of you know, Brady is like a brother to me. I’ve seen quite a few women try to tame Brady over the years, but none could.” I smile as he gazes at me. “Some would say he was unbearable.” Groans and chuckles erupt.
“But seriously, from the moment he saw you, Carly, Brady was head-over-heels in love.” He raises his glass. “To a lifetime of happiness as true mates.”
We all drink, and Brady kisses me. As he takes it to impolite levels, he asks, “How much longer do we have to wait until I can take you upstairs?”
I move my hand high up on his thigh, knowing the tablecloth keeps it discreet. Remembering my embarrassment earlier, I reply, “You keep this up, and everyone will smell what I’m thinking. Then it won’t matter.”
After a few more humorous toasts, Brady and I are called to the dance floor for the first dance. Last week Donna gave us a quick lesson, and we found we move seamlessly together without much practice. Of course, Donna says that's a mate thing.
Brady's strong arm pulls me tight against his chest, and our bodies meld. His large, warm hand envelops mine, and he tucks it against his heart. Adele's “Make You Feel My Love” begins to play, and we let it lead us in our dance. Our bodies move fluidly as if they're one. And for this moment in time, we are.
Unspoken words flutter in our hearts as we feel each other's muscles flex with the beat. When the song ends, Brady speaks in my mind. “I love you, Carly. We are one from this day forward. You are mine, and I am yours.”
I reply, “Always yours, Brady, always. I love you.”
The tempo of the music picks up, and people swarm to join us. We're stolen from each other to dance with different partners. Brady has so many friends that after a few songs I let him enjoy them and seek out Sierra.