September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)(93)

Coby’s hug was extra special. It lasted longer than a standard polite embrace required, which warmed my heart because I knew that he had accepted me as family. It more than made up for the loss of the others. I wouldn’t trade Coby’s affection for all of theirs combined. A lot of wolves understandably despised the one who attacked them. Of all the people who might hate me, he was the one who deserved to most and yet didn’t.

“Congratulations,” I gushed. “Words can’t possibly express how thrilled I am for you both.”

Arys and Coby did the manly handshake thing while exchanging pleasantries. Then Coby flashed me a knowing grin, looked at Arys and said, “Do you mind if I dance with your girl?”

For a guy that hadn’t known me that long, he knew when I was uncomfortable. But with the whiskey burning its way through my veins, I handed my empty glass to Arys and let Coby lead me away.

“Oh dear,” I muttered as I tried to find the rhythm. Feeling a little drunk and very clumsy, I managed to keep up with him without tripping over his feet.

“Thank you, Alexa. For everything. And mostly, for not killing me.” He chuckled, and the sound was so cheerful I couldn’t help but laugh too.

“Don’t thank me. It was Kale who pulled me off you.” I nodded toward the tall, dark, and mysterious vampire engaged in discussion with Ky.

“I owe him a thank you, then.” Coby slowed our pace when the song changed to one with a slower beat. “I just wanted to take you aside and talk for a minute. We don’t really get the chance to do that much.”

“No, we don’t,” I agreed. “I’m glad you’re settling in here, in town with the rest of the pack.”

Coby glanced around at the rest of the guests. “They’ve been great, for the most part. They’re small town wolves though, and you’re not. I know you have a lot to deal with, and I want you to know that I’ve got your back. Always.”

“Coby, you’re too sweet. Really. But you have Kylarai, and soon you’ll both have someone else to take care of. I can’t risk having anything happen to you because of your association with me.”

The wolves were wasting no time pounding back the liquor. For a bunch of everyday types, they sure knew how to let loose when the situation allowed for it. A loud argument about sports was taking place near the patio while two ladies dancing nearby gyrated like the only thing missing was a pole.

“That’s exactly why I want to be involved. I can’t sit here in a small town pretending life is normal when fifteen minutes down the highway things are total bedlam in the city.”

I shook my head and stumbled in a dip in the grass. The whiskey sure did a number on my equilibrium. I was ready for another.

“Coby—”

“Alexa, listen to me. I will do anything it takes to keep my family safe. I trust that you can handle most things, but don’t hesitate to say the word if it becomes too much. You are my family too, and if you need anything, I’m here for you.”

Though I would never willingly put Coby or Kylarai in danger, I knew that this declaration meant a lot to him. He was an Alpha wolf now, even if his pack was small and isolated compared to the city wolves. It was natural and necessary for Coby to grow as a wolf. He needed to make this pledge, and I needed to accept it.

“You’re a good man, Coby. Don’t ever let this crazy world change that.”

As we danced he told me about his big honeymoon surprise for Kylarai. A trip to Hawaii followed by a visit to Italy that she didn’t yet know about. They were leaving in the morning.

“Sorry,” I said with a giggle after I tripped over his foot for the third time. “It’s the whiskey, I swear.”

Coby laughed along with me, but his chuckle was cut short when someone grabbed my hand and spun me away. The spin was a tad disorienting, especially when I found myself facing Falon.

“What the—”

“Pick up your paws, you clumsy wolf,” Falon said, forcing me to follow his lead as he pulled me around to the music. “For such a stealthy creature you sure can’t dance worth shit.”

He was dressed for a wedding in a dark grey suit with a black shirt. His silver wings were absent from sight. The fallen angel was a good dancer, though that wasn’t so surprising based on how long he’d existed for.

“Why are you here?” I struggled to match his rhythm, which made me realize how easy Coby had been taking it on me. I tried to stop, but Falon held tight to both of my hands, dragging me along.

“You actually clean up rather well, Hound. Who would have thought it possible?”

Falon danced as if it was completely normal for us to talk this way. Coby had backed off at the interruption, but he stood stiffly nearby, watching Falon with suspicion. I caught a glimpse of Arys. He didn’t look happy.

“Did you just give me a compliment? Ok, now I’m scared. What’s going on?”

“Don’t get carried away. It’s not much of a compliment. Even a pig would look better with some lipstick and a pretty dress.”

I wasn’t sure what to make of that, so I flashed him a mischievous grin and said, “You think my dress is pretty?”

“Of course I’d have to show up when you’re drunk. You stink of whiskey. Are you even going to remember this tomorrow?”

The music changed to a slow song, and I groaned. “Trust me, I’m sure I won’t forget even if I desperately want to. You have a lasting presence. And not in a good way.”