CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE

Between checking up on Jess and her newborn and stalking Sam to make sure she gets the help she needs when her baby decides to push its way out, the days passed quickly. It was the night of the tribal gathering in the Central. I did not want to go any longer but it seemed compulsory for the Alpha to come with his mate if he had one.

I wore a red velvet satin dress with black stilletos from Gianvito Rossi, and paired with a small GV3 bag. After tying my hair in a high ponytail, I wore the shimmering pearl earrings Reed picked out. With each step I took, the slit of the dress parted to highlight my long nimble legs.

"Stay right there."

Halting on the stairs, I watched Reed with a bemused smile. I leaned against the railings as he fished out his phone and took pictures.

"We might need to keep her in here instead," Connor commented, putting on cufflinks. "You look beautiful, my love."

"Thank you." I reached the end of the stairs and wrapped my arms around his waist, taking in his earthy s