70. Cherish

That nerve-wracking introduction to the group was made easier by Jackson’s warm praise. Anders was the first to approach, all blonde hair and icy blue eyes complementing how swift my wolf was. All the group seem kind enough, nobody gave me outright negativity for being Ivan’s mate. So hopefully it will carry on that way.

We had dinner together as a team, separate from the rest of the castle, not even Alpha Alexander or Luna Helena attended. Using a smaller dining hall, stripped of its usual gold and gem-laden finery we had a rustic feast prepared. Rich meats, pastries and pies were overflowing on platters.

“Everything us growing lads need,” Jackson joked, rubbing his huge barrel chest before raising his hand to me in apology.

I waved it away, grabbing another slice of pie. “She’s going to need more food than all of us to power a wolf that quick!” Anders joked softly, he was the only other talker at the table. The olive-skinned Nivan and Lyon muttered amongst themselves whilst Khark