Page 64 of Outshone

“She was talking to herself, actually, cub, but it is good advice for you as well,” Caleb said and chuckled softly.

The laughter eased the tension in all of us and we smiled freely as we walked down the middle of the room. To the right were five high-backed chairs where the elders sat. Someday, there would be a sixth seat, one for the hybrid elder.

At the head of the room was a raised dais where ten high-backed chairs sat.

I expected Kara and Katar or Dan to take the center seats, but my eyes widened when I realized they had left the center chairs for Caleb and I.

“Remember, you are going to stay with Branson while we do some quick alpha things?” I asked Lily.

She nodded and looked over my shoulder at him. “Bran Bran.” She made grabby hands motions that might as well have been her clutching our hearts. So cute!

Stopping at the stairs to the dais, I turned and let Branson take Lily out of my arms. Caleb took my hand and helped me up the stairs before taking his seat.

I took my seat, still smiling as I faced the room of strangers.

Most of the room was whispering to each other, clearly shocked to see us there.

An elderly man in a suit walked up to the dais, bowed, and when he raised his head, I swore I saw him narrow his eyes at Jolie before smiling. “Welcome, Your Majesties. I am excited that you were all able to join us. Tonight is the kick off to this year’s Summit, which will feature two days of business and then everyone’s favorite tradition, the tournament! And this year the winner will receive quite an amazing prize.”

“I’m surprised they let Amos continue running this,” Caleb whispered.

I was as well since I remembered the debacle of him putting Jolie as the prize the first year she had come.

“What’s the prize, Amos?” someone shouted in the back.

He tsked. “You know the prize is announced the first day of the tournament.”

“Good thing we’re already mated,” I whispered to Caleb, who chuckled and reached over to intertwine our hands.

“I’d destroy every male in the world to be your mate,” he whispered and kissed the back of my hand.

My face heated and I squeezed his hand. “Sweet talker.”

He winked at me, but returned to looking at Amos, who was frowning at us.

“Everyone, please enjoy your night of dancing and mingling. Welcome to the Summit!” He raised his hands in the air and the music resumed.

People clapped and some swarmed around him.

“So, do we stay up here on display all night?” I asked.

“Are you hungry?”

I nodded. “Yes, but I didn’t see any food?”

“They’re about to –”

“Everyone, please head to the next room and take your seats for dinner,” Amos announced.

“I see,” I said, stifling my laugh at Caleb’s explanation getting interrupted.

Lily raced through the people with Riddick right on her heels, scowling.

“Em!” she shouted and jumped up into my arms.

I caught her with a laugh and tapped the tip of her nose. “Hello, Lily.”

“I told you not to run off like that,” Riddick chastised her.