Page 23 of His Treasured Mate

“It counts,” I argued.

“That was pitiful.”

“Whatever. It’s not my fault they got to it first.”

“So next one?”

I picked up the chainsaw and took it with me. “Next one.”

But as we walked around town, there just didn’t seem to be a next one. The entire Pack had come out and was working together to knock things out quickly. There were even tarps going up over the buildings damaged from the storm. And I knew that no matter what we were going to be okay.

James waved me down and jogged over to us.

“Just got word the airfield’s been cleared, and the plane is being readied for your departure.”

“Where the hell are you going at a time like this?” Luke asked.

I groaned. “Lily. Shit. I forgot all about that. She wanted to leave early for our trip to San Marco.”

“Two weeks early?”

Nodding, I spoke again. “Yes, but that was before this storm. We were finalizing things last night before all of this.”

“And now?”

“I can’t leave with things like this. But I do need to talk to her and see if she wants to take the girls and go ahead without me.”

Luke checked his watch. “It’s about lunchtime anyway. We might as well head over to the club and grab something.”

“Yup.” I was too lost in thought to carry much of a conversation.

Lily had been so adamant about going early that I’d agreed just to keep her calm and happy. Too much stress right now wasn’t good for the baby. Then again, how much more stress could we possibly be under than this?

It was almost comical to think about.

When we arrived at the country club, Lily looked as if she were holding court. She had everyone’s attention as she gave instructions and stopped to talk one-on-one with people. Being Pack Mother came so naturally to her, like she was born for this role. Maybe it was because she was. Her mother was very outspoken about her belief that God never made mistakes when matching mates. It followed the concept that each of us had one perfect person out there to balance and perfect our life. Lily was mine.

Seeing her now, it was easy to imagine God creating her just for this role—to be my mate, mother of our pups, support our Pack, and somehow still be wholly, authentically, and unapologetically Lily.

God, I loved this woman.

When she saw me across the room, her entire face lit up with happiness and she gave me a little wave until she could excuse herself from the conversation she was in and walk over.

Giving me a quick kiss on the lips first, she then stepped back and eyed me suspiciously.

We never shied away from our affections towards each other, not even in front of our Pack.

“What’s going on?”

“The runway is clear, and they are prepping the plane for our departure.”

“Departure where?”

I stared at her like she had two heads.

“San Marco, Slugger.”

She looked momentarily confused and then understanding set in.