Big Bad Alphas novel Chapter 24

   "So, you are the Luna, Alpha Tates mate?"

   "Yes, but we haven't been together for long."

   "Caroline told me that the two of you planned the birthday celebration for Sebastian Tate. It was lovely," Lucas compliments as we sit across each other in the living room. Caroline sits closely beside him as Evangeline is near me.

   "Caroline planned most of it, and I pretty much watched her work as I constantly fell asleep. I don't know how she manages to work for so long without rest."

   Evangeline smiles. "That's my Caroline."

   "Is Dad coming by?" She asks, and Evangeline tells her he is busy helping the newer guards with training, but he will stop by for dinner. "Well, when will Eric be home?"

   "Any time between now and dinner," I say. "We haven't spoken since this morning."

   "And everything went well with the rogue searches?" Evangeline asks.

   "Yes, he told me they found a few tracks nearby. Seems to be a group."

   "You know, Lucas just helped his Alpha take down a pack of rogues. Maybe he can help?" Caroline says then looks up at her mate. "I'm sure an extra mind could bring new ideas."

   "Now, you are Alpha Kenn's Beta?" Evangeline asks, and he confirms. "He is a kind man. I met him a few times when he came for meetings every now and then."

"I couldn't ask for anyone better to work with."

The conversation continues, and I come to the conclusion that I rather like Lucas. He is respectful and appropriate, nothing about him makes me question if Caroline will be happy with him. She seems fulfilled by just sitting beside him.

Sebastian arrives and greets Lucas smoothly, no threats or coldness, which I am expecting from Eric. His eyes watch me, waiting for something that I am not sure of, or just watching to make sure I do not tell on him like a child. I wonder if Evangeline knows about his runs and how he fought a rogue yesterday. I should not be questioning my mate's father, a past Alpha, but I cannot help it.

We sit down for dinner, not waiting for Eric because we do not know when he will be back. Sebastian sits at one end with Caroline and Lucas on one side and Evangeline and me on the other. Two other women came in to help Marina cook and serve dinner, as she refused my help along with Carolines. I expected her to refuse Carolines, though.

"What do you two plan on doing with your time together?" Evangeline asks the pair as we eat.

"I thought we could spend this time getting to know each other, nothing specific," Caroline explains. "Lucas is leaving tomorrow night, so I want to learn as much as I can by then."

"Where will Lucas be staying?" Her father questions as her cheeks heat up.

"Dad," she swiftly whispers, and I take over, trying to save her from embarrassment.

"Why... Lucas is staying at the pack house. There are so many guest rooms we could house your entire pack."

Lucas smiles and nods while Caroline does not look so content. She must be disappointed in the sleeping arrangements, but I am sure she will work her way around the rules. "Lucas, tell us about your family. Are you close?" Evangeline changes the subject.

"Yes, I see them every..."

My attention is snatched away by the sounds of a car pulling up to the house, then the shutting of a car door. My heart picks up pace, and I excuse myself from the table. Hurrying to the door, I slip out when I see Eric getting out of the car along with Health.

I rush down the steps, and he looks to me. "Eric doesn't be upset," I start and his face shifts from happy to concerned.

"Well, you are walking, so I suppose the injury is not too bad," he says. "Now before you explain, welcome me home like everything is perfect."

I sigh and fight back a fierce smile. For a moment, I forgot that he is home. The fact that Lucas is here and he does not know has taken over as the most important thing for a second, when it is actually the fact that Eric is back safe. I curse myself before wrapping my arms around him. "Sorry, I just wanted to tell you before you go in and overreact."

He holds me closely and does not say a word for a moment to two; he just enjoys the embrace. "Okay, you can explain now."

"Well, Caroline's mate is visiting."

He crosses his arms. "When?"

"Now."