When We Were Mates (Demetra and Emris) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Demetra.

“Miss Demetra.”

“Miss Demetra?”

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“Yes. Yes. Yes.” I fix the neck of my pink dress for the hundredth time. It’s a sleeveless number with a bow at the neck that I’ve already retied four times because apparently bows are my mortal enemy today. My hair’s scraped back in a ponytail because trying to do multiple things at once with hair in my face is a special kind of hell.

“Miss… the Alpha of Bourbon Pack just arrived. They brought packs of bourbon as gifts for Amira.”

I stare at the cartons being carried in like they’re delivering a liquor store.

“That’s definitely not for Amira.” Slade chuckles from somewhere behind me, and I shoot him a look because we’re still fighting. He knows this. I’m not over it.

“You look pretty.”

“I always look pretty.” I flick a curl away from my face, refusing to acknowledge the compliment. As the mother of the now five–year–old birthday girl, I had to do full makeup with glitter on my eyes because that’s what Amira demanded. Dress code: everyone wears pale pink while she rocks bright pink. The pack house is drowning in pink and gold balloons, and there’s a massive banner at the top that screams AMIRAS DAY inletters a big ‘m pretty sure neighboring packs can read it.

“Okay…but you look extra pretty today.” Slade tries again, and I huff, walking past him toward literally anywhere else.

“I shouldn’t have said that.” He follows me like a guilty puppy.

“You shouldn’t have said what?” I stop with a smile that’s not friendly.

“I just get so worried about you, that’s why-”

“Demetra?”

I turn and find Sabrina, looking effortlessly gorgeous in pale pink

“Hi!” I immediately switch modes, rushing over for air kisses. She pulls back and her eyes land on Slade behind me.

“Slade, say hi.” I nudge him, trying to make this awkward for him He glares at me but clears his throat into that Alpha voice.

“Hello, Sabrina. I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I invited her.” I roll my neck dramatically, and the housekeeper takes the gift she’s holding…definitely for Amira.

“Where’s the birthday girl?”

“Outside taking pictures.” I link my arm through Sabrina’s and steer us through the kitchen which fastest route to the party. “I wanted her to get photos with the kids before cake and drinks destroy their outfits.” I hold my dress up, careful not to catch myheels on anything.

Tiffany and my cousins rush past us, howling with laughter about something, and I just shake my head.

“Wow.” Sabrina stops to take in the transformed lawn.

The pack house has lands that stretches out for acres in manicured grass cut so short it feels like velvet underfoot. The staff’s are prepping the pool ready for the kids to destroy. Swings and sides dot the landscape like an amusement park. There’s a

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Chapter 40

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bouncy castle shaped like a castle… obviously and trampolines tucked to the side where kids are already launching

themselves into the air.

Cartoon characters roam around in costume, waving at children who either adore them or scream in terror. On the another side is the area for parents which leads indoors to the air–conditioned wing where I’m sure the adults will eventually hide.

“Awww.” I press my hand to my chest when I spot Amira at the photo booth with her school friends. Bows in her hair, glitter on her cheeks while she’s living her absolute best life. Grandpa has her on his shoulders because he’s constantly trying to prove how strong he is to her.

Slade heads toward the photo booth and chases off little kids like the bully he is.

I watch him squeeze in next to Amira, making ridiculous faces for the camera.

Sabrina laughs beside me. “He’s good with kids.”

“He’s good at being an idiot.” But I’m smiling.

“She’s so cute. I can’t wait to have a daughter in the future.”

“She is. One look at her and I forget how hard postpartum was.” joke, then glance at Sabrina. She said Amira is cute, but she’s looking at… Slade. Interesting.

“Ma’am, um… you invited the Alpha of the Black Covenant Pack? He’s here with his kid and sister.”

“What!?” I squint, because that’s impossible! Dad sent out the invitation cards exclusively. There’s no way in hell he would accidentally send one to anyone in the Black Covenant Pack.

“That has to be wrong.”

“You don’t remember send

“No.”

one?” Sabrina asks.

“We just scanned his invitation card. It’s real. But we wanted you to know before we made a scene. There were other guests at the door so we didn’t want to seem like we made a mistake. We let him in, but you needed to know.”

While the head of security is explaining, I spot Milo running ahead, leaving Teddy and…freaking EMRIS behind.

“No way.” Eden says when he spots, Teddy, his mate.

I take a deep breath. How? How did an invitation get to Emris? What the hell is happening?

“Ma’am, what steps should we take?”

“Just… be on standby.” My eyes find Emris whose hands are in his pockets, surveying the scene like he owns it. I’m not sure if he’s seen me yet. Probably has, but he’s choosing not to look. He knows there’s something fishy about how he got an invitation here.

“Sabrina, can you give me a second?”

“Of course.”

I weave through the crowd and intercept Milo before he reaches Amira. Crouching down to his level, he immediately throws his arms around my neck to hug me. The moment we hug, I look up and Emris is looking at me,

“Hi, Angel.”

“Hello, Milo. You look so handsome today.” I smooth his little shirt. “Amira is taking pictures with her grandpa. Can you give

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Chapter 40

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her one second?” I ask, and he nods with a bright smile. “Aww, so cute.” I bite my lip, because now comes the real question.

I might just have to ask the little kid because his grinch dad is a liar.

“How did you… get an invite?”

“Amira gave one to me.”

“What.”

Milo just beams at me, innocent and clueless. I force a smile. “Of course Amira gave one to you. She considers you her friend.” I glance back and see Dad putting Amira down. “Go, go meet her. Careful, don’t run.” Milo zooms off and I rise, turning to face Teddy and Eden who are already making out on the lawn.

I look back at Emris!? Why. Why. Why. Why is fate bringing him to me constantly!?

Amira. Moons, Amira. I saw her hovering around Dad and the invitation cards, but never in a million years did I think my stubborn little five–year–old would sneak an invitation to Milo.

I walk until I stop in front of Emris.

“You knew it was a mistake.” I grit my

“An invitation is an invitation. Are your many Alphas here?”

Oh. That’s why he’s been looking around. I forgot… I even lied to him.

“Of course there are.” I wave dismissively. “Can you go hide somewhere until Milo is done and the birthday party is over?”

I turn to walk away, but Emris grabs my arm and pulls me back into his chest. I wrench away immediately before anyone sees. He chuckles.

“Are… are you insane?”

“Where is Amira’s father?” He tilts his head. “Surely he has to show up for her birthday, doesn’t he? I want to see him.” Emris starts to slowly walk past me, but not before his hand grazes my lower belly…just enough to make electricity burn between my legs.

He is tormenting me.

I hate him. I hate that he can do that.

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