"So when the fuck did this happen?"
I couldn't look Xander in the eye. I hadn't expected to run into an equally sleepy Elias in the hallway this morning, so I was only wearing Felix's oversized shirt as I got my coffee. It took almost no time for Elias to see me and the mark Felix left on my neck. He'd gotten too excited at the sight, immediately running off to tell Xander before I could even fully wake up.
"Luca is my mate," Felix said, his deep voice soft and fond as his warm hand rubbed my shoulder.
Xander scoffed. "Yeah, no shit. What are you doing?"
Felix, Xander and I all turned our attention over to a beaming Elias, his excitement almost tangible as he stepped back into our conversation after talking with one of the headquarters attendants.
"Aspen should be over soon," he said.
"You already invited that bubbly redhead? We just found out!"
Elias wrapped his arms around Xander's neck before placing a peck on his jaw. I was surprised to see that Xander wasn't livid at Elias' teasing; instead, he almost seemed to melt under his mate's touch. I could even see the faintest tint of rose on Xander's cheeks if I looked hard enough.
"On a more serious note," Xander started, his gaze pointed directly at me. "When do you plan on assuming the role of Luna?"
I nearly flinched, and I hoped that my anxiety wasn't too evident.
"Calm down, Xander. It's been less than twenty four hours since we even found out we were mates."
"I'm not ready yet." My voice felt small as I spoke.
Though it had only been a day since I learned Felix was my mate, it hadn't dawned on me that I would be taking the role of the Shadowclaw Luna. I couldn't imagine myself having such a significant role in the pack, being able to make orders and commands that the entire pack had to follow. Having that much power was daunting, and I doubted my ability to lead so many people properly.
"Then we'll wait." Felix smiled comfortingly. "This is new and I think it'd be nice to spend some quality time together before you become Luna."
"It looks like you already did."
As I'd gotten to know him, I'd found Xander's seemingly rude comments came from a place of good nature. Well, as good natured as Xander could be, anyway. Underneath his harsh, intimidating exterior was a person of kindness and loyalty. Elias especially brought out Xander's soft side, and for that I was grateful and often amused.
The four of us were at a silent point in our conversation when we were startled by loud thumps ascending the stairs. A figure had just made its way up and darted straight toward us, a forest of red hair chasing behind.
Xander looked visibly terrified. "Shit, she's here!"
Before any of us could react, Aspen nearly fell onto my lap, huffing and puffing with excited eyes.
"Luca! I came as fast as I could after I heard the news, what the hell!"
She shook my shoulders almost violently to which Felix and Elias laughed softly.
"Take it down a notch, damnit!"
Elias kissed Xander on the cheek in response to his outburst, which I figured was an act to calm him down. It did the opposite; Xander's cheeks began to flush as he tried to continue feigning annoyance at his friend.
"When did this happen? When is the wedding? When are the babies?"
Felix and I looked at each other and sighed at the rapid stream of questions.
"It happened last night," I responded calmly, nudging Aspen into a more comfortable position on my lap.
"As for your other curiosities," Felix added, "neither of those will be happening for a while."
We caught Aspen up on what we'd mentioned before she'd gotten here. She was a bit deflated at Felix and I's collective decision to take the formalities of our relationship slow, but she forgave us after we promised she could have a large part in the wedding planning.
The five of us hung out in the headquarters building for the rest of the afternoon, talking about anything and everything that crossed our minds. It reminded me of when Aspen, Elias and I would hang out in my apartment, but it was nice having Felix and Xander in the mix, too. Oh yeah, I'll have to bring my things here from my apartment soon, I thought.
Our conversations had come to a standstill when we all decided to get up and do our own activities. To Xander's irritation, Aspen tagged along with him and Elias, leaving Felix and I alone. I looked up at him and looked away just as quick when I saw that his eyes were already on me. He wore a sweet smile that only broadened when my cheeks flushed in bashfulness. He took a step closer to me and took my hands in his, leaning over to kiss my jawline.
"Well, what would you like to do for the rest of the day?"
I pondered for a moment before coming up with something bold. "Anything, as long as it's with you."
The expression on Felix's face was priceless. He was taken aback at my flirting just as I thought he'd be, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. It took effort to stop myself from bursting out laughing.
"Sorry," He said, still stunned. "I just... I didn't expect that. You continue to surprise me, Luca."
"Why don't we take a shower again? I enjoyed you washing my hair."
Felix scoffed playfully. "Oh, so he admits it."
"Shut up," I grumbled sheepishly, already making my way to our bathroom. "I love you."
And for the second time, I'd left my mate speechless.
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Last chapter before the epilogue you guys! It's been such a journey, but it's not over just yet. I'll be posting a face claim part along with the epilogue, too. Hopefully the characters look like how you imagined them or better. If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't forget to vote and comment your thoughts! - D ♡