Sloan's POV
We were definitely undressed.
Every single wolf was in here wearing their Sunday Best and Carter and I were in jeans and a sweater. And we both had beanies on that weren't coming off. Well, Carter was wearing one of my sweaters seeing as all he brought was sweats. But I wasn't complaining. My scent surrounded him in the most beautiful way.
Also, my sweater was a bit bigger and had a loose fit on him. He looked so cute.
We followed the host to our table, the alpha's table. Rena went all out for Carter. I'll have to tell her thank you later tonight. The table was tucked away where we had privacy from everyone's eyes and I was thankful for that. I don't know how Carter would feel having old pack members see him sign.
Plus, it was better for them too. If I saw one person look at him weirdly I'd kill them. And then sit down and eat dinner afterward.
"Luna Rena has already covered your meal, and you are free to order whatever you like Mr. Jafir and Mr. Mickaya." The server set our menus down and then left us to look over them.
'Rena really outdid herself.' I signed to him. I decided that while we were here, I was going to just sign so he didn't feel embarrassed because he was silent. Now everyone would think we both are.
'I feel guilty. I haven't seen her or talked to her since I came here.' He told me truthfully and I could see it in his eyes that it was more than guilt. He missed her. But he was also afraid of how'd she react when she saw him again. He didn't need to worry about that.
'Do you want to?'
'Yes, I think so. But I don't know how to explain...this.' He motioned to his mouth and his face held a small amount of defeat. What he didn't know was that Rena and Danielle were already learning sign the moment I told them this afternoon. I wanted to tell him, but I think it'd be better as a surprise.
'Then it's settled. Tomorrow after our haircuts we can invite her and Danielle over for dinner. And I will explain everything.' A giant smile covered his face and I don't think I'd ever get used to seeing him like this. So happy and free. And with me.
'Why are you not talking?' Carter did this super cute thing when he was confused. He scrunched his nose just a little bit and pursed his lips. I don't even think he knows he does, but I loved it.
'I don't want these wolves listening to our conversation.' I made a stank face when I spoke about the wolves and Carter laughed lightly. I never thought I was funny but Carter laughed at everything I said. And as long as he thought I was the funniest man in the world then I didn't care.
'I also miss Ezra. This is the longest of gone without talking to him.' There was a slight flare of jealousy but I pushed it down. From what I could tell Carter didn't have many close friends, that I know of. So I had to get over it.
'I also miss my Uncle Byn and Uncle James. Fuck, I bet they are worried sick.' I must have looked confused at the mention of their names. I didn't realize they were that close with Carter. I just knew them as my father's friends.
'I didn't know you were close with them.' I told him truthfully.
'Yeah, they call just as much as Aunt Rena and Danielle. They don't live too far from here either. About two hours away actually. Oh shit, I bet Turner is pissed at me too.' Carter leaned forward and set his head on the table.
Turner was Byn and James' son, last time I remembered he was fifteen. I was learning so much about Carter but I couldn't help but feel proud of him. For him to realize that he wasn't alone in this. That he was loved beyond measure even if it wasn't from his biological family.
Carter was special to so many people.
He slowly sat up and sighed, he looked so stressed. It was kind of funny.
'Do you want my opinion?' I asked him, and he nodded quickly and signed please almost immediately. 'I think it might be time to get you a phone. If anything just talk to the people you want. We can even get you a new number.'
Carter let out a groan and rolled his eyes. I knew it wasn't what he wanted to hear. I could tell she was enjoying this silence and quiet time. And truthfully I have been too. But I knew deep down that we couldn't stay in this bubble for much longer. No matter how badly I wanted to.
'I think you're right.'
'We can add it to the list of things to do tomorrow.'
The list just kept growing and I was wondering if we were going to be able to handle it. Only because we've become so accustomed to staying in the house by ourselves it would be a big change in our routine. And selfishly I was afraid that the change in our routine would halt Carter's and I's relationship progression.
'Do you miss your family?' Carter asked me, keeping his gaze firm on me.
'I do. But I'm more than content being here with you.' I know what he was doing, whether he realized it or not. I saw right through him. He wanted to see if I was annoyed with him, try to catch even the slightest hint of wanting to go home. But why would I go home when he was here? Exactly.
'You know you can call them whenever you want to you know? You don't have to keep your phone hidden away.'
Before I could respond our server was back and she quickly took our order and asked us what drinks we wanted. She took our order quickly and left us. I wanted nothing more than to lean forward and hold Carter's hand across the table, but I couldn't do that. Because he wouldn't be able to talk to me.
'Lightening, I'm not on my phone because I'm here with you. And I want you to know that you're my sole focus.' Carter's cheeks warmed up at my words, and I smirked at him. I loved it when he blushed.
'But maybe tomorrow while you're talking to Rena and Danielle, I'll give my pops a call. And everyone else. Goddess, I'm going to be on the phone all night.'
Just thinking about it made me tired. I had a giant family and there was no way I could talk to one and not the rest. Yeah, tomorrow was going to be hectic as hell.
'Is this our last night of freedom then?' Carter asked and I could see there was a bit of sadness in his eyes. He liked our time together just as much as I did.
'If it is, then I guess we need to enjoy it.' I said with a slight smirk.
I don't know if he saw this as a date, but I didn't care. It was a date for me. The first of many. Our next date will be my doing and it will be planned and it will be the best date Carter had ever been on.
'I already am.'
Goddess help me.
*****
'Come on, Tiger!' Carter signed frantically as I followed him towards a playground.
We had just finished dinner and Carter had told me he wanted to show me something. And here we are, at a playground. Though I didn't mind. I was enjoying my time with him outside of the house. It was like we were able to see what our life would be like later. Just doing everyday things together.
At dinner, we talked about the little things about ourselves. During that time I realized that we never took the time to do. We talked about our favorite color, his orange, mine is green. Ironic I know. We talked about favorite animals and when I mentioned the bear and explained why. He then told me how he hated that Z called me 'Teddy' and then we both promised never to talk about him again.
He asked me about my graze and all that I did. Which wasn't much. I told him about all the other tigers I met and how we all became close. One in particular, Darren, he had decided to integrate himself into the human society. Why? Who knows.
And now we are here.
"Why are we at a playground?" I asked him once we were closer together.
The sun was setting in the back, and there was a gentle yellow and orange hue. I stood in awe, watching how it made Carter glow. Goddess, he was beautiful. So effortlessly beautiful, almost like a piece of art. Add on the fact that since dinner, a bright smile has been planted firmly on his face the whole time.
He looked so happy. So happy to be with me.
I hope my face showed just how happy I was to be with him. Just being here in his presence was everything I needed and more.
'I used to come here all the time with Aunt Rena. This was one of my favorite places.' He skipped his way to the swings and I watched amused. 'It still looks the same.'
He motioned for me to join him at the other swing and I immediately obeyed. It's been a long time since I've sat on a swing but I would do it for Carter. Especially seeing how happy it makes him.
"Does the pack feel different now than it did before?" I asked as we slowly started moving back and forth.
'Yeah. It's weird seeing so many people around. Before there were only like 30. No, it's so big people have to drive.'
I kept my eyes firmly planted on him as we began to swing lightly. Then that unfamiliar heaviness started to rise in me yet again. Lust. My eyes trailed down his neck and I wondered how his skin felt against my tongue. The way his hands gripped the chains of the swing, I wondered if he would use that same amount of strength on me.
He laughed so deeply, but I can't help but wonder if his moans were light and airy. Would he growl? Or would he whimper? I can't help but wonder if he'd lean into my kiss, and give it to me freely or if he would fight for dominance only to lose in the end.
Warmth began to spread through me and my dick began to stir and wake. Wake in a way it had never woken Carter before. All these feelings...this lust and need for him was new. The need to see him on his knees, the need to see tears rolling down his eyes from pleasure.
I didn't know what to make of it.
And here I was on this swing and he had no idea of my internal afflictions.
"Would you ever stay?" My voice was raspy as my throat was coated in lust. I hope he didn't notice or smell my arousal. I was using everything in me to stay sane and not let this new feeling control me.
'I would. But I am next in line to be alpha so I don't think that's an option.' Shit, how could I forget. The idea of his old pack seemed so far away so deep in the past, but it still was very present in his life.
"You're not going back are you?" I asked quickly, anger laced in my tone. The last thing I wanted was to have him back around those people. His so-called parents and family. At least not without me. But even then, I don't know if I have the self-control to keep myself from killing them.
'I don't think I have a choice, Tiger.' He sighed and I could see there was heavy sadness in his eyes. I hated it. I fucking despised it.
"If you don't want to go back, we won't. I won't let you walk back into that mess." I leaned closer to him and Carter did the same. But he rested his head against the chain and a soft smile sat on his face.
'You meant what you said? That you're not going anywhere?'
I could see that he wanted to believe it. But from what I know he has been disappointed time and time again. People who were supposed to love him, let him down. I'm not going to be one of those people.
"I did. I won't leave unless you tell me to go, Lightening." I kept my eyes firmly on his, so he could see that mine held nothing but truth.
'You can be such a sap.' He teased and I laughed lightly at him. My eyes were moving on their and I found myself looking at Carter's lips. Lips I've looked at times before but never looked at. Until now. They were full and thick, and I wanted nothing more than to see if they were as soft as I thought.
"I get it from my pops. If you only knew the have of the shit that man said to my dad when they were dating, you'd be shocked." That got a light chuckle from Carter. But I noticed his eyes flick from mine to my lips as well.
Which immediately caused my heart to speed up incredibly fast. Was this the moment? He was right there, and the way he looked at me was almost as if he was willing. Willing to give me what I so desperately want. I should just do it. Lean forward and get a taste of him.
But what if we aren't ready for that next step yet? What if I'm reading into things and that isn't a look of desire, but curiosity? My selfish needs were winning and I didn't even realize that my body was moving on my own accord. Leaning towards him. Him leaning towards me. Our lips were so close it gave a phantom touch. Was this really about to--
"Hey!" The voice boomed and Carter and I jumped apart. The were was a man with a flashlight a few feet away shining it on us. "Parks closed."
"Sorry, sir!" I yelled back, quickly standing to my feet, trying to get over the awkward feeling that was now surrounding Carter and me.
We almost kissed. So fucking close.
Carter walked beside me and immediately entangled our fingers together. His hand became a comfort and a part of my body. Without his hand there I feel incomplete.
'I would like my five minutes.' Loren growled and he paced back in forth. I had completely forgotten about that deal, and I wondered if Carter had too.
"Loren would like his five minutes when we get home." Carter looked up to me and I noticed his eyes flick down to my lips once more before they went distant.
'Tatty said okay.'
I didn't know what to expect from the two of them, or how'd they react to each other. I just hope they wouldn't do anything physical, seeing as Carter and I haven't yet. But Loren...he has a mind of his own and he rarely listens to me.
All I know is that it's going to be wild.
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DOUBLE UPDATE???
The next chapter will be Loren and Tatty! YAY! I'm excited for ya'll to see how they interact with each other. This is also my first time doing this and I am slightly nervous about it. But I am excited at the same time.
What did you think of this chapter? I know you're probably bummed they still haven't kissed but they will! Soon...hehehe.
It'll be worth the wait I promise.
Let me know your thoughts! Lots of new people are introduced in this chapter!
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Until the next...