-Flint-
"Thanks Raul!" I called over my shoulder to him as I left his tiny diner.
After a day of training and patrolling the territory, I didn't have the energy to make dinner for myself, so I opted to stop at the restaurant for a meal. Now I just had to trudge the rest of my way home.
My muscles were sore and I had a coat of dried sweat on me, but at least I'd managed to avoid Skadi today.
"Flint!"
I groaned. I didn't want to interact with anyone today.
Still, I stopped and turned to see Koda sprinting down the sidewalk, carrying small bag stuffed to the brim over his shoulder.
"Want to come with me?" He panted when he caught up to me. "I'm going to the pack house to help our mates!"
"What's wrong?" I blurted.
"No no, nothing is wrong." Koda laughed as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. He must have ran a long way. "Dot suggested they all watch videos in the home theater!"
I relaxed my shoulders as my mouth twitched with amusement. It'd only been a few days since I'd shown it to her, and it made me feel proud to show her something she liked.
"They're gonna have a slumber party." Koda added. "Isn't that cute?" His eyes were so expressive, and he couldn't hide the love he felt for his mate.
"I'll visit." I agreed in a mumble. Koda wasn't wrong. Imagining my mate doing something so normal and giggling with friends was indeed cute. I'd never admit it though.
"Great!" He brightened. "I just let the last family know and gathered their pjs!"
It only took us twenty minutes to reach the pack house and find the Waya and her class lounging in the plush couch, cuddled together and watching a children's short film about the Moon Goddess. When we walked in, Waya paused the movie.
"Pajama delivery!" Koda smiled cheekily.
I rolled my eyes. He still acted like a pup. But then when I met Dot's curious eyes, I couldn't help but feel giddy. I too acted like a fool around her.
"Perfect! Everyone say thank you!" Waya clapped as she took the bag from his arm.
The omegas bowed their heads and mumbled shyly, except for Dot and Spots that is. Instead, Spots stared directly at Koda with a blush while Dot watched me with furrowed brows.
I couldn't help the small lilt to my lips and flutter of my heart at her expression. She was such a skeptical and distrusting little creature. I wish it wasn't directed at me all the time, but her glares were just too cute.
"It's only omegas tonight, so you two need to leave!" Waya pushed lightly at my and Koda's chest and pushed us out the door.
"Bye Spots!" Koda waved with a frantic wave just as the door slammed shut in his face.
I wasn't happy about leaving my mate, but at least I didn't do anything to embarrass myself this time.
Since his back was turned to me, I suddenly noticed something that made me stop in my place. Without a thought, I pulled him backwards and pulled down his t-shirt to peer at his neck.
"The fuck?" I exclaimed.
I couldn't believe it! I was absolutely baffled! Clear as day, I saw the mark of a mated wolf boldly on his neck. I gasped at him as he turned to face me with a bashful look.
"How?" I gaped.
Though Koda was much smaller than I, his mate was almost as tiny as Dot. How wasn't his mate completely destroyed?
"Uh…" Koda rubbed the back of his neck and flushed furiously.
"Tell me," I glared vehemently. "How the fuck is he even alive after that?"
Koda chuckled nervously, and his blush didn't diminish. He didn't look me in the eye when he finally responded. "I let him put it… in me."
"Oh what." Was all I could say. I suppose that would work, but it still took me for a shock.
"I don't mind if that's how it has to be…" He mumbled, though I could tell he was uncomfortable with the conversation.
I sighed dejectedly. For a brief blissful moment, I thought I had hope. Maybe Koda had that option, but Dot was a female and lacked that appendage.
Koda returned my sigh, sensing my line of thought. "You'll figure it out." He offered a smile of pity. "Let's make them some movie snacks!"
I scoffed. Of course he'd be in a good mood.