Canyon's Choice - Taylor Rylan Page 0,2

though. Just push yourself up front. New parents and all, you need to eat when you can,” I told them before I nodded and walked off.

Noah was cute. He was perfect, and I wondered if I’d ever have that. I wasn’t really in the mood for a big get-together, but here I was. We were having a big winter solstice celebration, and I was stuck. I’d sort of taken over as Forest’s second-in-command when Tucker met his mate. They had twins now, and although Tucker had sold his shop to Scott, he preferred to stay home with Flynn and their twins. I didn’t blame him one bit. I would too if I had a mate and twins. Or even just a mate. What would that be like?

“You look miserable,” Forest said as I approached him.

“Gee, thanks. I can’t imagine why.”

“I know. And they’re supposed to be back soon. You should be there this time at the meeting. Perhaps they could tell you why it is that your mate showed up already mated.”

I sighed. “It’s no use. I’ve decided that I’m one of those that simply isn’t that fortunate. I’ll live vicariously through you and Aspen. And Wren and Sterling.”

Forest rolled his eyes and shoved at my shoulder.

“Did you eat? I haven’t seen you in the line.”

I shook my head. I wasn’t hungry.

“You need to eat.”

“Later. Looks like you’re needed,” I said as I indicated Alistair heading our way. It was comical to see wolves rush to get out of his way. He wasn’t quite as scary as his grandfather, but even after having been in the pack for close to a year, Alistair still had that effect on others.

He stopped in front of us and nodded. “The fates will be here later this evening. Grandfather just sent word.”

“This evening? I guess we can’t complain too much. It’s not like we can expect them to basically drop everything and come when works best for us. Did you want to be at the meeting, Canyon?”

“I think maybe I should. I’d like some answers, if at all possible.”

“I’ll do my best to be sure you get to ask your questions,” Alistair said.

“Thank you. That’s all I can really ask. But in all honesty, I’m no different than any other alpha or omega. I simply must wait my turn, and it’s not here yet.” I shrugged, and after I gave Forest’s shoulder a squeeze, I walked off. He wanted me to eat, and although I didn’t have the stomach for food, I got in line to get a plate. I’d try to eat something. After then, I’d nod, make small talk, and help where needed.

My biggest question was why was it I was told to be prepared and yet Elwood arrived already mated? If he truly was intended for me, how was it that Theo was able to scent and claim him?

I piled enough food on my plate to not draw attention, but it was still more than I’d be able to eat. My desire for most things was gone lately. I found a spot, away from most others, and sat down to not eat. If I was lucky, I’d be able to spend enough time over here and not have anyone notice that I wasn’t eating.

Luck wasn’t with me though because Wren spotted me and brought Dane over and sat down. I smiled at Dane. He’d always had the ability to cheer me up.

“You don’t look too happy.”

I set my plate aside and took the pup from my brother, taking any chance I could to avoid all of the questions if possible.

“I’m not unhappy.” I watched as my brother picked up my plate and started eating. I hid my smile in my nephew’s hair, wondering when he and Sterling were going to share the news with the rest of the pack.

“You’ve been distant the last few months.”

“You know, if you weren’t pregnant, I’d call you rude. First for eating my food, second for accusing me of not being the sociable creature you are.”

“It’s not like you— How did you know? Shh. We haven’t announced it yet.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Little brother, we’re all wolves. Do you really think there isn’t a shifter here that can’t scent your pregnancy? Let alone hear the two extra heartbeats? Not only that, but we know you went into heat almost two months ago.”

I got Dane laughing, which seemed to soothe my brother’s nerves a bit. “I was hoping to make it a surprise. I’ve been