“Well, what about Kane and Marla? I knew they weren’t suited.” Leaning back in her chair, Zoe crossed her arms and looked smug.
“Knowing they aren’t suited isn’t the same as matchmaking and besides, everyone knew that Marla wasn’t what Kane needed.” Phoebe glanced over at Elise. “He needs someone nice, like Elise.”
Elise gave a half smile and ducked her head, somewhat embarrassed at how the two women were chattering away about her mate. She was sure they didn’t mean anything by it. Letting their banter wash over her, she pondered the whole Kane-Marla-Ryne triangle.
Marla had been paired with Ryne, but when Ryne left she’d switched allegiance to Kane. How had Kane felt about that? Had he been interested in Marla even knowing that she’d been with his brother? From what Julia had said earlier, it sounded like others had believed Kane and Marla were a couple. Or did it only seem that way because Marla forced herself into Kane’s company? The woman was certainly pushy but Kane could discourage her, if he wanted to. The question was did he want to? He had spent quite a bit of time talking to her yesterday.
A strange feeling quivered through Elise’s stomach. While she wasn’t in love with Kane, it still made her uneasy to think that another woman had her sights set on him. Somehow, she just knew that Marla hadn’t given up on the pack’s Alpha.
Chapter 10
Elise and the other ladies arrived at the house to discover that the men were planning a barbeque. The weather was unseasonably warm for this late in October and a final outdoor meal had been deemed just the thing. Potatoes were already on the grill baking and the steaks marinating. Helen immediately switched into her super-hostess mode and began pulling the salad fixings out of the fridge. Phoebe headed home to get some pies for dessert, while Zoe and Rose began gathering plates, cutlery, and napkins.
Having been sent to count how many were actually there, Elise stood in the doorway and began to number off the people who would be partaking of the meal. There was Kane and herself, Helen, Zoe, Phoebe, their two spouses and four children, Rose, Daniel, John and Carrie, and two other couples whose names she couldn’t recall. In total that made nineteen people; she hoped there were lots of lawn chairs!
It turned out that there was no need to worry. The Alpha house was well-stocked with chairs, and Helen was more than capable of dealing with an impromptu meal for nearly twenty. Elise doubted she could ever be as organized as the older woman, and sincerely hoped that Helen would stay around for years to come.
The meal was a success and Kane had inquired politely how her day was. Elise skimmed over the meeting with Marla, instead commenting on how much she’d enjoyed their tea at the Grey Goose. Phoebe had chimed in, telling about the boots and handbag she’d purchased and Zoe described the new coats she and Rose had purchased. “But Elise didn’t buy anything, Kane; you won’t have to worry about her overspending.” Zoe had nudged Elise playfully to show the comment was a joke.
“You didn’t see anything that you liked?” Kane queried while serving himself some more salad.
“Not really.” Elise took the bowl from him and passed it over to Zoe.
“Oh, come on, Elise. You were almost drooling over that green sweater at Carter’s Casuals.” Phoebe chided.
“I didn’t really need it.” Elise murmured, glancing at Kane out of the corner of her eye. She’d really have to talk to him about getting a job.
Kane looked as if he was about to comment, but then Zoe’s youngest knocked over her glass of milk and in the confusion, the topic was dropped.
After dinner, a small bonfire was lit for roasting marshmallows. Everyone gathered round, couples naturally drifting together, while Helen benevolently watched her grandchildren running about the yard chasing the bubbles she was blowing for them. In the flickering fire light, Elise scanned the assembled group. Carrie was sitting between John’s legs with her back resting against his chest. John’s arms were wrapped around her swollen body, gently caressing her belly. Zoe was snuggled up to her husband and giggling at whatever he was whispering in her ear, while Phoebe sat beside her mate, contentedly holding his hand.
Elise had learned that the other two couples were Michael and his mate Susan, and Franz with his fiancée, Giselle. The two men had helped look for Thomas the night before. They were sitting nearby, quietly talking about a movie they had seen recently. Near the edge of the circle of light cast by the fire, Elise could just make out Rose and Daniel holding hands, the sight bringing a smile to her face. From what she had seen, they were well suited for each other, and she hoped things turned out well for them.