Just as my hands reach to his shadowed jaw, his phone vibrates, causing us both to groan from the interruption. I scoot back so he can grab his phone from his pocket. His eyes bore into mine as he answers, “Yeah.” He runs his free hand through his messy hair, and his body goes stiff as he listens to whatever is being said. “We’ll be right there.”

He hangs up and kisses my temple before helping me down off the hood. His demeanor went from playful to angry in the few seconds he was on the phone. “Is there something wrong?”

He heaves a sigh. “A few of the men that witnessed us last night... after the fight seem to be in a bit of a frenzy.” He looks down at me, he seems nervous. He clears his throat. “Michael thinks you might be going into heat soon,” he says sheepishly.

“I’m too young for that. Mom always said my first would be around twenty-five.” My heart rate speeds up. I’m not sure I’m ready for a baby. I just turned nineteen. I don’t know if he’s ready or even wants children. I know I do, but what if he doesn’t?

Sensing my distress, Masen stops walking me around the car and looks into my eyes. “He could be wrong, Little One. It could be just because we are Alpha and Luna and not yet Mated fully,” Masen says tenderly. “I can’t wait to see you pregnant with my baby,” he growls, “I never really thought about children before now, but I have that big ole house. It might be fun filling it up,” he says cheekily and smacks my rear. Instantly, my nerves evaporate, I grin back at him.

When we pull up to the meeting hall, all the sweet feelings disappear as I see five male shifters shoving each other aggressively. They don’t even seem to notice our arrival. Masen’s hand clamps over mine. “They aren’t going to bother you. They just feel a need that they can’t quench. It’s making some of them seek an alternative.” He gestures to the five men now throwing punches. “They just need an outlet. They aren’t going to hurt each other too bad. Though, I don’t know why they aren’t in the gym instead of the front lot.” He pats my hand. “Come on, baby. Let’s get this done.”

When Masen steps out of the car, a few of the men standing and watching the fight turn to him and drop their heads but the fighting continues. He opens my door, and as I step out, all activity ceases. Every head turns in our direction. Two of the men that were fighting take a step closer and scent the air. Their shoulders relax as if they’re relieved. My head whips to look at Masen.

“I think it makes them feel better when you and I are close,” he says while running his hand through his hair.

“Ah okay... I guess. If it makes them stop fighting and relax, that’s a good thing, right?”