Chapter 17

The mating ceremony had ended, and now it was time for the wedding reception. Couples paired off, hands clasped, making their way toward the venue.

Osborne’s arm was firm around my waist, holding me close—almost possessively—as though guiding what was his.

“She isn’t going to vanish if you give her space to breathe,” a deep voice teased from behind us. It was the Alpha.

I almost chuckled and we glanced over. The Alpha’s lips curved into a faint smile, surprisingly directed at me.

“Why don’t you mind your own business?” Osborne shot back. “You’ve got your mate right there.”

“Well,” the Alpha countered smoothly, “you should introduce the one who’s about to be added to my family, shouldn’t you?”

I instantly realized they were bantering. The way they tossed their words back and forth was almost like siblings teasing each other. I couldn’t help thinking how much I wished I’d had that kind of easy relationship with my own parents.

Before Osborne c