I carefully walked down the last few steps, and Tony quickly made his way to me, holding out his hand.
“Why thank you, sir,” I joked as I gracefully placed my hand in his.
He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing it.
“My lady,” he growled, playing along.
“You look amazing,” said Sam. He was constantly brushing his hair back, and I could tell he was a little nervous. I was still thesameperson. Just dressed up and not completely naked like how I was all week.
“Thank you, Sam,” I said, pulling Tony’s hand as I glided over to Sam, giving him a small peck on the lips. He looked surprised, and his face turned red under the light.
I smiled as we all made our way outside.
There was a beautiful sunset, and I couldn’t help but look at the ocean view. The sky was blood orange, and the ocean was calm tonight. The sound of the seagulls calmed my spirits, and I couldn’t believe how much I fell in love with Howl’s Edge. It was a quiet island in general. They had their bad side of the island, with all the auctions. But this side of the island, the south side, was full of life, wonder, and excitement.
A large carriage waited outside. My heart almost burst with excitement at the sight of it.They did this for me?!
There were even real horses in the front with a driver.
“Do you like it?” asked Grant.
“I can’t believe this,” I said, flabbergasted.
Grant hopped up steps and held his hand out for me. I released Tony and grasped Grant’s hand as I climbed up the little steps. I sat between Grant and Tony as the carriage started moving.
“How the hell you afford all this, Grant?” asked Sam as they all crowded into the carriage.
“New business ventures,” said Grant vaguely. “You’re pretty quiet, Tiana. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, I’m just admiring everything,” I said. I was enjoying the feel of the air on my face and hair. And how beautiful the palm trees looked from up here and the majestic black horses. “Thank you so much. It’s so romantic.”
Grant leaned down and kissed me on the forehead. That kiss felt more intimate than even a kiss on the lips. Like he treasured me.
“I’m glad you like it,” he whispered.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To a restaurant calledThe Savory Rose.”
“Ooh, mister fancy pants,” I teased. He chuckled. As we passed by the island people, they would stop and stare at me. The new omega in town. And her alphas surrounding her protectively. My heart warmed, but I also wondered why Grant hadn’t felt the need to mark me as theirs.
“You look a little sad,” said Tony, who seemed to be quietly observing me. Grant quickly looked back at me.
My face heated as I wondered how I would say it. Would it make me sound too needy and attached? Maybe Grant didn’t see me as forever material yet?
I wasn’t sure.
“It’s just…how come Grant hasn’t marked me yet?” I asked. “Are you all waiting to see if I’m the perfect omega for you?”
I was watching Grant’s face. A pained expression came over his face, and he closed his eyes. Then he opened his eyes and held my gaze. He held my trembling hands and pulled them onto his lap.
“I absolutely want to fucking mark you. I want to claim you as mine.Ours,” he said, enunciating each word carefully.
My chest rose and fell faster with each breath.
“Then why haven’t you?” I said in a low voice.
He rubbed his thumbs over my hands in circles. “I want to make sure you’re ready. That you want us despite us taking you from your home.”