Chapter 20

                                    

                                          
Levi's P.O.V
                          
I twirl the spaghetti on my plate with my fork while resting my head on my other hand. My mind wasn't on the conversations produced by the rowdy table which seats were filled by my family and all our closest friends. Nope, it was on the one person I always wished to be with. 
                          
J. I wished he was here to enjoy this with me instead of home with Caspar probably wondering why I had to leave. 
                          
I sigh at the thought. Instead of cuddling with my mate, I was attending one of my parents little dinners. They invited all their close friends and their kids so the room was pretty full. To the heads of the table were my dads of course, to the left the kids and to the right the parentals. 
                          
I used to love these dinners, it was a time filled with love and happiness, one filled with an air of comfort and safety which I reveled in. But right now the only thing in the air was the smell of roasted sausages.
                          
I wanted my mate. If I could bring him, I would. But that meant telling dad which, every party so far consulted agreed, wasn't a good idea. At least not now, but soon, I hoped. 
                          
"Levi." 
                          
I drop the fork in surprise as I look up towards the voice. My eyes widen when I find everyone staring at me even little Jacob. I clear my throat looking to Po with a small hum which makes him roll his eyes.
                          
"I asked," he starts as if repeating himself drained the life out of him. ", how's the house coming along?"
                          
"Oh, it's fine." I say offering him a brief smile.
                          
"Peter could give more detail than that." He jokes urging me on with his hand.
                          
"Most of the repairs are done. The water still ran through the pipes when I got there so that took a load off." I say indulgently, I glance up at Uncle Beckett for a save.
                          
"Of course they are, I left that house in tip top shape." He says with a laugh which no one follows. "So, Damon how is school?"
                          
"The education system is a scam." He replies before shoving a large piece of steak in his mouth and chewing viciously.
                          
"Doesn't really answer his question but okay." Hagen mumbles just under his breath, his eyes dancing around the table. 
                          
"He's right though." Uncle Michael chimes in. "I remember when we were in highschool, it was pure hell. Not once in real life have I had to find x.'
                          
"Thank you!" Uncle Beckett roars making me chuckle. He believed that x was some sort of weapon and preached his beliefs to anyone who would listen. 
                          
"Do you guys have any plans for after high school? Are you going to stay in the pack lands or venture out into the world?" Uncle Nicholas asks wonderously, his eyes dancing between each of us.
                          
Uncle Micheal and his mates lived in New York now, they came back to the pack often to visit but I didn't know them that well. They were close to our parents though and always made time to catch up.
                          
"Become alpha." Damon says in an almost duh tone.
                          
"Become beta." Amelia continues with the same tone. 
                          
"Get into the academy." Josey and Hagen say at the same time.
                          
"What about you Peter?" Uncle asks. At the mention of his name Peter jumps in his seat before ducking even further in his seat, trying desperately and most obviously to hide from everyone's gaze. He was terrible with people but even worse in a rook with many of them. 
                          
"University." Dad answers for him when it becomes clear Peter won't reply. "He wants to study Marine Biology, right love?
                          
He nods quickly at this before ducking under once more. The attention shifts to me but no one asks the question and I'm grateful that they didn't. I was an alpha without a pack living trying to keep my mate and I alive with no real plans for the future.