Charming, Handsome, and Irresistible

"Is this really necessary?" Liz hissed under her breath.

"Is what really necessary?" Callan whispered back.

"The mating ceremony. Didn't you tell the Alpha that we already…uh…mated?" she asked, her cheeks turning red.

Callan smirked, clearly enjoying Liz's discomfort. "Yeah, we did. But you know how the pack is about traditions. The ceremony is more for them than for us." He leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Unless you're embarrassed to be seen with me?"

Liz shot him a sharp glare, her cheeks still flushed. "I'm not embarrassed. I just don't see the point of parading around in front of everyone, pretending like this is some grand romantic thing."

Callan raised an eyebrow. "Who says it isn't?"