We were dressed and cleaned up in less than two minutes and rejoined the pack. Though we got a few knowing smirks or grins, no one called us out on the length of our absence. We didn’t bother giving an announcement about our relationship; everyone expected it, and it wasn’t like we were sneaky about it.

The dinner went by quickly, while Zed cooked up a massive amount of food faster than I would’ve believed, and everyone chatted. I got along well with all of the ladies in the pack, and ...