“Not quite as overwhelming, huh?” Ren grins, realizing what I’m doing. “That means you’ve successfully moved onto the final stage. The bond adaption phase. Your body and pheromones are now in tune. Your bond won’t feel as intense outside of heats.”
“How do you know all this?” I should be the one to have completed all the research, but Ren and Cole seem to be experts.
“He stayed up all night reading with a torch.” Laz kicks Ren’s foot. “While snuggled up next to your feet.”
“Did not!” Ren jumps up. “Well, maybe for a bit, but I read other things too.”
“Aside from tormenting Ren, don’t you have a class to prepare for, Laz?” Cole asks, crossing his arms as Ren plops back down onto the couch. “I know you have a design assignment due today.”
“Have you memorized all our schedules?” Laz rolls his eyes.
“Pretty much,” Cole smirks. “And I know Ren’s teaching a seminar that he’ll be late for if he doesn’t hurry.”
I love how he keeps them all in check. He wants them to do well.
Damon’s cell phone rings from underneath his pillow. Frowning when he sees the caller ID, he picks up. “Yeah?” We can’t hear what the person says on the other side, but Damon’s expression darkens. “Okay, I’ll call you back.”
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“That was my boss, Orin. They’re short on security. He wouldn’t usually call me in, especially right now—he knows the rules around bonding—but there’s a big soccer game between rival alphas that’s expected to get out of control. The fans are already arriving.”
“You should help out.” I try to smooth out the crease between his eyes.
“Are you sure?” he asks, concern clear in his tone. “I’d rather stay with you.”
“We’ve moved onto the bond adaption phase, or so Ren says.” I grin at him. “They need you. And maybe it’ll be good to stretch the bond and see how it feels?”
“Fine.” Damon sits up, tormenting me with his rippling muscles and intricate tattoos. “But if you need me, all you’ve gotta do is call. I’ll drop whatever I’m doing.” He quickly texts his boss. “I’ll let Orin know I’ll be there.”
“I guess that just leaves the two of us, Faye,” Cole says. “If you’re feeling up to it, you can join me for a house viewing this morning?”
“Doesn’t everyone else want to see it too?” If it were me, I’d like to see the place I’d possibly be calling home for a few years.
“If you like it, we’ll like it,” Ren retorts. “That’s all that matters.”
“And if I don’t like the decor, I’ll change it.” Laz shrugs. “No biggie.”
“As long as it has a roof, nest, and a big enough bed, I don’t give a fuck,” Damon replies. “And a fridge of my own.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course, that’s a non-negotiable.”
“I guess it’s just the two of us then, beautiful.” Cole’s mouth quirks, giving me a peek at his dimple. “So you’re in?” He checks his watch. “Will you be ready in an hour?”
I agree, and by the time I’ve eaten and dressed, everyone has already left to go to class or work, leaving only Cole waiting for me. His white T-shirt fits loosely but still hugs his muscles, and he smells so good. Fresh, warm, and excited.
“So where is this mystery house?” I ask him as we leave.
“You’ll see.” He takes my hand. “Frank called in sick today, so I could drive us myself, but I thought we’d walk and take the scenic route.”
Campus looks even more magical now that the leaves are changing color. Lush green leaves are turning faint, their edges curling like they’ve been kissed by the sun.
When we reach the lake, we pause, giving me time to stare across at the striking bonded houses.
“I know you really wanted one of the beach houses.” Cole follows my gaze. “But there aren’t any available until next year.”
“That’s okay.” I swallow my disappointment. “I know they’re popular. I’m sure whatever you found will be amazing.”
“I said there weren’t any beach houses available, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t get one. See that house right at the end of the row?” He points to the prettiest house on the street. It’s slightly set away from the others and has the largest stretch of beach in front of it. “The pack who had the lease were waiting to transfer to a college in Seattle. I may have had to pull a few strings to speed up their transfer. The house is ours if we want it. Do you want to see inside?”
