“I’m motivated.” He perches on the edge of my desk, long legs dangling. “Also, I know everyone in this town. Benefits of being the only mechanic within twenty miles.”
“Is that why you became a mechanic? For the social leverage?”
“Nah. I became a mechanic because I like fixing things.” He picks up one of my pens, twirls it between his fingers. “There’s something satisfying about taking something broken and making it work again. Figuring out what’s wrong, finding the right parts, putting it all back together.” He shrugs. “Plus, I’m terrible at sitting still. Desk jobs would kill me.”
I watch him fidget with the pen, all restless energy and easy confidence. “You’re good at it. The fixing things.”
“Thanks.” He grins. “You’re good at the organizing things. We make a good team.”
“We’re not a team.”
“Sure we are. You make the lists, I cross things off. Perfect system.” He sets the pen down and slides off my desk. “I should get back to the shop. Got a transmission rebuild waiting for me.”
“Ben.” I stand up, suddenly not wanting him to leave. “Thank you. For today. For all of it.”
“Anytime.” He reaches out, tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture is so gentle, so intimate, that my breath catches. “I meant what I said, Tessa. I’m here. Whatever you need, whenever you need it. No strings, no pressure. Just me, showing up.”
“And making terrible jokes.”
“The jokes are non-negotiable.” He grins. “Part of the Ben Wilson package.”
“Lucky me.”
“You have no idea.” He heads for the door, then pauses with his hand on the frame. “Hey, Tessa?”
“Yeah?”
“Milo’s gonna ask you out. On an actual date. A real one, not a four-day heat marathon in a cabin.” He says it casually, like he’s commenting on the weather. “When he does, say yes.”
I blink. “You’re... telling me to go on a date with another alpha?”
“I’m telling you to give him a chance. Give all of us a chance.” He shrugs. “Pack’s not about competition. It’s about everyone bringing something different to the table. Milo’s got the smooth-talking thing down. Elijah’s got the strong-and-silent thing. I’ve got the devastatingly handsome thing.”
“You’ve got the humble thing, apparently.”
“That too.” He winks. “Say yes when he asks. Trust me.”
And then he’s gone, the door swinging shut behind him, leaving me alone in my office with a half-finished to-do list and a heart that’s beating way too fast.
I sink back into my chair and stare at the door.
Three alphas. A pack. It’s not what I planned. It’s not organized or controllable or anything like the careful life I’ve built.
But maybe Ben’s right. Maybe I don’t need a plan. Maybe I just need to let them show up.
My phone buzzes. Milo again.
Milo:Seriously, how are you? I’m starting to worry.
I pick up the phone. Hesitate.
Tessa:I’m okay. Busy with fundraiser stuff. Ben just left.
The response is immediate.
Milo:Ben was there? Good. He’s been worried too. We all have.
Tessa:I know. I’m sorry I ran.
