“You didn’t have to go through all that trouble,” I manage, my throat feeling tighter than it should.
“It wasn’t trouble,” Todd says, his tone firm but kind. “Taking care of you is what Ineedto do.”
The sincerity in his words makes my chest ache in the best way. I glance up at him. “Thank you,” I say, meaning it more than I can express.
He grins, his usual confidence returning as he grabs a fork from the bag and hands it to me. “You can thank me by actually eating it.”
I roll my eyes, but the smile tugging at my lips is genuine. I twirl some spaghetti onto my fork and take a bite, the familiar flavors wrapping around me like a warm hug.
Todd leans back against the dresser, watching me with a satisfied look on his face. “It’s good, right? We’ve stopped at that little Italian place on each tour, and it’s always reminded me of you. I knew you’d love it.”
I laugh lightly, shaking my head. “It’s perfect.”
For a moment, the room feels quieter, the noise of the outside world fading away. It’s just us, the scent of garlic and marinara in the air, the warmth of his presence filling the space.
I take another bite, savoring the familiar flavors, but my mind isn’t on the food anymore. It’s onthem.On Todd, standing a few feet away with his easy confidence and quiet care, on the rest of them waiting somewhere nearby, each carving their way back into my heart in ways I didn’t think possible.
I’m quickly becoming addicted to them again. The need to be around them seems to grow stronger with each passing day, and I’m not sure it’s just my heat coming on.
No. It’s more than that.
It’s the way Jake knows when to speak and when to justbethere. The way West’s steady presence anchors me when I start to overthink. The way Xayden’s humor breaks through the walls I didn’t even realize I was still holding onto. And Todd—he’s always been the leader, the one with the fire in his voice and the steadiness in his actions.
They’re not just people I used to love. They’re the ones I still love. The ones I chose to let back into my life, knowing full well how dangerous it could be.
But now I’ve made another choice—one they don’t know about yet.
I should tell him. Tellthem.They deserve to know. They need to be aware of the decision I’ve made, of what it means that I haven’t been taking those pills.
I set my fork down, my appetite suddenly fading as the thought settles over me.
“Hey,” Todd says, his voice gentle as he steps closer. “What’s wrong?”
I glance up at him, meeting his concerned gaze. His brow furrows slightly, and the way he looks at me—like he’s ready to shoulder whatever burden I’m carrying—makes my chest tighten.
“I need to tell you something,” I say.
He pulls out the chair across from me and sits, leaning forward, his forearms resting on the table. “You can tell me anything, Ash. You know that.”
I hesitate, my fingers toying with the edge of the tablecloth. “I haven’t been taking the pills,” I say finally, the words spilling out before I can second-guess myself.
His expression doesn’t change right away, but I see the flicker of understanding in his eyes.
“You mean the suppressants? For your heat?” he asks, his voice low.
I nod, forcing myself to hold his gaze. “My heat is going to hit soon. Probably while I’m still with you guys.”
He exhales slowly, leaning back in his chair as he processes what I’ve just said. I can see the wheels turning in his head, the way his jaw tightens slightly, though his expression stays calm.
“Why?” he asks finally, his tone measured but curious. “Why did you stop taking them?”
“Because I don’t want to hide anymore,” I admit, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I don’t want to keep shutting this part of myself off. Not when… not when I’m with you. With all of you. But if you don’t—I can find a heat clinic.”
A low growl rumbles from his chest, and the words catch in my throat. It’s possessive, a sound I crave in ways I maybe shouldn’t. Suddenly, I’m second-guessing everything. My palms are damp, my pulse racing.Oh God, maybe I didn’t make the right choice.
His eyes soften, and he leans forward again, resting a warm, steady hand over mine. “Ash, you know what that means, right? What it means for all of us?”
“I do,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel.
