“Uh-huh,” she says, clearly not buying it. But she drops it, and for a split second, I let out a breath, thinking I’m in the clear. Then she pipes up again. “Just saying, whoever’s got your head in a twist, you should make a move before you end up kicking yourself.”
Landon chuckles, tossing another fry at her. “Dee’s right, for once.” He grins at her, dodging her swat. “Go after it, man.”
I grunt, more to dismiss the topic than anything. If only it were that simple. But the thought of Chad, of Lakelyn—hell, of them both—slips back in, stubbornly refusing to let go. My pack.The words ring in my ears, and I hate how much truth is behind them. I’m falling, hard and fast, and as much as I try to shove it away, it’s not going anywhere.
Still, I’m not about to admit it. Not to Dee. Not to anyone.
“Seriously,” I say, slapping the table, “how’d we get from talking about fries to love advice? What’s next, a therapy session?” I give them both an exaggerated eye roll. “I’m good, trust me.”
Dee laughs, shaking her head. “Okay, okay, but remember I told you so.” She turns back to Landon, throwing out one of her signature sayings. “I’m just the fly on the donut, man, just watching the whole thing.”
Landon snorts. “That doesn’t even make sense.”
“Maybe not to you,” Dee shoots back, grinning, “but it does to me. Dean’ll get it soon enough.”
I shake my head, chuckling, trying to ignore the way my chest tightens. I’m already getting it.
Mason drops into the chair next to mine, casual as ever, but something shifts in the air the moment he sits down. I catch the faint scent of him—andsomething else. My senses flare before I can stop myself, my grip tightening on the bottle in my hand.
It’s subtle, but undeniable. Blueberries and tangy papaya and lime. Chad. Lakelyn. Both of them cling to Mason like he’s been with them just moments ago. The scent hits me like a slap, and my pulse quickens.
What the hell?
I glance over at him, my jaw tightening instinctively. “Can you do something about your sister, man?” I throw out, hoping the jab will distract me from the sudden swirl of jealousy knotting in my gut. The possessive urge to find them both and hide them away.
Mason grins, leaning back in his chair. “She’s a force of nature, what can I say?” His eyes flick to Dee, then back to me,like he doesn’t have a care in the world. But I can stillsmellthem on him, and it’s driving me nuts.Mine.Every part of me shouts.My pack.
I try to keep my voice casual, but the words slip out before I can stop them. “Been hanging out with Chad and Lakelyn?”
Mason quirks a brow, his expression carefully neutral. “Yeah, why? You jealous?”
The question’s meant to be playful, but something sharp underlies it. I narrow my eyes, forcing a laugh that sounds more like a bark. “Jealous? Of you?” I snort, leaning back in my chair, but my chest feels tight, and my heart’s beating too damn fast. “Nah, I’m just wondering what you’re up to. You know how Chad is.”
Mason’s eyes flash, and I can tell my words don’t sit right with him. Hell, they don’t sit right with me either. Something unreadable flickers across his face, his casual expression tightening for just a second.
“Yeah, I do. I knowexactlywho Chad is.” His tone drops, measured and deliberate, and it makes me sit up straighter. He’s not just throwing that out there. There’s more to this, and suddenly, I feel like I’m missing a piece of the puzzle.
“And he isn’t what you or I thought he was,” Mason adds, his voice quieter but firm.
My heart does a weird flip in my chest. I force a smirk, trying to brush off the sudden weight pressing in on me. “Is that right?” I say, leaning back in my chair like I’m still in control of the conversation, but the truth is, I’m anything but.
The jealousy creeping up inside me tightens its grip. He’s defending Chad,Chad, and I know Mason doesn’t do that for just anyone. But it’s not just the words that get to me—it’s the fact that I can stillsmellChad on him. The same scent that was just filling my car not even two hours ago, wrapping around me like it was meant for me alone. It’s probably ingrained into theleather of my seats now. And yet, here it is,all over Mason, mixed with Lakelyn’s. The thought of it makes something ugly claw its way up my throat.
Mason’s smile flickers as he runs his thumb slowly over his lower lip, like he’s remembering kissing them—bothof them. My hands grip the bottle in my lap so tightly I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter. The image of Mason’s lips on Chad and Lakelyn’s... it’s too much. The jealousy turns sharp and acidic, twisting my insides.
"Something on your mind?" Mason says, his voice deceptively casual, though his eyes flick toward me, catching the tension radiating from every part of me.
I force a dry laugh, trying to keep it cool, but my tone is biting. “Didn’t realize you were getting that close to them.”
“You know I’m opening that shop with Lake. Chad was there when I showed up. We—” he starts, his eyes flicking to Landon before he snaps his mouth shut.
“You what?” I press. I have to hear it. I have to hear that Chad went from having sex with me in my car to rubbing against Mason at his shop. And not only Chad, but Lakelyn too. I’m so fucked.
“Nothing,” Mason clips, crossing his arms, beer still gripped in one hand. He’s shutting down, but his scent is everywhere, and Chad’s perfume clings to him, mixed with Lakelyn’s softer notes. The jealousy digs deeper, festering.
“Nothing, huh?” I glance at Landon, knowing damn well he’s picking up on the vibe. “Sure as hell doesn’t smell likenothing,” I mutter, leaning back into my seat, trying to act casual. But it’s all in my head now—Chad, Lakelyn, Mason. My vision tunnels.
Not even the diffusers in the air can block out the smell ofmypack all over him. Not that they know they are my pack.
