I press my thighs together, embarrassed by my body’s reaction, and tell myself it’s just nerves. My body is adjusting. But that isn’t all of it. There’s excitement there, undeniable and curling warm in my belly.
I lift my eyes back to Warren, to the steady line of him standing at the kitchen counter, and let myself breathe.
Please let this be real,I think.Please let them be safe.
“Okay.” Warren wipes his hands on a dish towel. “Ready to check on our grumpy pack alpha?”
“Yup.” I smooth down the front of my oversized shirt as I cross the kitchen.
Warren matches my pace, unhurried, staying close without crowding me. We step into the living room just as Cass’s physical therapist pauses near the front door, Dr. Pace right behind her.
“I’ll see you in two days,” she says with a polite smile.
Beck nods eagerly.
“And Beck,” Dr. Pace says as he struggles to put on his coat, “call me if you need anything. His knee is looking good, though. Much better than last week.” As he says it, his dark eyes slide over my face, then he winks.
The way he’s looking at me makes my stomach twist. Once again, I feel less like a person and more like a treatment plan. Nervous, I shift my weight, instinctively angling closer to Warren, even as I keep my face neutral.
Two seconds later, Beck waves the doctor off, and the door is shut tight behind them.
Cass exhales like he’s been holding that breath for hours. His head tips back against the couch, eyes sliding shut as a heavy sigh leaves him. He looks so exhausted, and all I want to do is go to him.
I take a half-step forward, but Beck is already moving.
The beta sits down beside Cass, close and familiar, their shoulders brushing as Cass leans instinctively toward him.
I stop.
I stay where I am, next to Warren, my hands folding together as I give them space. After all, Beck’s been here longer. He’s earned the right to comfort Cass first.
Beck settles in close, one hand already going to Cass’s thigh like it belongs there. “How’s the leg?” he asks quietly. “Does it hurt more than usual?”
Cass opens his eyes and looks down at the beta. The edge is gone from his expression, worn smooth by exhaustion. “Sore,” he says. “But it’s manageable.”
Beck nods, fingers pressing lightly, carefully. “Do you need anything? Ice. Pain meds. Food.”
“No.” Cass’s hand comes up, curling around Beck’s waist. He tugs the beta closer, pulling Beck fully onto his lap.
Beck makes a small sound of surprise, then relaxes into it as Cass lowers his head and nuzzles into the side of Beck’s neck, breathing him in like it steadies something essential.
A twist of longing washes over me.
Without thinking, my fingers drift to my own neck, to the tender skin around my mating bite. I press lightly, grounding myself, reminding my body to wait patiently.
Cass lifts his head.
“Tansy.” His voice is low and unmistakably commanding. “Come here.”
I move at once, crossing the room without hesitation. Cass shifts slightly to give me space, careful with his leg, and I lower myself onto the couch on his other side. I’m mindful of where I place my weight, of the way his knee is positioned, of not jostling him.
Cass drapes an arm around me, solid and warm, anchoring me in place like it’s exactly where I belong. Beck remains settled against his chest, calm and unbothered, like this configuration is as natural as breathing.
It feels…good.
“Hey, Cass,” Warren shifts closer to the couch. “I’d like a word when you’ve got a minute.”
Cass opens his eyes. “What’s wrong?”
