A shiver runs through me. I don’t know why, but something inside me whispersYes.
Something tells me Nick’s story isn’t over yet.
***
Corbin’s whole demeanor says he’s still upset. That he might need me. So I choose to ride on his bike this time, and no one argues. I think they all see it too. Even though he hasn’t said he forgives him, Gage has clearly let some of the hurt go tonight. Maybe it was seeing Corbin vulnerable. Maybe it was talking about Nick.
I hug each of the guys before we part, and each goodbye feels different.
Rafe holds me tight, whispering in my ear, “He’d be glad we found you,” before kissing my cheek.
Zeke is more awkward. I can feel the shame still humming through the bond from the bite, so I move first, wrapping my arms aroundhis middle and pressing my scent into his chest. He inhales sharply, surprised, then relaxes and nuzzles into my hair. “I intend to earn that,” he says quietly.
I smile. He already has.
Eli surprises me most. With his discomfort around new people, sound, and close interaction, I thought he’d be the most hesitant. I was fully prepared to give him space. But instead, he steps right into mine, chest pressed to me, and looks down. His eyes are the palest blue above the cloth of his mask. The skeletal grin stares down, but his eyes are serious, conflicted.
“You don’t have to,” I start, but he cuts me off.
“I want to.” His voice is muffled but clear.
Scent marking requires face-to-body contact, and his face is covered, so I wait. If he can’t, I’ll understand. I never want anyone uncomfortable.
Slowly, he lifts the edge of his mask, revealing a tattooed neck, a strong jaw, a soft mouth. His other arm wraps around my waist, pulling me close as he leans down and brushes his cheek along my jaw. I stay perfectly still until his lips find mine in a brief, electric kiss. Then he pulls back and adjusts his mask again.
I’m left a little dazed.
Gage is last. For a moment, I think he might skip it. He’s been the most distant, and now I understand why. He’s been holding the pack together, and that kind of weight leaves no room for softness.
But instead of passing me by, he steps closer. “I’m sorry you never got to meet Nick. Rafe’s right. He would’ve loved you.”
The words steal my breath. He takes my hand and lifts it, scent marking along the back. My eyes flutter before he steps away.
Corbin mounts his bike, and now that I’ve done this once, I climb on with only minimal help from Gage. Where Eli was lean muscle, Corbin is solid and broad. Everything under my arms is thick and hard.
When he starts the engine, I flinch and tighten my hold.
“You okay, Sweetheart?” His voice comes through the helmet speakers alongside the rev of the engine, and I feel it everywhere.
“I’m okay,” I say softly. “Are you?”
He sighs. His hand slides over mine, pressing it against his ribs. “Yeah. That sucked, but it needed to be said if we’re going to move forward with you.”
With me.
The words send my stomach flipping. I’m in a courting situation now. It’s harder than I expected to let that settle. I’ve watched my friends find their mates and their packs, always wanting the same while never truly believing it would happen for me.
We speed up M22. As Corbin shifts with the bike, his muscles move beneath my hands. My fingers drift lower, brushing under his shirt to the tight skin over his abs. A low sound slips through the speakers, half growl, half purr, and it sends a thrill straight to my core.
I want to hear it again.
I slide my hand lower, slow and careful.
“Sweetheart,” he rumbles. It’s a warning, and an invitation.
My palm presses against the bulge in his jeans, rubbing over the zipper. His breath breaks, jagged.
“Is this okay?” I ask.
