Ivan trimmed his beard and shaved his neck before we left the house, and his brand new bite mark shimmers under the set lights. I can’t keep my eyes off him. And when he talks in a low, rumbling voice? Oh my God. “While I’ll forever be grateful to the show for bringing us together, please don’t pretend this was anything other than a strategic business decision.”
Holy shit, that tone. He’s never used it with me, but part of me now wishes he would.
Bradley clears his throat awkwardly and sits back, pantomiming brushing dust off his suit. “We’re dying to know. What is your plan when you leave here?”
I stroke Ivan’s back gently. “Since we’re bonded now, we’ve decid-”
“Wait! Before you continue. We have one thing we need to do.” Bridgette makes a come here motion, and my hesitant heart stalls.
Derrick steps around the couch, his back to Bridgette, and smiles at me.
And it’s a smile I’ve seen a couple of hundred times.
It’s the one that he’d have plastered on when he answered a video call.
It’s the one that he’d fall into when I laughed.
It’s the one that has warmed my heart for years.
“Hey.” He reaches a hand out to me. “Come here.”
I let him pull me off the couch, unable to form words. It wasn’t until he appeared in front of me that I realized just how much I wanted him here.
And now he is. He looks gorgeous, eyes wet behind his glasses, and his blond hair tousled.
He holds me close, nose to nose, and I breathe in his nutty and sweet scent. I worried about what would happen in this moment, but I shouldn’t have been.
My lips find his because they were always meant to be together. Our paths were destined.
Even though I want nothing more than to fall into him, we eventually pull apart. Derrick’s eyes are closed, but this close, I can see that he’s been crying. Not a lot, but the tears are there. Was he worried before this moment that I wouldn’t accept him? Even after I bonded his packmates and told him I wanted him, too?
Being told it is different than feeling it. I pull him into another kiss, making sure he knows he’s mine, and nothing will change that.
“Isn’t this a nice surprise?” Bradley asks, obliterating the moment.
Derrick guides me back to the couch before sitting and pulling me against his side. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
Bridgette claps her hands together in excitement. “You’re just in time, too! Ariana was about to tell us what the plan was now that the show is over.”
My packmates share a look around me. “You shouldtell them, Alpha.” Grant clutches Derrick’s hand tightly, as if worried he’s about to disappear.
“After I left the show, I went back home to Virginia, quit my job, and packed up all of our things. Our pack has officially moved to Hollywood, Florida.”
Did he say he’s moved? To be near me?
All of them?
The guys and I decided they’d come back to my place for a bit until we could talk this through as a pack, but Derrick moved to be close to me before I even bonded the others. I can’t decide if it’s beautifully optimistic or a bit presumptuous.
Grant leans around Derrick and ensnares me with his passionate gaze. “When Derrick told us he’d started the moving process on our reward call, both Ivan and I were thrilled. I don’t think I could’ve left you, even before you bonded us.”
“I have to confess something.” Bridgette waves us closer. We lean toward her, even though the camera is going to pick up everything she says. “I think this may be my favorite season yet. Seeing your love grow has been incredible. I know America is going to eat you guys up.”
“It’s weird to think that soon people we know are going to get really up close and personal with us,” Ivan admits. “We’re looking forward to getting to spend time together without someone watching our every move.”
“Totally fair! I can’t wait until the reunion episode so we can see where you areat in six months.”
“Now,don’t forget. You have to do your best to stay out of the public eye while the show airs. Hats, sunglasses, and not confirming who you are while you’re out as a group. Try not to spoil the outcome of the season.” Drew walks us through the compound since none of the golf carts were big enough for all of us. I don’t mind. It’s nice to feel the sun on my face, even though it is close to setting. “And don’t respond to anyone on social media who may reach out to you. And, it goes without saying, but I need to remind you, avoid all contact with magazines or television shows that want to feature you. We’ll set up those interviews for you after the reunion episode. You’re fine going about your life until the show airs, as long as you don’t tell anyone you were filming it.”
