His smile was so wide, it made his entire face glow and the scar under his eye crinkle. “You never have to thank me for taking care of you. It's my pleasure.”
I sighed wistfully. “You know, a girl could get used to this.”
“Maybe that's what I want,” he hummed before turning on the dryer and carefully drying my hair. Even when he combed it through, he was so gentle, I didn't feel a single tug. It was the ultimate pampering, and I was a puddle of blissed-out joy.
Closing my eyes, I let him work, enjoying the attention and having him nearby. The bond was still settling, and I could feel it in my chest. Bear was there. I knew that for the rest of my days, I would feel him in my soul—it was terrifying, exhilarating, and comforting, all at once.
“Food time,” Bear declared as he turned off the dryer.
I grinned sleepily at him. Between the pampering and knotting, I was so sleepy. But I hadn’t eaten enough during my heat, despite Spencer’s many attempts.
“Feed me,” I demanded sleepily, holding my arms out to him.
Bear scooped me up gleefully, burying his face in my hair as he carried me through to the kitchen, depositing me on one of the stools at the island.
Spencer and Chase were both hard at work in the kitchen; Spencer, standing over a frying pan, and Chase, washing dishes in the sink.
“You know we own a dishwasher?” Bear said.
Chase shrugged. “I need these now—Spencer bought fancy ice cream for dessert.”
“Ice cream?” I asked, my head shooting up immediately in excitement.
Spencer nodded. His hair was pushed back, his sleeves rolled up as he worked. “Ifyou eat all the sensible food, there’s caramel pecan ice cream.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “This feels like a trap. What is this sensible food you claim to be making?”
All my alphas broke into laughter at my accusing tone.
Shaking his head, Spencer spoke. “It's nothing too bad, princess. It's chicken breast, sweet potato, and green beans. And no, you can't get out of eating the vegetables.”
Considering for a moment, I chewed my lip. “Fine!” I huffed. “I accept. Only because of this caramel pecan ice cream.”
Spencer's approving look shouldn’t have made me feel as mushy and happy as it did. “Good, because it’s not like you had a choice.”
“I have a choice! I could say no!” I insisted.
Spencer laughed, leaving his pan to walk over to me, looking me dead in the eye as he spoke. “No, you don’t, princess. Because as soon as you bit Bear, you became a member of my pack, and I take care of my pack, whether they like it or not.”
I sat there, stunned at his declaration, at the forcefulness of his words, when he turned back and continued cooking as if nothing had happened.
“You’re stuck with us now, honeybee,” Chase said, passing me on the way to put one of the dishes back and kissing me on the cheek. His ginger scent wafted over to me.
Dinner was delicious. The last thing I wanted to do was admit that Spencer was a good cook. When he wasn't trying to shove protein shakes down my throat, he actually did well.
We sat around the table and ate in relative silence, all hungry from our strenuous activities.
“I don't think I can eat another bite,” I whined, sitting back and placing a hand on my stomach.
“Not even ice cream?” Spencer asked pointedly.
“I wouldn't go that far. Give me five minutes, I’ll be ready for ice cream,” I told him.
Chase and Bear laughed while Spencer shook his head.
“We’re all exhausted. Why don't we pile on the sofa with some blankets and watch TV, and we can eat the ice cream in half an hour?” Chase suggested.
“Yes!” I nodded happily. The idea of some sofa cuddles was very appealing.
