Ivy
I was not imagining it.
There was a buzz in the air this morning—subtle yet electric. It felt like a storm was about to roll in. I caught Preston watching me as I bit into a croissant, his eyes slightly glazed. Isaac was being unusually quiet, poking at his plate. Lukas kept adjusting in his chair, his leg bouncing like he had drunk too much coffee.
Even Dem was more rigid than usual, his hands folded with clinical precision on the table.
No one said anything as we all sat around the table, eating breakfast. Usually, they were all joking and teasing each other.
“So, Ivy,” my mom broke the tension. “You seem a little flushed, sweetheart. Are you feeling well?”
“Just warm,” I shrugged. “Probably the theater lights this weekend. They always dehydrate me.”
Lukas nodded. “Yeah, we’ve all been running on adrenaline. Could be residual performance high.”
“Or nerves,” Preston added a little too quickly. “Nothing unusual.”
Dem lifted his mug to his lips but didn’t drink. “We’re all coming down after the high of this weekend.”
Every time I shifted in my seat, though, I caught each of them looking at me, hunger and possessiveness in their eyes. It almost reminded me of when we first met as a pack. Very strange.
“Well, Mom, Dad. It’s time to get your luggage all loaded up and into the car. We said Dem and Lukas are helping today, correct?” I said as I reached for my mom’s luggage. All four boys sprang out of their chairs for some reason. I laughed a little at their reactions as I shot them each a curious glance.
“Yes, I’ll get these bags, and then we can head out,” Dem said as he picked up each suitcase and carried them to the garage. My mom gave Preston and Isaac a wave, while my dad gestured goodbye to each before they followed Dem out through the garage door.
I looked back at Lukas, Preston, and Isaac. “Are you all feeling well? Something seems off today.”
“We’re fine,” Isaac shook his head with an indifferent shrug.
Preston didn’t reply, but he just looked at me with a small smile on his face.
“Here, take this and drink as much as you can in the car,” Lukas said, handing me a bottle of water. “Don’t want you getting dehydrated today.”
I chuckled softly as I kissed his cheek. “Well, let’s get going and get my parents to the airport.”
I tried to move towards the garage, but my feet felt glued to the floor, not wanting to leave Preston and Isaac behind. A soft little whimper escaped me at the thought of us splitting up. I looked at Lukas and blinked. No, something didn’t feel right today.
“We’ll be right back to them.” He gestured to Preston and Isaac. “Give her your shirts or some clothing, please.”
They both handed over their jackets to me quickly. Relief washed over me as I inhaled each scent deeply, feeling slightly better. Why did I need their scents with me?
“Let’s get in the car, and we’ll be right back,” Lukas said, leading me out to the SUV. He was treating me like a child, but it was oddly refreshing as it was becoming harder and harder to focus.
The ride to the airport still felt off. I had to keep inhaling Preston's and Isaac’s jackets to stay calm. Lukas rubbed my hand, whispering sweet nothings the entire ride.
“Sweetie, is everything alright? You look a bit agitated,” my mom asked.
“Yeah, I just feel off today,” I shook my head as I wiped a bit of sweat collecting along my brow. “I probably picked up a bug this weekend.”
“I’m sure all of you are looking forward to resting,” Mom smiled as we parked the SUV. Dem unloaded the luggage while Lukas continued to hold my hand. I had to have him near me right now, and he seemed to sense my needs. I didn’t even like Dem walking in front of me—he felt too far away.
Every step through the airport was a battle to move—my body wanting to return to the car and back to my mates' jackets. I had to glue my mouth shut to prevent any whimpering on my end. We walked my mom and dad to security, where we said our goodbyes.
“Ivy, I’m so proud of you sweety,” My mom said as she wrapped me in a big hug. “Your show was beautiful, and this pack of yours—I approve.”
Next, my dad gave me a big hug. “Just be safe and let us know if you need anything.”
He turned and shook Dem’s hand. “Take care of her, please.”
