They formed a packbecauseof me.
My friends arehappyfor me.
Now, the only obstacle is my brother.
Ash makes an appearance, the rotund plump cat jumping on a shelf installed on the wall just for him. He forms into an obsidian loaf, his form spilling over the side of the shelf.
He’s a big, hefty boy, and he rewards me with a slow blink when I scratch the underside of his chin.
“It will be okay,” I tell him softly. Then, I bury my face in his nape, inhaling his welcoming cat scent.
This is the happiest I’ve ever been, and nothing will ruin this feeling.
Nothing.
21
MAEVE
“C Major,”Fang says.
I strum the guitar strings, pleased beyond belief that I have the correct fingerings down.
“D. E minor.”
My fingers sting, but I know the calluses are worth it.
I’m doing it.
I’m making music!
Avery had the best idea for a few reasons—one, the sweet sounds that come from the acoustic instrument are a balm to the wild thoughts in my brain that go off like fireworks.
Two, my guitar teacher is my talented scent match, who has a wonderful knot and knows how to use it.
We’re squished together on my couch in my apartment, each of us playing a guitar. I’m using one of Fang’s, who insists it’s mine now.
I’ll argue with him later about it. Once I saw the price tag of a well-made acoustic guitar, my jaw dropped.
He may think this beautiful instrument is mine—but I’m just borrowing it.
“A major.”
I strum and strum, acing each one.
“Damn, only two weeks of learning,” Ivan says from my kitchen. He’s with Logan, helping prep breakfast for the four of us before we all go to work. “Good job, babe.”
The Alphas insisted on breakfast—with Logan arguing that coffee is not enough to get through until lunch.
Apparently, hazelnut milk with said coffee isn’t enough.
“I need a new couch,” I grumble when Fang’s knee knocks into mine. “We’re always cramped in here.”
Logan looks up from the toast he’s buttering, a strange look on his face.
“Logan? What is it?” I ask, pausing my strumming.
“You know I have my packhouse,” he murmurs. “I mean, I…you know, if you wanted to…”
