Is this what being in a pack really means? Just handing over every decision to someone else? I probably should have taken a Pack Dynamics class in high school, but I honestly never thought I’d be in one.
Myrick must see the doubt on my face, because he offers a small, reassuring smile. “Don’t overthink it, Charlie. Trust Rhett, and the rest will fall into place.”
A soft chime echoes through the apartment—probably the elevator or door buzzer—and Myrick flinches slightly at the sound.
His blue eyes fall to my half-eaten toast. “Please, get some real breakfast.” He points at the pink box of pastries. “That dry toast is making me sad.”
I laugh under my breath, then toss the toast into the trash.
Myrick glides out through the arched doorway anddown the hall, leaving the warm scent of fresh tea and fresh air in his wake.
I stare at where he just disappeared, wondering what Autry’s doing. Is she taking a bath? Did she sleep well? Was Rhett good to her last night?
Part of me aches to check on her. She might need comfort. She might need care. Hell, she might need ointment. Alphas are known to be rough.
But maybe Myrick already did all that.
Still, the urge to see her—to be there for her—pulls at me like gravity.
“Come have a cup of coffee,” Myrick calls down the hall, footsteps echoing off the polished floors. A moment later, the air shifts—sharp, minty, clean—and I know it’s Oli before I see him.
“Rhett’s still on the phone,” Myrick adds as he steps into the kitchen, “but he said you’d be coming by.” Oli follows a beat behind, looking rough in yesterday’s clothes—wrinkled black tee, worn jeans, steel-toed boots, and stubble shadowing his jaw.
“Good morning,” I say with a wave. He lifts a hand in return but doesn’t quite smile. His dark eyes flicker to mine, then over my shoulder—to Autry’s tea, maybe? Or maybe he’s avoiding looking at me for too long.
“Cream and sugar?” Myrick offers.
“Actually, I prefer juice,” Oli says, dragging out a stool at the island and dropping onto it like he hasn’t slept in a week.
Myrick groans like he’s personally offended. “What is wrong with you people?” he mutters, glancing at me.
I try not to laugh. “I’ll get it.” I move toward the fridge, surprised and a little pleased when Myrick doesn’t stop me. It’s a small thing, but it makes me feel like less of a guest anda little bit more like a packmate…or at least a friend. I find the orange juice and pour a glass as the doorbell chimes again.
“Shit. He’s early.” Myrick looks down at his robe in dismay, then toward the hall. “I think Rhett’s still on the phone.”
The bell rings again.
“Dammit,” the blond beta huffs, then disappears down the hallway, muttering something about shoes.
“He’s kind of high-strung,” Oli says, reaching for the box of pastries. He flips it open, selects a blueberry scone, and takes a giant bite like he hasn’t eaten in days. “Is he always like this?”
I shrug, not wanting to admit I don’t actually know Myrick well enough to say for sure. Or Rhett. Or even really Autry when you get down to it. I’m just some idiot who threw his entire life away for a pretty smile.
And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Then Autry walks in—and all the air in my lungs flies out of me.
“Charlie!” she gasps loudly as she steps into the kitchen. She looks so beautiful with her flushed cheeks and damp hair pulled back into a braid. She’s wearing a borrowed shirt and joggers that drag at her feet, but I assume these belong to Myrick. The shirt has a logo for the Paraclete College, which is a popular school for betas.
She looks delicious. Barefoot and sleepy-eyed. Like a little sunbeam I’m lucky to orbit.
“How’d you sleep?” I ask, trying to sound casual, even as my arms cross tightly over my chest. The kitchen island is the only thing keeping me from reaching for her.
“I slept really well,” she says with an almost shy smile. “First time in months I didn’t toss and turn.” Her eyescrinkle, soft and bright. “I was worried about you, though.”
My whole body thrums with excitement at the idea of her lying awake,thinking about me.
“There was no reason to be,” I say, fighting a smile. “I was fine.”
