“I got you and Rylan one,” he said proudly.
“Oh, no. What about Greer?” I laughed. Kota just smirked like he was waiting for that particular reaction.
“Well, then he should have thought of this first,” he said. “He can get you his own jerseys later. I want you at the game tonight withmynumber on. And don’t forget, you guys get to sit in the front row. We have a whole row reserved for family, pack, and VIPs.”
“Can’t wait,” I promised. “But right now we have to get to lunch. Are you ready?”
“Yes. I need the carb load before this game.”
Kota held a hand out for me, and I put mine in his, letting him pull me close. I took a deep breath of his sweet and sticky scent, breathing him in until the sharp lemon came through as well. That was the part I sought out, the sharpness always settling me.
“What do you think of all this? Of our pack?” I asked as he led me through the halls.
“I think we have potential,” he admitted. “I was worried at first. I know that Greer isn’t my biggest fan, but maybe now that he’s worked through some of his pain, he’ll come to terms with it.”
“He better, because I’m kind of attached to you now.”
His face split into a huge smile. “Really?”
“Really.”
Kota stopped walking and pulled me into a kiss. When he stepped away, he was smiling again. His mood was infectious and I couldn’t help but smile back.
He was exactly what I needed after confronting Greer and Rylan.
“I’m glad that I get to do that anytime I want now.”
Butterflies erupted in my chest, fluttering there in a way that they never had before. Kota was different than any of the other relationships I’ve had.
He was sweet and open and genuine. Everything he said was what he felt in that exact moment.
This delta acted with his heart, and that was something you didn’t see enough of in this world.
When we walked into the room Hayes had prepared for us, the rest of our pack was already waiting.
“Hey, guys, the party has arrived,” Kota said with a smirk. He slid into a chair and pulled me with him, plopping me right down in his lap.
All three of the other men looked ready to protest but, thankfully, didn’t. This was part of getting to know our pack and finding a balance. Sometimes, I’d sit with him, sometimes, with the others. I refused to make this a rotational thing on demand. I wanted it to be natural.
“This looks and smells incredible. I’m starving,” I told Hayes. “Thanks for doing this.”
“Well, seeing as how you somehow forgot to eat or drink anything after breakfast yesterday?—”
“You did what?” Rylan demanded.
“It was no big deal. I was just busy,” I said quickly, waving him off.
“No big deal, she says,” Greer mused. “Only the fact that food and liquid are required for living.”
“That sounds so dramatic. I’m not going to die from skipping a meal.”
“No, but you’re not going to thrive, either, are you?” Hayes countered.
“You know, when I thought of pack bonding, I didn’t expect my pack to gang up on me.”
I snatched a plate and piled it high with tacos, chips, and all the fixings they’d brought.
“Look. I’m eating,” I said, taking an exaggerated bite.
