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This cat tower boasts five levels, providing ample space for all four of my feline companions, even Sushi, who’s the most antisocial and territorial of the group. I find her curled up in the bottom house, her eyes closed as she enjoys a peaceful slumber. On the next level, I see Finley’s black fur as he snoozes comfortably. Above him, Tuna glares at Max with a toy clenched in her mouth. Minnow sprawls out at the very top, his head partially hanging off the edge and a leg up in the air.
“Did they drug them?” I gesture toward the towering feline paradise that’s as tall as me.
“Catnip,” Max explains, reaching down to scratch Tuna behind her ear. Apparently, the traitorous little cat wants to claim all my men, and she closes her eyes in contentment, letting out a rumbling purr.
My men.
Oh, I am in deep.
I slowly back away from the adorable scene and return to my stool, silently eating my breakfast as Max gazes at Tuna with a sappy little smile on his face. I wonder if the tough exterior he presents to the world is just a façade to keep people at bay. Perhaps he’s a big, soft-hearted teddy bear deep down.
Clearing his throat, he gathers his clothing and heads to the bathroom, only briefly glancing at me from beneath his lashes before disappearing inside.
I chug my orange juice, realizing I’m parched and feeling the heat building within me. So much for my independence.
No, I scold myself. I can have a pack help me through my heatandindependence. Just because I’m daydreaming about knots doesn’t mean I’m any less independent. In fact, I choose to let them into my golden hot pocket. The choice is entirely mine.
I hastily devour my breakfast, giving myself hiccups in the process. I pop my plate into the sink before dashing upstairs, throwing open my closet door in a state of mild panic. I’m unsure what the hell I should wear. Chewing on my lip, I eventually settle on a pair of jeans and a cozy sweater because I want to look at least somewhat presentable and not like a hobo.
Who even cares though?
Apparently, I do. Oh man, I’m even dressing to impress now.
Grabbing a pair of socks, I make my way back downstairs just as Max steps out of the bathroom. This time, he’s wearing a pair of jeans that have seen better days, riddled with holes and so worn in that they look incredibly comfortable—so comfortable, in fact, that I want to steal them. He also donned a band T-shirt featuring a group I’ve never even heard of before.
“Is this okay?” I pause on the steps, allowing myself to meet him at eye level.
Max pauses, his eyes moving from my toes all the way up to my scalp. His gaze darkens just a fraction, and his musky scent envelops me, pulling me closer to him. “Stunning.”
I want to say it’s just jeans and a sweater, but instead, I smile. “Thanks,” I reply, giving him a wink before breezing past him. There’s only so much of his attention I can handle. Whenever Max looks at me, it’s as though he’s seeing me for thefirst time each time, and it’s always with the same mix of hope, infatuation, and lust.
“My car or yours?” I ask as I slide my boots on.
He raises an eyebrow as if that’s even a question.
“Right,” I say, dressed and ready to go. I grab a coat and stomp toward the door. “Yours because you’re far too big to fold yourself into my car.”
My hand is on the doorknob when Max suddenly spins me around, pressing me against the door. His body radiates heat, making my toes curl, and my hands land on his hips, my fingernails digging into his jeans.
My mouth parts in shock, and his eyes dip down before they slowly roll back up. There’s a smoldering intensity in his gaze that sends a delicious shiver down my spine. “What are you trying to say, sugarplum?”
I’m caught off guard by his sudden proximity and teasing tone. “Huh?” I say, feeling a surge of warmth that has nothing to do with my cozy sweater. This is precisely why I chose to avoid alphas for months—because they can easily distract me.
Max leans down, his warm breath ghosting over my ear, causing my fists to tighten on the fabric of his jeans. “You think I’m big,” he purrs in a low, suggestive tone.
I burst out laughing, releasing my grip on his pants as I lean back slightly. “You are ridiculous.”
Leaning back, he smirks at me, his lips curving into an enticing grin. “Avery taught me that anything can be turned into an innuendo if you try hard enough.”
“That sounds just like Avery,” I murmur, letting my head thump lightly against the door. “I’m sad I missed Ashton.”
Max chuckles softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Don’t be. He carried you up to bed and left you his shirt.”
I roll my eyes playfully, stepping past him as he opens the door for me and retrieves the key from the hook, which I hardly ever use.
In the hallway, the chill of the cold air hits me abruptly, making me shiver. I hug my sweater tighter around me, my thoughts drifting to Ashton, the silent and serious delta. He’s reserved and watchful, and there’s an intensity about him that I’m eager to understand. I can’t wait for his next shift, when he’ll be watching over me, and I’ll do my best to stay awake the entire time.
“Ready?” Max asks as he steps ahead, holding the door open for me. A gust of frigid wind slaps my face, intensifying my shivers. “Damn,” he mutters, peering outside into the bright white sky.
