Page 88 of Pack Fever

“I’m going to join her,” I murmur, the protective instinct within me flaring up at the sight of her curled up among our stuff.

Reed shoots me a look, disbelief etched on his face. “What the hell for?” he hisses, his usual composure slipping.

“Have you suddenly become a monk, Reed? Because last I checked, you two weren’t exactly keeping it platonic. Or are you going to deny the pull you feel toward her?” I shoot back, a hint of challenge in my tone.

“Maybe we let her sleep,” Seth interjects.

“You too?” I retort, frustration creeping into my words. “What the hell?”

“Not for Reed’s reason, where he’s afraid to admit his feelings,” Seth’s response is calm.

“Fuck you,” Reed growls.

Seth continues, unfazed, “But because she looks so peaceful right now. When nesting, her body’s going through changes, preparing for her full-blown heat. She needs her rest.”

I let out a snarl under my breath, my frustration at being out-argued by common sense bubbling to the surface. “I hate your fucking logic,” I mutter, watching as the other two make their way out of the room, leaving me alone with Danica.

As I throw myself onto the stripped bed, my gaze is drawn to her, nestled in the corner on a makeshift mountain of our clothes and sheets. The sound of her steady breathing fills the room, a comforting rhythm in the silence. Studying her in this vulnerable state, a sense of awe washes over me. Her beauty, even in sleep, is undeniable—each breath she takes, each subtle movement, only serves to deepen my admiration.

That protective instinct within me roars to life, stronger than ever before. Seeing her so exposed, so reliant on our care, ignites a fierce determination in me. I realize in this quiet moment, that my feelings for Danica have deepened beyond mere attraction. She’s become a vital part of my world, someone I would stand against an army to protect. Someone that I will burn for… and she will burn in exchange for me.

Her presence, her innocence, it all calls to something primal inside me, a need to shield, to safeguard. I’m struck by the realization that I’m irrevocably, undeniably falling in love with her. And in this moment, with the weight of my growing emotions pressing down on me, I vow to myself that I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her forever. Whatever the sacrifice, I’ll make it for her.

Chapter

Twenty-One

DANICA

As Seth leads me through the backstage area of Madison Square Garden, I’m in absolute awe, and I’m also putting behind me that last night I’d started nesting. Jasper reassures me it’s natural, while part of me can’t help but feel embarrassed about how I took all their clothes and bed sheets to sleep on.

But pushing that aside, I take in the stadium.

The sheer scale of everything is mind-blowing. There are people bustling around, setting up equipment, adjusting lights, and preparing for the concert. The energy in the air is electric, and a surge of excitement courses through me.

I never imagined I could ever reach Fever’s level of success, but to experience this with them is overwhelming, insane, and mind-spinning. I’m giddy to a level of madness with excitement that I get to see what it’s like to run such a massive concert.

“Can you believe this?” I exclaim, turning to Seth with wide eyes. “It’s incredible!”

He chuckles, a warm smile spreading across his face, his handsome stare drawing me to him. “Welcome to the big leagues,” he says, his voice filled with pride. “This is where the magic happens, which I know is corny, but it’s kinda true. Back home, when we work on music, that feels like me… the real me. Here, it’s a different side of me coming out. The performer.”

“And I can tell you love that part. You have no idea how excited I am to watch you perform live.”

“You’re going to love it.”

As we walk, Seth points out different areas of the backstage, explaining their significance. Some of it is going over my head, but I’m nodding, taking it all in. Those working around us greet Seth, not giving me a second glance, but that’s fine. Evidently, they’ve all been made to sign NDAs, meaning no one can share anything or anyone they see, hear, or discuss during the entire event.

There’s no holding hands, as we don’t want to bring any unwanted attention to us. I’m now the new person on their team, and Seth is just showing me around. However, I notice how he keeps walking close to me, our arms occasionally brushing. It sends a thrill through me every time, and I find myself wanting to stay close to him.

We pass by dressing rooms, and it makes me think of all the different artists who have graced this legendary venue. My heart races as I take in the history of the place.

“And over there,”—Seth gestures toward a set of steps that lead up to the main stage from the back— “is where we make our grand entrance.”

I can hardly contain my excitement as I imagine them stepping out onto the stage, the roar of the crowd filling the air. I gaze out at the sea of empty seats, imagining them filled with cheering fans. The enormity of the venue hits me like a ton of bricks, and I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach. I’m not even the one singing. I mean, one can dream, but just being part of this is more than I could ever wish for.

“It’s massive,” I murmur, awestruck.

He’s staring at me, smiling, his mind clearly on anything but the stage.

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