Page 89 of Pack Fever

Nudging him in the side with my shoulder, I whisper, “You shouldn’t stare at me that way.”

He schools his look for a brief second before he returns to that devious smile. “No one’s paying attention to us.”

“I’m not talking about them.” I grin especially wide and brush past him, on purpose this time.

“Danica, wait, are you talking about…”

I speed up my walk, those earlier butterflies now beating their wings for Seth.

I dart through the backstage doors, laughter bubbling up from deep within me. Seth’s determined pursuit has me laughing more, his footsteps echoing behind me as I weave through the labyrinthine corridors. Glancing over my shoulder, I catch a glimpse of his determined expression, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

As Seth chases me down the hallway, my stomach flutters. But just as I think I’ve managed to outmaneuver him, he catches up to me and pulls me into one of the back rooms with a playful grin. When I spin around to playfully push him away, I realize we’re not alone. Reed’s in the corner, tuning his guitar, while Jasper lounges nearby, indulging in a burger. They both look up as we enter, eyes huge with curiosity.

“Looks like the party’s arrived,” Jasper quips, taking one last bite of his meal before gesturing to the spread of food on the table behind him. “Help yourself.”

Reed sets down his guitar and walks over to us, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. It sends a strange ripple through me, but I quickly shake it off, refusing to let him get to me.

“Is everything set up?” Reed asks, one hand by his side, the other combing through his hair. “I’m itching to get up there and start the rehearsals.”

Before anyone can answer, the phone in the room rings, and Reed practically leaps for it. Meanwhile, Jasper saunters over to me, offering me a plate of fruit.

“Care for some grapes?” he asks, holding out the platter with a glint of admiration in his eyes.

I accept with a grateful smile, plucking a few grapes from the bunch as Seth reaches for some, too.

“The stage equipment is all ready to go.” Reed beams, hanging up, practically bouncing on his toes. He absolutely loves being on stage, and I admire his passion.

Without a look my way, he’s out of the room, Jasper on his heels, blowing me a kiss before he vanishes.

Seth turns to me, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I’ve got the laptop with some emails on merch needing responding and chasing up,” he says, his voice steady. “Also, there are emails from the customer service team being threaded through for our response. I can leave those with you?”

“Yeah, you bet,” I reply, nodding.

He cups my face gently, his touch warm against my skin. “It feels different being here with you.”

I smile at his words. “In a good way, I hope?” I ask, a hint of playfulness in my tone.

“Really good way,” he affirms, his gaze sincere. “Last time, I wasn’t exactly myself… now this feels right.”

I remember the news about him losing control and getting on stage drunk… it was a mess. So, his words have me beaming because maybe I’m serving a purpose here for them beyond them just helping me.

He strolls out of the room, leaving me feeling slightly less uneasy. As I glance around the backstage area, I find his laptop on the table and head over there, but first I grab a small plate with a bit of everything on the food platter. Settled in a nearby chair, I pull open the laptop, ready to help out how I can. Sure, I’d like to go out to watch them, but I figure there’s plenty of time leading up to the concert.

I delve into the emails, the sound of bustling activity backstage serving in the backdrop, soon followed by the start of a guitar and drums. It keeps stopping and starting. The excitement of the upcoming performance fills the air, and I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it all.

Responding to some emails, inquiries, and coordinating merchandise orders, I think about how much my life has changed.

But when Nexus comes to mind, that uneasy feeling ripples through me. What if they find me, drag me away? I’m not sure I can bear to be apart from this pack. They’ve grown on me, even Reed.

My thoughts swing to my mom and my sister, and a longing settles in my chest. I miss them and would love to see them soon, at least to tell Ruby that I’m okay. But I won’t call them, not after what happened last time I did. I can’t risk it.

I will see them soon. Somehow, I’ll find a way.

As the first notes of music echo through the backstage area, my thoughts pause, and I’m staring up, listening to Seth’s voice. It’s velvety and powerful. A wave of arousal ripples over me at his voice. I sigh, knowing this isn’t the time to have my heat flaring up.

I go and lie on the couch, taking deep breaths to calm myself, closing my eyes, and listening to the music. Footsteps sound, and I glance up from the lumpy couch to find Seth entering the room. Had I fallen asleep? The earlier heat still lingers, but it’s not as profound.

“How are you feeling?” he asks softly, his gaze scanning me head to toe.

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