Page 24 of Pack Fever

“You’re not going anywhere, little mouse. You’re being hunted, plus you’re showing signs of going into heat. So, do you really want to be out there alone for any Alpha to find you? With us, you’re safe.”

His words tether me back from the edge of the staircase.

“Who said I was alone?” I say, lifting my chin.

“How about you tell us what’s going on? Seth told us Nexus took you from Nocturne club. Did you escape from them? Is that why they’re chasing you?”

Safe? Am I really safe?

He arches an eyebrow.

Meeting Alphas I feel a connection with isn’t supposed to go like this. I thought about it my whole life, of that instant connection, that addiction, and my pack engulfing me with wanting me when we finally met. Promising me the world.

Maybe the issue is that I’m thinking these guys are my pack… but they aren’t. Reed made that clear.

Right now, I have the intense attraction, the hunger that has me burning up, but where’s the part where the Alphas swoop me off my feet and say, ‘you are ours forever’ without hesitation? Jasper’s adorable and caring, but is that just his conscience speaking? I’m not sure what to make of my feelings, or that deep down in my heart, a desperate part of me wishes my dream would just come real. To finally be given a damn chance in life to find happiness.

Instead, Reed’s chuckling from across the hallway.

“Let her go if she wants. I mean, she’ll only stifle our creativity, and she probably doesn’t appreciate real music when she hears it.”

His words sting, and I shoot him a glare, aware he’s getting me back for my comment about their rock band singing pop, but I won’t let him crawl under my skin. I remember the way he reacted after inhaling my scent, and I know he felt what I had felt between us. So, if he wants to reject me, that’s fine. I don’t need them.

I meet Reed’s stare, my chest torn, my head furious at him, and my insides turning into a carnal pleasure carnival in their presence. That part I dislike.

Jasper’s not moving out of my way. As much as I can demand to be released, maybe staying a bit longer isn’t such a bad idea. At least until the enforcers leave the area, as I have no doubt they’d pay the women’s center a visit.

“Well, I guess I could stay for a bit,” I concede, holding Reed’s sarcastic gaze, wanting to make him suffer if I can.

“Perfect,” Jasper answers.

The grin he offers me leaves me breathless. How does he do that, stare at me like I’m the only person he sees in the world?

“Then you’re coming with us tonight to a party.”

I flinch. “Wait, what party? I thought?—”

“Who’s coming to the party?” A familiar, deep, raspy voice from the man ascending the steps steals the rest of my words. The moment I lay eyes on him, the sunlight on his face, I instantly know who he is… My heart’s in my throat, and I feel like I might pass out.

It’s the lead singer of Fever—Seth Striker—returning to join us.

Suddenly, it’s as if the room shifts, gravity tilting toward him, and every nerve in my body’s jumping. He’s the frontman, the face I’ve seen plastered across billboards and music covers.

I’m standing there, staring as Seth struts up the steps in tight leather pants that hug those strong legs and goes down to heavy boots. He’s in an off-white Henley top that follows the curves of so many muscles, and he’s wearing leather bands around his wrists. When the sunlight from a window behind him hits him, it reveals the flaming fire tattoo below his ear, hidden moments earlier by tousled, messy, chocolate-copper hair.

His face is absurdly handsome, with a strong jawline and a sinful mouth. He carries the kind of look I expect from a model gracing the pages of a high-end fashion magazine. The kind where their models are sculptured as if they live at the gym.

Get it together, Danica. Shit, it’s Seth!

I know I’m fangirling on the inside. I feel the fire blazing; the excitement drumming in my chest, and I’m convinced my mouth’s hanging open.

Swallowing back and shoving down the ridiculous girl who wants to giggle at seeing Seth Striker, I glance away. Only to have my sights land on Reed. He’s leaning against the wall, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as if he sees me momentarily dazzled by Seth’s presence.

I snap out of it just as quickly, taking in a sharp breath and driving my hands into the pockets of my jeans, as though it’s just another normal day.

“Apparently, me,” I answer just as Seth pauses feet from me, taking in all of me.

I tremble under his gaze and shift around on my feet, having no idea how to stand anymore. His stare is like having every bit of me exposed.

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