Page 29 of Pack Fever

She eyes Seth, a strange conflict furrowing her brow, surprise in her gaze.

“So, I have no say, then?”

“I know it feels like that, but how about this? You tell me where you’re going to go, why the enforcers want you, and after checking the location to make sure it’s safe, I’ll let you leave.”

“I can’t do that.” She pauses, her demeanor hardening, yet the vulnerability in her voice is unmistakable.

Silence.

Part of me toys with the notion of offering to remain behind with her, but Seth’s made it clear we stick together when we head out, especially to family events, which can sometimes get out of control.

“Then it’s settled,” Seth says. “Take a pill now, so it’ll work for tonight.”

“How did you get this, anyway?” Danica turns the bottle over in her hands, examining it, her shoulder rigid. “I’ve heard they’re available on the black market but super pricey.”

Seth shrugs. “That doesn’t matter. I also ordered you a bunch of clothes I see you’ve received.” He glances at the bags, his words cut short by his phone ringing. Glancing at the screen, he rolls his eyes. “Fuck!” Then he answers as he swings away from us. “Look, I told you, I won’t do that gig.” Then he’s gone as quickly as he arrived.

“He’s always that busy?” she asks, staring at the doorway where he vanished.

“He operates as our manager after our last one embezzled money from us. Now, he won’t trust anyone else with the job.” If there are mistakes to make in this business, we’ve made every damn single one. We’ve learned the hard way that the only people we can truly rely on are the three of us.

“Ouch,” she responds, sympathy painted on her cute face.

“Come.” I get up, motioning for her to follow. “Let me show you the kitchen. I’ll get you some water to take the pills. Might be good to take them with some food.”

As we walk, Danica hesitates before speaking. “Why are you so nice to me? I mean, you’re a huge star, yet you’re wasting your time on me.”

I laugh softly. “No wasting time. Sometimes you meet someone and just know they need you.”

She studies me strangely, and I can’t pin down the expression. Is she surprised or shocked?

“Thanks. Sometimes, it’s hard to find even those who supposedly love you to help you. And you’re a stranger, but helping so much more,” she murmurs on our way to the kitchen. “But don’t get too attached. I’m not staying… This place is just temporary. I have somewhere else to be.”

The words hang heavy in the air between us. I shrug as if it doesn’t bother me, but it fucking guts me to hear her rejecting us.

Chapter

Seven

DANICA

Squeezed into the back of a sleek, black Porsche with tinted windows, I’m hyperaware of the space—or lack thereof—between Reed and me in the back seat. Seth’s driving is focused and silent, while Jasper’s in the front. With his height and broad size from his muscles, I doubt he’d be able to squeeze into the back if he tried.

The car’s spectacular, and it’s my first time in a sports car. Yet despite the leathery smell, the three Alphas’ scents are overwhelming. I might have taken the suppressant pill, but it does nothing to stop me from reacting to how indulgent these men smell.

I keep shifting in my seat, trying not to let the skirt split slide open and reveal my thighs. To be fair, it’s the tamest outfit in the collection, including the short-cropped shirt with long sleeves I’m wearing to cover my arms, though the buttons across my bust are in a tug-o-war with keeping the fabric from busting open. Better this than a silky dress made for a sophisticated dinner or my old clothes that make me look like a hobo.

“So, is there something I need to know about your family, Seth?” I ask, tugging on the skirt and holding it closed. “I mean, what’s my story?” I’m trying to sound casual when I’m freaking out. I’m in the car with Fever, and I don’t know when my full-on heat will hit. Nexus enforcers are in town, and I’m stuck with this pack of Alphas until I can work out what I’m going to do.

What happens if I go into heat now? Will they be unable to resist and pull over? Or will I be the one demanding it?

Fuck!

Yep, that’s what I’ll be saying.

And now, they’re taking me home to meet Seth’s family.

Isn’t this every girl’s dream? Being taken to meet the parents of the lead singer of one of the top rock bands in the world?

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