Page 109 of The Packaged Deal

“Spoilsport. Well, how are you going to ravage me?”

“I’m not ravaging you. Turn here.”

He leads me towards a building with a huge sign saying Gym. That word is diabolical and such a massive turn off. I groan and dig my heels in.

“No, I’m a nice fluffy omega. I don’t want to go to the gym today.”

“You can come in and do something useful.”

“No, I like my soft body. You like my soft body, you had your mouth all over it. Why are you trying to change me?” I wail loudly.

Sven ignores the people who tsk and shake their heads. He wraps his paw around my wrist and drags me into the gym.

“This is cruel. I wanted romance. Donuts, chocolate, candy, not sweat, pain, and tears.”

Sven finally breaks and laughs. “You’ll like this.”

I humph at him. “I sincerely doubt it.”

“Be brave, little omega,” Sven hisses without mercy. He even laughs, a sinister little chuckle that puts him at the bottom of my favourite pack member of the day list.

“Hey, Sven!”

I turn and find seven tiny humans. They all stare up at my soldier with a look of adoration. He lets go of me and crouches so he’s at their level.

“Hey, guys, how are you going?”

“We’re good.” The tallest of the kids says proudly. “We’ve been practicing.”

“Good work. I've brought a new student. This is Jade.”

The kids look at me with decidedly less warmth. Terrifying little beasts!

“Student?” I splutter.

“Hey, Sven, you missed the last class. Where were you?”

I watch in amusement as Sven turns into a giant teddy bear, gently herding the children in the direction he wants to go in.

I hang back, watching as he laughs and plays with them, but at exactly 4pm, he claps his hands. Everyone finds a spot inside this massive room.

I watch everyone spread out and pick a spot. My curiosity overwhelms my need to stay sweat free. I move to a free spot at the back of the room.

“I’d like to welcome everyone back to my self-defense class.”

My eyes widen in shock, but my lips immediately curl into a smile. I knew I was right about him. He really is perfect.

The class is interesting. He doesn’t go easy on me, and I definitely learn some really hard moves, but I find myself confused over my big softie. He’s incredible with the children, really sweet and patient, even with me. Teaching is something that he excels at. So, why isn’t he doing it full-time?

I watch as he hugs the kids and waves goodbye. At last, he turns back to me, his smile falling and his eyes getting hungry.

“You are not who the world thinks you are, Sven.”

He heaves a sigh and reaches for my waist, pulling me up against him. “Jade, don’t go reading into it.”

“Um, of course, I’m going to read into it. You’re a teacher. Not just that, but a man who should be a father. Why are you punishing yourself?”

He leans down and seizes my lips. “Is there any way to shut you up?” he whispers when he pulls back.

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