Page 101 of Mark & Don't Tell

“Because of me moving in.” She frowns. “Am I making you do this?”

“Little doe, I’m moving back because I want to. Truth be told, me and the guys have been talking more than usual and, yeah, you’re a part of the equation, but don’t think you’re forcing me into this. I want to be here. I want to be with you, and I want to be with my family.” I blow out a breath. “It’s been hell living alone.”

“Why didn’t you come back sooner?”

I shrug. “I guess I was scared.”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to being with a pack that knows how to talk about their feelings,” she says with a soft laugh. “Well, I’m glad you’re moving in because it wouldn’t be right without you here.”

There goes my heart again, flipping and beating harder. I look away before she can see how much her words mean to me. Kai and Linc are watching us, patiently waiting. Linc is grinning; the asshole probably knows exactly what happened from our body language alone. Kai searches my face and lifts an eyebrow in question.

You good?

I nod and kill the engine. “Welcome home, little doe.”

Thirty-Five

DARIA

Home. Vic’s words sink into my heart and settle there, warming me. I meant every word I said. I’m so glad he’s moving in too. We’ll all be together, and that makes me really happy. We’re moving fast, faster than any other relationship I’ve ever had, but it feels so right. That must be the scent match effect.

Fate wanted us to be together.

Who are we to deny her?

Before I can reach for my door handle, Linc is there, opening it and blocking my escape. Linc is a big guy, and his frame fills the doorway and blocks the glaring sun.

“Hey, bunny, I missed you.”

My stomach flutters. “Clingy much?” I tease.

“Always.” Then his hands are on my waist, hoisting me out of the truck, but instead of putting me down, he pins me to his body. My legs wrap around him on instinct, and he smirks up at me, hands moving to cup my ass. “Look at that, a perfect fit.”

“I guess so,” I say, running my fingers over the back of his neck.

Lifting me a little higher, he puts my tits right in front of his face and rests his forehead against my chest. “Wake me up when I’m dead.”

Laughing, I shake my head. “We have work to do. Let me down.”

“Fuck, no,” he says, sliding my body back down a little before walking toward the house with me in his arms, showing no sign of struggling. I’m a big girl, but I feel like a little damsel in his hold.

“You can’t carry me inside,” I warn him.

He gives me a look. “Watch me. Kai, open the door!”

A deep laugh comes from behind us, and I pull my focus from Linc to see Kai striding to catch up with us. “Do you need to be rescued?” he asks as he passes.

“I guess I’m fine.”

Linc swats my ass. “You’re more than fine. Say it with me: I’m hot as hell.”

“You’re going to be horrible for my ego,” I say with a laugh.

“Good.” Linc nods at Kai as he unlocks the door. His eyes meet mine. “Ready?” There’s a hint of trepidation, almost like he’s worried I’ll still say no.

Are we all living the same fever dream?

I glance at Kai, whose steady presence and smooth smile soothe away the errant worries that threaten to steal from the beauty of the moment. The first steps into my pack home.

---