Page 29 of Pack Plus Three

I was torn about whether to answer. I definitely wasn't going to be a late-night hook-up for him. I refused to go anywhere near his penis again in my lifetime. After all, his man parts got me into this mess. As much as I loved my little parasite, I was struggling—financially and emotionally.

But if we had a conversation, maybe I could convince him to be a part of the child's life. Surely, every baby needed a father figure. Cole would be a pretty shitty father figure, but he would at least be one. When he decided to turn up.

Then again, there was another option now.

Jeremy.

He seemed like the kind of man who would take his children on trips to national parks. He would teach them how to change tires, how to make things, and he would actually spend time with them and enjoy it.

Cole was far more likely to leave them with a nanny, because that was how he had been raised. He came from the upper echelons of society, and they weren't exactly the most maternal or paternal people.

Shoving my phone under my pillow, I took a deep breath. I owed it to my child to give them the best life possible. And if I was honest, Cole was not that life. Sure, he could provide finance and opportunities in the form of private schooling and connections, but he wouldn't actually love the child.

Jeremy, on the other hand . . .

There was also no denying how attached I was quickly becoming to the alpha next door. He seemed like the kind of man who would keep his word, and I wanted to believe that. He and Cole were two very different humans, so it was unfair of me to compare them. Just because Cole hurt me didn't mean that Jeremy would.

Sitting up, I ran my hand through my hair and touched my lips. Kissing Jeremy had felt like coming home. He had tasted so warm, soft, and welcoming, but at the same time, there was a hard edge to the kiss that excited me and made my stomach flutter. His woodsy scent put me at ease, but also excited me.

My sex life with Cole had been...subpar, at best. He never actually helped me finish. He’d been too busy chasing his own release.

I deserved better.

And Jeremy was definitely better.

No alpha had ever declared his intention to court me so clearly. My heart rate hadn't settled since then. It was pounding around my chest, freaking out at the prospect that the alpha wanted me. If I didn't get some sleep soon, I was going to need to be sedated.

An idea formed. If Jeremy was going to court me, then I was going to court him right the fuck back.

Grabbing my phone, I scrolled through my contacts and found the one I was looking for.

Devon.

He had given me his number shortly after the incident with the shattered bowl. And if there was anyone who knew Jeremy better than me, it would be Devon.

Daisy: Hey, I guess you're asleep right now, but I have a question. What food does Jeremy usually like to eat after a game?

I put my phone down and curled onto my side. I didn't expect to get an answer until morning, at the earliest, so when my phone buzzed only seconds later, I stared at it with wide eyes before opening the message.

Devon: Hello, flower. The grumpy bastard likes pretty basic food after games. Chicken, sweet potatoes, and a mountain of veggies. Pretty boring, if you ask me, especially since the arena has some amazing fried food. Who on earth would choose plain chicken over fried pickles?

Daisy: Fried pickles? They actually do those? Oh God, I'm gonna be dreaming about them now...

Devon: They're delicious. I'll have to convince you to come to the game, so you can try them.

Daisy: How are you even awake right now? It's four in the morning.

Devon: It was just pure luck. Why aren't you asleep?

Daisy: My brain won't turn off.

Devon: Because Jeremy told you very clearly that he intends to court you?

I stared at the phone screen, my mouth falling open.

Daisy: How do you know about that?

Devon: We’re packmates, we tell each other everything. Just so you know, I'm on board 100%. I really want to get to know you more as well, if you're open to that?

---