Page 63 of Three of a Kind

He catches me watching like a total creeper and smiles softly. “I was going to take off my belt, too, but that’s only because it’s uncomfortable to try to relax in jeans and a belt.”

I nod and roll to grab my phone. “I can understand that. I like to be comfy when I’m lounging.”

“Such a snuggly little omega.” He chuckles.

I pull up Noble’s contact and send him a quick text. I don’t want to worry him while he should be focused, but I do need to tell him about today as soon as possible.

I know you’re working, but I just wanted to check in. Libby and I are good, so don’t worry. Feel free to come by tonight if you can.

Sending the message, I wait for it to show delivered and stretch over to put my phone down on the nightstand.

Gunner stands to his full height, swiping his long hair on the top of his head back from his forehead. “Can I just climb over the pillow wall and make myself at home?” He laughs awkwardly. “Or am I supposed to move that over between us?”

I scoot back a little and pat the mattress. “Climb in. Sorry. I didn’t know for sure if you were going to come back, and I use them as a makeshift nest when I’m alone.”

“I got caught up talking to Bless and Maverick.” He climbs over the pillows in a move that makes his forearms and shoulders flex. “Your bed smells like another alpha.” His nose wrinkles, but he plants a hand on my hip as he scoots closer to my front. “I’d better distract my instincts with your scent.”

My head rests on my curled-up arm, but I pat around with the other hand until I find the small, fuzzy throw blanket.

Gunner chuckles and helps toss it over me. “I’m glad to see you settling in. You really should get some rest.”

Yawning, I shake my head. “I’m not going to fall asleep. I’ll just rest my eyes for a few minutes. Libby will be up anytime.”

“Understood,” he says with humor lining his tone. His lips brush my forehead, making my insides feel melty.

There’s every possibility I scoot closer until there’s no space between us. My fingers brush over his T-shirt as I will my system not to be exhausted.

Gunner’s chest starts to vibrate, and a few seconds later, a ragged purr fills the air.

I freaking coo in response, and my nose wiggles around his T-shirt as I search for where his scent is strongest. “Is your first or last name Gunner?”

He chuckles, running his fingers through my hair. “Gunner Anderson.”

“Well, Mr. Anderson, that purr is considered playing dirty.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet, gorgeous. I’m willing to play a whole lot dirtier to make you mine.” He palms the back of my head while running his fingers through my hair at the base of my skull. It’s so comforting that I don’t even get to address his innuendo.

My eyes pop open as my chest heaves. The terrible dream replays over and over in my mind.

I don’t know why I didn’t process it earlier, but if Libby had been in the stroller during our walk home…

I don’t worry about squishing him as I roll over Gunner until my feet hit the floor. Snagging my phone, I check to see if Noble responded, but there’s nothing.

I toss it back down without being quiet.

It’s kind of an asshole move, considering Gunner seems to be asleep, but I think I’m having a panic attack.

My hands shake, and my knees wobble as I stagger toward the door. Ripping it open, I make it into the short hallway that leads to the living room.

Gunner catches me around the middle, pulling my back to his chest. “What’s wrong?”

“I-I n-need to check on my kid,” I choke out, tugging at his fingers that hold me just under my breasts.

“Okay, but fuck, you’re burning up. What’s wrong?” He spins me to face him, placing me back on my feet. “Your cheeks are bright pink. I wasn’t joking. You scalded my skin.”

“I had a bad dream.” My head shakes as I pick up the sounds of Libby chattering away in the living room. A heavy breath shutters out, and I attack Gunner, wrapping my arms under his. “If she was in the stroller instead of Maverick’s arms…”

Gunner cradles me, palming the back of my head and offering the safe sense of security that my instincts crave. “She’s just fine. I’m worried about you. This kind of fever can’t be normal. Are you sick?”

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