Page 33 of Dawn of the Pack

“I wonder what it’s going to feel like when we get closer to her, if that’ll change anything.”

“Closer?”

“Yeah, closer.”

“What do you mean?”

Heat rises to my cheeks. “You know… like when she claims us as her mates, officially. When we… seal the bond.”

“Ohhhhh,” Jared tips his head back in dramatic realization. “Yeah, I dunno. I guess it’s up to her, really. Whatever she wants.”

“I guess.” I try to keep my voice neutral and not sound too disappointed; I was hoping he imagined it how I did. Growing up, particularly when puberty hit me like a train, I’d imagined all sorts of scenarios involving our phantom mate and the three of us. Some were just me, but mostly they involved everyone. The three of us all working together, pleasuring her and being pleasured in tandem.

“I mean, from what I’ve heard, the four alphas are always really close,” he adds. “There’s a reason she’s got that giant bed.”

My excitement perks up. “But that’s not even the alpha suite, is it? Does the alpha have an even bigger bed?”

“I don’t think so. Mr. Carson said the alpha suite is whichever set of rooms she chooses to take. I guess once she officially claims us and we move in, we all pick a suite as well. We can have it renovated or leave it as is.”

“We all have separate bedrooms? I don’t remember hearing that.”

“I think it’s mainly for necessity. Like we all need our own closets. You know she’s already got hers mostly filled. And have you seen room in that bathroom for all of Milo’s hair products?”

That comment draws a chuckle from me. “Fair. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Also separate toilets, that’s definitely a must. No way in hell I’m going in there after you. Love you, man, but I know you too well.”

“See? Exactly. And there’s other reasons, like you already said you don’t like composing music in front of a crowd.”

“There’s an entire music room here for me to do that.”

“Yeah, well regardless, I think you’re going too deep in it here.”

“Fair enough.”

We follow the garden trail back up to the stairs and eventually to the back door of Harridan House. Once we get inside, Mr. Carson immediately appears to take our coats, but I notice Milo’s still wearing his when we enter the main hallway.

“You got somewhere to be?”

Milo plants a kiss on Lily’s temple before stepping away. “I’m going home, actually. I’ve got a few things to work on for school that I’ve been ignoring. But I’ll be back tomorrow sometime, okay?”

Jared and I exchange another loaded glance. “Okay, well, take it easy, man.” I throw up a hand for a one-armed hug.

“Yeah, don’t work too hard,” Jared adds, receiving his own hug.

Milo flashes us his lazy grin. “You don’t have to worry about that with me. Have a great night, you two.” He turns and strides for the door, tossing his keys in the air.

“Well,” Lily says brightly, drawing our attention from Milo’s retreating form. Her cheeks are rosy, green eyes practically glowing in the wake of her victory. “Mr. Carson has set Jeff and the guys up in some guest rooms, and Dom and Roxanne have already called it a night. You guys ready for bed?”

Not in the least. “I’m not really tired, to be honest. I think I’m still a little wound up from the fight and everything.” Not to mention whatever happened when I was drooling over her absolute nakedness. “Maybe I’ll watch some tv or something if you want to sleep.”

Lily’s wide smile curls, turning into something incredibly seductive with one eyebrow raised. “Who said anything about sleep?”

Chapter Fifteen

Lilliana

Their matching dumfounded expressions almost make me cackle.

“What do you mean, who said anything about sleep?” Jared asks slowly.

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