Page 64 of Bonding the Band

Meadow

August, Kansas City

I’d thought following around a pack of rock stars would be exhausting, but as we moved from city to city, it was actually pretty nice and weirdly…easy? Watching the scenery stream by through the small windows in my nest was kind of like being on a tour, and I got to see parts of the country I’d never been to before.

Sure, the guys were busy with their shows and the prep for it, but they made time for me. We went to the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, dressed down and looking as little like rock stars as possible to indulge in the gorgeous flowers, and went on a river cruise in Cincinnati. I was pretty sure they liked having the excuse to get out and explore a bit more, even if we had to be careful about them getting spotted.

They weren’t all that enthusiastic about me touring alone, so they flew out Clover for a weekend to keep me company when we got to Kansas City, their final stop before a weeklong break we’d spend in LA.

“It feels like it’s been a million years since I saw you!” Clover dragged me into a hug before thrusting me to arm’s length. “Look at you! Glowingandgrowing! Your bump has finally started bumping.”

“We’ve been on video calls every day,” I reminded her.

“It’s not the same!”

They’d paid for a hotel for her as well, and it was weird to think about staying with her overnight, when I’d become so quickly accustomed to the alphas being there at all hours.

“What’s your face doing?” Clover asked.

“I dunno. What’s it doing? You’re the one looking at it.”

“What were you thinking about just now?”

“I think I’m going to miss them tonight. That’s all.”

Clover cupped my cheeks. “Meadow, you are sofuckingcute! You have to tell me every single detail.”

“I can do that.”

We opted for the zoo and aquarium to fill our day, and as we wandered past the exhibits and adorable animals, I told her all about my new nest, gettingextraclose with Arlo and Hendrix, and how sweet they’d all generally been with me.

“I’m glad they don’t suck.” Clover took a loud swig of her slushie. “That would have been disappointing on multiple levels, and I’d have to commit a few homicides. They def earned some points springing for this mini vacay.”

“Right? I wasn’t expecting them to offer.”

“I appreciate any bribery attempts to make me like them.” Clover beamed. “So, if your nest is on the bus, how’s that going to work for LA? You’re flying back there, aren’t you?”

My stomach flipped. “Oh, I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Okay, well, no sweat. Pick your favorite things and make each of them transport a few pieces for you. It’s only a week, and you’ve been on vacation without your nest before.”

“True, but I wasn’t pregnant then.”

“You also didn’t have four gorgeous alphas at your beck and call. I bet they’d make any place cozy, even if you’re down a few nesting supplies for a bit.”

I chewed my lip, considering. They’d been so good about everything so far, and I was pretty sure they wouldn’t suddenly become assholes about nesting after they’d taken me shopping to stock up.

“Are you excited to stay at their pack house?” Clover asked.

“More curious than excited. I’m still getting used to them, and at least right now, they’re pretty occupied with their shows. What am I supposed to do with myself when it’s just the five of us with no obligations?”

“Get laid multiple times a day?”

I choked on my water. “Clover!”

“What? That’s what I would do.”

“We are not the same person.”

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