Baby steps.
But my anxiety combined with Heat symptoms don’t leave room for personal growth.
From the corner of my eye, I see Donovan shake hands with the couple he was speaking with.
“Thank fuck,” Hunter groans. “Maybe we can end this shit early now.”
I sigh. “Maybe.”
“You don’t even have to stay if you don’t want to,” Hunter says. “You can go upstairs and relax. You did your part, babe.”
I angle my body toward him, meeting his golden eyes.
I could go upstairs.
I could undress and hide under my nest and wait for my Heat to start.
Or I could mingle inside so my pack doesn’t have to suffer alone.
There’s a third option, though.
One that’s in front of me, looking at me with his hungry eyes and full lips.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “For just…being there.”
Hunter smiles. “No need to thank me, baby. It’s my pleasure.”
Then, I kiss him.
26
LIAM
I usually do alrightat these events.
It’s easy to exchange pleasantries and talk business.
But April has me distracted.
She’s breathtaking in her black dress, and all I want to do is show her off.
And maybe, if Donovan gets this deal done early, we can end the party.
Especially since my inner Alpha is desperate to come out, ready to help April through her Heat.
Ever since I heard what she said to Hunter, my mind has been distracted.
Does she prefer baths or showers during it?
What are her preferences?
I want to plan everything in advance so I can treat her the way she deserves.
But instead, I’m stuck with Clay making her uncomfortable.
By the time I’ve done my rounds and spoken to everyone once, Donovan is shaking hands with the parents of the teenager that built the app we want to have our software in.
I breathe a sigh of relief. That means everything will be over soon, and we won’t have to put on this façade anymore.