Page 60 of The Flavor of Us

“Who?” Macon prompts, looking mildly amused now.

“The St. James pack!” Ellie practically shouts, waving her hands like she’s trying to fan herself.

Macon blinks once. Twice. Then leans back against the edge of the couch, laughing softly as he shakes his head. “Well, seems like fame runs in the family after all.”

I sigh, rubbing a hand over my face. “Yes. We’re… trying something out. It’s not official, it’s not permanent. It’s just…trialing.”

Ellie looks like she might pass out from excitement. “Tati, you lucky—”

“Ellie!” I snap, cutting her off before she can embarrass Tati further.

But Tati’s laughing now, her face still buried in her hands as she giggles uncontrollably. Macon snorts, shaking his head as he switches Oliver to his other arm. “Trialing or not, it’s written all over your face, Carleen. You’ve got it bad for them.”

I shift uncomfortably, but I don’t argue. Ellie softens again, walking over to me and wrapping me in a tight hug. “Hey,” she whispers, her voice softer now. “You deserve this. You deserve to be happy. And if they make you happy—and if Tati makes you happy—then I’m all for it.”

I squeeze her back, my throat tight as I whisper, “Thanks, sis.”

Tati’s still grinning when we all settle into the living room, Oliver in Macon’s arms, Quinn still in the bassinet, and Aria still curled against Savin. The conversation shifts to lighter topics—Ellie’s recovery, how the babies are sleeping (hint: they’re not), and the general chaos of having three newborns in one house.

But the entire time, I feel lighter. Like some invisible weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I’ve been working too hard toward a goal that doesn’t matter.I am enough, I tell myself again. I just hope I start believing it.

We stayed for most of the day, my sorry ass passing out on the couch. They let me sleep, only until Tati started nudging my arm, saying that Ryder needed us home. I apologize to my sister and her mates, thinking the worst. Had Ashton burnt the apartment down? Did one of his creations turn out to be a monstrous mess? I have no idea because Ryder didn’t provide any other details than ‘Come home’, the bastard.

And what we step into, isn’t what I was expecting.

The apartment smells like roses the second we step inside. Soft music hums through the air, weaving between flickering candlelight that casts warm shadows along the walls. The tension in my shoulders melts away as I take it all in.

“Did we… walk into the wrong apartment?” Tati’s voice is soft, her hand clutching mine as her hazel eyes dart around.

Ashton steps out from the hallway like he’s starring in some over-the-top romance movie, arms wide, grin sharp and playful. “Welcome, my lovely ladies, to an evening of charm, passion, and—if I play my cards right—pure enchantment.”

Tati snorts, her laughter bubbling out before she can stop it. “Ashton, what is this?”

“A masterpiece, little doe.” He spins dramatically before extending a hand toward her. “May I have this dance?”

Tati looks at me briefly, like she’s asking for permission. I nod, and before she can second-guess herself, Ashton spins her into his arms, their feet moving effortlessly across the floor. The way Tati laughs—light, unburdened—makes my chest ache in the best way. Ashton’s charm is infectious, his smile sharp but tender as he guides her in playful circles.

A warm hand brushes against mine, pulling my attention away from the two of them. Ryder stands beside me, his tall frame bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. His blue eyes are calm, steady, and so achingly sincere it knocks the air right out of my lungs. “May I?” he asks, his hand still lightly holding mine.

I let out a soft breath before nodding, placing my other hand on his shoulder as he draws me close. We sway slowly to the music, Ryder’s grip firm but gentle as his hand settles at my waist. I can feel the tension in my spine ease as he guides me, his movements smooth and confident.

I go to speak—to ask how in the world they managed to pull this off in such a short time—but Ryder shakes his head slightly, pressing one finger to his lips. “Shh,” he murmurs softly, his voice like gravel and honey. “Don’t think, Carleen. Just… let yourselfbehere. With us.”

The way he looks at me—it’s too much. Like he can see every guarded piece of me and isn’t afraid of any of it. I swallow hard but nod, closing my eyes for a brief moment and letting myself fall into the rhythm of the music. When I open them again, I catch a glimpse of Ashton dipping Tati low, her laughter echoing softly through the apartment. Ryder must notice too, because his lips curl into the faintest smile as he glances toward them.

“They’re good together,” he says softly.

“They are,” I agree, my voice barely above a whisper.

His gaze flicks back to me, searching my face before he speaks again. “Thank you… for trusting us. For being here.”

I shake my head, smiling faintly. “No, Ryder.Thank you.For… this. For everything.”

His thumb brushes against my waist, a fleeting but tender gesture that sends warmth curling through my chest. From across the room, Ashton’s voice cuts through the intimate bubble we’ve created. “Alright, little doe, enough teasing. Let’s get you comfortable, hmm?”

Tati’s cheeks are flushed as Ashton pulls her toward the hallway, her small frame nearly disappearing against his broad chest. But her smile is soft, her trust in him written all over her face. Ryder’s hand tightens slightly on my waist before he pulls back just enough to look me in the eye. “I want tonight tobe good for her,” he says, his voice low and steady. “But more importantly, I want it to be okay foryou.”

I blink, caught off guard by how intensely he’s looking at me.

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