Page 18 of Finding Forever with the Alpha Pack

The steady thud of boots hitting the floor behind me makes my heart skip, and I instinctively glance over my shoulder. Griffin is striding over, his movements confident, and within seconds, he’s climbing into the nest with me. I can’t help but smile as he leans in, his lips brushing my cheek in a soft, familiar greeting. “Hey guys,” he murmurs, his voice warm and reassuring as he settles beside me.

“So, our mate had to save your ass…” Conrad’s voice cuts through the moment, a teasing smirk plastered on his face. There’s a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he continues, “Never thought I’d live to see the day my older brother needed saving.” He chuckles, the sound light but laced with affection. “Gracie told us everything. Bastard had to drug you just to take you down. We all know he couldn’t beat a Murphy in a fair fight.”

Conrad’s head tilts to the side, the same way Ethan does when he’s gearing up for something. It’s that subtle sign that tension is building, and I can’t help but notice the spark of excitement in his posture.

Griffin’s growl rumbles low in his chest, vibrating through me as I snuggle deeper into his side. His arm instinctively lifts, wrapping me in a protective embrace, holding me tight against his warmth. “Yeah, wait till I get my teeth into him,” he snarls. “There won’t be enough left to fit in a lunchbox.”

I hold up the tablet for us, trying to keep my focus steady even as the energy in the room shifts. But Barrett’s observant eyes catch on to something, his gaze flicking between us. “You two seem to be doing better,” he comments, his tone curious as he studies our body language.

I nod, letting out a soft sigh. “Between therapy and setting aside a date night, we’ve gotten a lot better. The only hard rule is that sex isn’t the goal. If it happens, it happens, but only after we’ve spent quality time out and away from the house.” I smile, shrugging as I glance down at the tablet, though I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks. “Speaking of which, tonight is date night with Ethan…” The thought alone sends a flush of warmth through me, and I bite my lip, trying to shake off the heat flooding my face.

Barrett lets out a laugh, catching on instantly. “Oh boy, stick to your rule, Gracie. I know that look!”

I roll my eyes, though I can’t deny it. “You know Ethan … someone’s gonna look at me wrong, and he’s going to lose his temper. Then I’ll have feral Ethan on my hands.” The very idea sends a pulse of heat straight to my core. I bite my bottom lip harder, trying to contain the thoughts that flood my mind. Feral Ethan is always my favorite.

Griffin laughs beside me, the deep sound vibrating through my chest. “So, if I go feral, will you react the same?” He nuzzles against my cheek, his breath warm against my skin.

“Probably,” I murmur, casting a sly glance toward Conrad. “I love how Conrad eases us into things. He takes his time, makes sure we’re all there before … well, you know.” Conrad’s cheeks flush, a rare sight that has me grinning.

Then my gaze slides to Barrett, a knowing smile tugging at my lips. “And sweet, innocent Barrett,” I say, my voice dropping as my wolf stirs beneath the surface. “Our sneaky omega knows how to play my body like a concert-level pianist. He knows all the little tricks to make me see stars. He’s the secret powerhouse in the bedroom.” Barrett’s face turns a brilliant shade of pink, his embarrassment obvious as he buries himself against Conrad’s chest. His reaction is priceless, and I can’t help but laugh, the tension from earlier melting away as we all share in the moment.

“I need to get running guys. I love you.” I lean forward and kiss over the camera and pull back. My heart aches hearing them say they love me back and take turns kissing over the camera before the screen goes black. I stare at it for several moments before Griffin gets up and helps me get out of the nest to get ready for my date.

Chapter 13

Ethan

I finish tighteningthe bolts on the double seat, making sure it’s secure for the ride. The anticipation is buzzing under my skin, like the engine just waiting to roar to life. The new leathers draped over the handlebars are for Gracie, along with a box at my feet containing her new boots. Hidden just behind the rear tire, a sleek helmet with full-face protection and gloves wait.I want everything to be perfect.

“Ooh, looks like we’re going on an adventure, huh, Wolfie?” Gracie’s voice cuts through the air as she walks up, wearing those tight jeans and a tee shirt like I asked. The way the fabric clings to her curves makes my chest tighten, but my eyes drop to her feet. Sandals. Not ideal. I arch a brow at her, trying not to laugh.

“Yeah, we are. Did you bring socks?” I ask, watching her with a knowing look.

Gracie grins and pulls a pair out of her back pocket like she expected this. “Of course. You think I’d forget?”

“Good girl.” I motion her toward the shaded patio set under the tree, the leaves rustling slightly in the breeze. The air smells of fall and motor oil, my favorite mix. “Let’s get you into your leathers, and we can head out.”

I hand her the chaps first, followed by the box with her new boots. I watch as she pulls the gear on, my eyes lingering just a second too long as the leather molds to her legs. Once the boots and chaps are secured, I step in, adjusting the straps so they’re tight but comfortable. Next is the jacket. My crew’s howling wolf emblem stretches proudly across the back, “Feral’s ole lady,” emblazoned above the tail.

Her fingers trace the patch, and she laughs softly. “Your road name is Feral?” Her laugh is light, and she twirls a little to show off the patch that reads,Feral’s ole lady. “Aww, I love it,” she says, bouncing on her toes before throwing her arms around my neck and pressing her lips to mine. Her excitement is contagious.

I chuckle, pulling back to help her with the gloves. “Glad you do. Wait till you see this,” I say, grabbing the helmet. I saved the best for last. She’d been dying for the one with the ears, for whatever reason. Slowly, I pull it from the box, revealing the ridiculous, yet somehow perfect, design.

Her eyes light up, and she practically snatches it out of my hands. “It’s perfect!” She’s bouncing again, her excitement like a live wire. She plops the helmet on her head, fiddling with the chin straps.

I can’t help but smile as I flip up the visor. “You look perfect. Tilt your head up. I’ll adjust the straps for you.”

She does as I ask, her hair brushing against my hands as I secure the helmet snugly. There’s a quiet satisfaction in making sure she’s safe. Once I’m done, I slip on my cut and grab my helmet. I straddle the bike, feeling the familiar weight of it beneath me. My fingers reach back to lower the new foot pegs I installed just for her, offering my hand. “Time to go.”

Gracie takes my hand, swinging her leg over the bike like she’s done this a thousand times, settling into the seat behind me. I feel her arms slide around my waist, and there’s something solid about her touch. Grounding.

“Hold on tight,” I murmur over my shoulder.

The engine roars to life, vibrating under us, and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. This—this is freedom. The world stretching out before us; the wind whipping past as we ride. And today, I get to share it with her. The bike rumbles as it warms, and I feel her arms tighten around me, her excitement matching mine.

But this isn’t just a leisurely ride. I’ve got a hidden agenda. There are a few spots I want to check out—places rumored to be tied to the missing elder. Gracie’s along for the ride, but I’m keeping my eyes peeled. If all goes to plan, I’ll be ticking two boxes today—time with my girl and a lead on the elder.

As soon as my bike roars to life, I feel the familiar hum beneath me. Once she’s warmed up, I drop her into first gear and take off, the tires spitting gravel as we leave the driveway. Grace giggles, her arms wrapping tighter around my waist, her chest pressed firmly against my back. I grin under my helmet. She loves this—being free, feeling the rush.

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