Page 39 of How to Rescue Your Surprise Baby

“Anyhow, we brought you a special drink,” Hilly-Billy said, perking up. “It’s for, ah, improving your... blood flow.”

“My... blood flow.” Telos frowned.

Hilly-Billy made swooping gestures toward his crotch. “Blood flow.”

“Oh, gods.” Telos’ ears burned. Especially when all the alphas were looking over, clearly listening in. “I don’t needthatkind of help.”

Ace looked surprised. “Is that why you were taking it up your—”

Raptor elbowed him hard in the gut. Ace shut up.

“My parts work perfectly,” Telos spluttered. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Wait till you see the packaging.” Hilly-Billy left to rummage through a bag on the dining table. He returned carrying a tiny blue box.

Printed on its front were two rounded clam shells... and a long, thicksomethingstanding upright between them.

“It’s the ginseng root,” Hilly-Billy explained.

“I don’t think ginseng roots are quite that... thick throughout. Or smooth,” Telos said. “Or blunt at the tip.”

“This drink was made with one that looked exactly like that,” Hilly-Billy said, nodding sagely. “It said so on the signboard. Supposedly, clam extract helps blood flow as well.”

Telos buried his face in his hands. “I don’t need any of that. Send it back. Ask for a refund. I’m not paying for it.”

“I’ll drink it,” Mav said.

Telos froze. He turned slowly to stare at Mav in shock. “You what.”

Mav shrugged, something dark flashing in his eyes. “It can’t hurt to have more... blood flow, can it?”

Telos’ brain broke. “Wh—How. What. Why.”

“Why not?” Mav replied.

“You don’t even know if it’ll break your... ginseng root.”

“I’ll check if it works later. You’re welcome to observe.”

Telos’ brain splashed into the gutter and didn’t surface for a while.

Mav smirked.

“Holy hell,” Raptor muttered. “Get a room, you guys. Actually, youhavea room. Go have that conversationin your room.”

“Like you won’t be eavesdropping anyway,” Telos sniped.

Before they could turn it into an argument, a car pulled up outside the suite, followed by the slamming of two car doors.

“Want to explain what that distraction was about?” Duke asked from outside, before walking into the suite. Crush followed him in. “Mav. I expected better of you.”

11

BUT DID YOU KISS?

Mav stiffened,a flutter of embarrassment burning his ears. Truth be told, hehadn’tbeen thinking straight. Or much at all. “Telos stole something of mine.”

Telos tensed, gaze darting toward him.

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