Page 149 of Sunshine

Julian grinned like he knew exactly what I was thinking. “Very busy.”

I picked up the phone and called her. It rang four times and went to voicemail.

As I was debating text messages, my phone rang again. Talia.

“Hey, I’m sorry I missed your texts last night,” I said.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” Talia’s voice was thick with tears. “I was worried about you. I checked your house and everything, but I guess you were with Pack Kahele.”

“I was,” I started, trying to figure out where in this conversation I should add in the bonded part.

“I didn’t realize you didn’t check your phone at all when you were with them,” Talia said. “Or in the afternoon.”

She managed to sound wounded and accusatory at the same time.

“I usually do but…” I paused. I didn’t want to add in the part about Julian’s work so I kept it simple. “Yesterday I bonded with Pack Kahele.”

Deafening silence at the other end.

“Youbonded? You mean like, you were hanging out?” She sounded confused.

“No.” Julian squeezed me, some of his bubbly warmth taking away my apprehension. Luca took my hand, steely determination trickling through our bond.

Some of my happiness returned.

I was bonded. Julian, Luca, and Logan were mine.

“I mean, I’m going to be introducing myself as Ms. Kahele from now on.” I couldn’t keep the sappy grin off my face.

“That’s my girl,” Julian whispered.

“Oh my god!” Talia squealed, her pitch ultrasonic. “Oh my god, congratulations.”

My pack relaxed.

I couldn’t stop grinning. “I know, I know. It was the right.”

“How did your family react?” Talia asked. “Raina didn’t seem excited when I stopped by this morning.”

“You’re the first to know,” I said. It was only a little lie, I hadn’t told my entire family. “I literally just checked my phone.”

“Omgosh.” Talia squealed again. “After you’ve had such a crush on them for so long.”

I blushed, even though they already knew that. “It’s perfect.”

“You’re okay? It seems sort of rushed after you dated Pack Beneventi for almost a year.”

I bristled but calmed my nerves. Some of my annoyance was Julian’s leaking through our bond. He gave my phone the stink eye.

“When it’s right, it’s right,” I said, patting Julian’s hand.

“I’m super happy for you,” Talia said. “I’ll send you a gift basket now that you’re an old, bonded lady.”

“Thanks, Talia.” I snuggled against Luca even though he was glued to my side. “It’s amazing.”

“I’m going to let you get back to all that sex you’re having.” Talia laughed. “We can talk when you surface for air.”

“Tomorrow night?” I asked. “We can go get that Indian food you were talking about, and you can tell me about your new cupcake flavors?”

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