Page 35 of This Pack of Ours

“Yeah.” I couldn’t keep the bitterness out of my voice. “Well, guess you can count your lucky stars you weren’t the one to scent match me, Sweetheart.”

I walked back inside to the table, and resumed my stony vigil in my seat.

Juniper passed us, sliding back into her booth and shooting me a glare. I shot one right back, my mood as sour as her scent. I was already stuck in this bond with one person who I kept disappointing. Why would it be any different with Kit? At least, she’d said no when Kit asked her to join, so I wouldn't be stuck with letting her down, too.

I clung to that singular thought as I tuned into the conversation at the table.

KIT

The date was going pretty well, especially considering that Juniper seemed to be taking it fine. She was huddled in the corner, working on her laptop and barely paying any attention to us.

I’d had a lot of practice at this part. I was good at talking, good at splitting my attention amongst the pack. Good at figuring out the dynamics and working around them. I was glad I had my instincts to rely on, because being surrounded by my scent matches was completely overwhelming.

It wasn’t just their scents—Jhin’s sophisticated sage and blackberry, Ez’s bright watermelon lemonade and Adrian’s cosy pear and cinnamon all surrounding me right now—they were all mind-numbingly attractive.

I’d be answering a question and look up to meet Jhin’s dark, intense gaze and trip over my words. He sat with perfect posture, his expressions guarded, reminding me of a forlorn prince overburdened with the pressures of the world. Not that I’d ever say that out loud. He was a natural leader; not greedy or overbearing. The others listened when he spoke and glanced at him when they wanted his opinion, but he didn’t join in much when the conversation grew lighter.

Ez seemed to seek my touch without thinking, and it felt so natural to respond. His lean, cheery face was bright and responsive. His smile made my breath catch when he gave it so freely. It lit up his whole face, making his golden-green eyes sparkle and showed off his two cute fangs.

Adrian would blush every time he met my gaze. He had lovely tanned skin, and pale brown hair that looked super soft. He’d mentioned he was Ez’s half-brother, and when he smiled, his eyes lit up just like Ez’s did. He’d been quiet, but as Ez kept dragging him into the conversation, he spoke up more and more.

It was easy, with them, my instincts calling me to be with them, assuring me they were safe… despite Vander.

Vander had sat as far away from me as possible and resisted all my attempts to draw him into the conversation. I think I’d really thrown him off with the hug, but it had seemed like the obvious thing to do at the time. I could barely make out his sharp morning frost amongst the other scents.

“Oh, well, I did attend Hawthorne academy for a bit,” I said, responding to Jhin’s question. “But it wasn’t really for me.”

“Oh wow, that’s fancy,” said Ez.

“It just didn’t work out,” I added, not wanting to get into it.

“So, did you grow up topside then?” Adrian asked.

“Nah. I’m a Gritch kid, born and raised.”

“Same with us,” Ez said. “We all grew up in the same complex. Vander and Jhin had their work cut out for them, keeping us out of trouble.”

I tucked away that tidbit to unpack later.

“Still do,” Vander muttered, the first thing he’d said the entire date. He hadn’t looked at us though, so I turned back to Ez.

“Juni did the same for me. We found each other by chance when I was at the academy, and just… clicked. She kept me on my feet, and we both watched each other’s backs, especially during heats.”

“So, how does the whole heat-buddy thing work?” Ez asked. “Do you and her?—?”

“Ezra, that’s highly inappropriate.” Jhin frowned at Ez. “Please don’t feel like you have to answer that, Kit.”

“We were all thinking it,” muttered Ez.

“Uh, I don’t mind.” I smiled awkwardly. “And no, it’s not like that. It’s more of like, watching out for each other. And if we both liked the pack, then sometimes we’d… I mean, it’s a long time and there are a lot of pheromones so, um… but she and I never have.” I stopped, my face bright pink now, and maybe I shouldn’t have answered, but none of them looked judgemental. Quite the opposite, actually.

Jhin cleared his throat, taking a deliberate sip of water. Ez swallowed and Adrian’s eyes darted to where Juniper was sitting in the corner.

Vander stood up abruptly.

“Need some fresh air," he said, and walked toward the balcony. I watched him as he walked away, my heart hammering.

Had I made him uncomfortable?

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