Page 58 of Pack Down Bad

As I lie half-awake with memories playing on a loop behind my eyelids, a warm flush works its way down my body.

“C’mon, sleepy head,” Percy interrupts, appearing at my bedside to gently nudge me the rest of the way awake. “Rhys fixed you a special breakfast. Lots of protein to get your strength back.”

I peek one eye open to make sure we’re alone before I release a soft groan. Sweet Rhys and his odd cooking.

“I know, I know, but what can I say? We all have a soft spot for his dedication.” Percy pats my thigh with a laugh. I don’t have to say the words aloud for him to know I’m thinking that a meal from Rhys isn’t great motivation to rush out of bed.

“What if you came back to bed?” I asked coyly, grabbing a fistful of his shirt to tug him closer.

He plants his hands on the mattress to keep from falling back into the giant bed with me. His mouth twists with regret as he shakes his head.

“I promised the guys I could handle coming up to retrieve you without being tempted. Are you trying to make a liar out of me, Belle?”

Risky joke after finding out recently that they lied to me for days.

The smile on his lips dies as he realizes the unintended second meaning behind his joke. My chest squeezes with sadness for him as his expression shutters. I sit up and roll my eyes with a bright smile so that he doesn’t get a chance to let the guilt build. That’s not how I want things to go this morning while I’m still basking in the afterglow of the best heat an omega could ask for.

“Well, you’ve done such a good job editing my last few romance novels that I guess joining you for breakfast is the least that I can do for you.”

Percy tilts his head in confusion as he tries to make sense of my words. “Your romance novels?Yourromance novels?” His eyes go comically wide.

I fight hard to keep a passive expression on my face as I nod like this revelation is no big deal. Inside, I’m positively beaming at being able to reveal to him that I’m the mysterious author he found himself so fascinated by. Funny that I turned out tobethe author whose relationship with him I was jealous of.

“Holy shit... I have so many questions.” He gapes at me in awe.

I shrug and teasingly remind him, “We have to get down to breakfast, remember?”

He drops his head back with a groan as I slap my hand over my mouth to muffle my giggles. I’ve managed to get the upper hand over him! He’s too loyal to go back on his word to the guys, so now he’ll have to wait to learn more details about my writing career and my thoughts on him as an editor.

Spoiler Alert: He’s phenomenal.

The only reason he never received that manuscript is that it was due to him the first day I woke up in Knox’s bed. I guess he tried to cover their lie about not having internet by pretending the deadline was a day earlier. My book is basically ready for his eyes the moment I get my hands on my laptop to send the manuscript over.

He’ll have to wait for that a little longer due to the circumstances, too.

I crawl my way over to the edge of the bed with a wince. My legs feel like gelatin, and I don’t feel up to my usual strength. If nothing else is quite right about breakfast, I’m glad Rhys thought ahead to loading up on protein.

“Will you carry me down the stairs?” I ask, biting my bottom lip as I stare up at Percy hopefully.

He gives me a warm smile as he says, “Of course.” He sits on the edge of the bed, offering me his back. “Hop on,” he offers. “This way I don’t risk dropping you walking down the stairs.”

I grin as I throw my arms over his shoulders, clasping my hands in front of his chest. I gasp as he stands with me in tow, and I quickly wrap my legs around his middle and hold on tight.

Percy carries me out of the room, and I look back forlornly as we trudge down the stairs until the door disappears from my view. Idowant to join the guys for breakfast, but I’m not thrilled to be leaving the nest so soon.

An odd smell overpowers my mates’ scents as we make it down to the kitchen.

Percy turns his head to whisper to me, “ I recommend breathing through your mouth as much as possible.”

Rhys is lucky he’s so freaking cute.

Percy walks me to the table as Rhys and Knox turn to greet our arrival, both of them with their eyes lighting up at the sight of me. I smile widely back at them, happy for the three of us to be reunited. When we reach my seat, Percy hunkers down to let me slide off his back easily. I wish I could stay clinging to him, but I don’t think the position would be so helpful for eating.

I take my regular seat and watch Rhys walk over with a curious bowl.

“I call thisRhys’s Special Morning Hash,” he announces, beaming with pride. He sets the bowl in front of me, and I examine the contents with confusion. Scrambled eggs, burnt potatoes, something green that’s otherwise recognizable, and... Is that pineapple?

Knox grunts softly beside me as Rhys turns back to the kitchen to grab his food last.

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