Page 6 of How to Lose a Pack in 10 Dates

The app, unfortunately, does not leave me alone.

As though it can sense that I’m ignoring its notifications, it begins to contact me in new ways.

First, it texts.

Your Alphas are ready for you.

I delete it.

Then, it emails.

Subject: Confirm Your Heat Compatibility Analysis.

I mark it as spam and close the tab with such force I nearly sprain my wrist.

Then,Cam messages me.

Hi Aimee! Just wanted to say I’m so happy we matched on here! :)

I saw you like dumplings—do you have a favorite place?

I stare at the screen in horror. The man used a smiley face. Asmiley face.

I’m being hunted by earnestness.

I physically can’t process that level of sincerity while running on four hours of sleep and a 900-calorie anxiety spiral, so I don’t respond. I'm not sure whether the app will tell him that I've read it. Either way, I don't really care.

As if summoned by the gods of chaos, Rachel strolls past my desk. She’s holding a croissant like she birthed it herself and doesn’t stop walking as she calls out to me.

“Your first date is booked for Friday.”

I choke on air.

“I’m sorry—what?”

“You didn’t read the app's terms and conditions, did you?” she asks, spinning on her heel and doubling back. I blink at her with wide eyes as I shake my head slowly. “You gave me full profile access.”

“Rachel.” I stand. “Rachel,no.”

“Rachel,yes.”

“No, you don’t understand, I cannot do this. I can’t believe you’d actually—”

“Oh, please,” Rachel cuts me off, snorting. “Spare me the dramatics, Aimee. You scent-matched with afull pack. Do you have any idea how rare that is? That’s jackpot-level rare. That’sheadline-writing-itselfrare.”

“You don’t understand,” I groan. “Iknowone of them.”

“Wait—what?” Rachel squints. “How? And which one?”

“Well, actually, I know all of them, but only because of one in particular. Wesley Knight.”

She frowns, then squints. “...Should I know which one that is?”

“He’s my ex.”

She blinks.

“Like, myexex.”

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