Page 18 of How to Lose a Pack in 10 Dates

“You, too,” I say. “Like a very earnest substitute teacher who could also throw a car.”

His ears pink. Wes mutters something under his breath, and Jace full-on laughs.

“You’re doing great, buddy,” he says, leaning forward and patting Cam on the back. “Real smooth.”

“I’m beingnormal,” Cam protests.

“None of this is normal,” Wes growls.

“I think it’s cute,” I offer, just to watch Wes short-circuit.

He does. His jaw clenches so hard I’m surprised his molars don’t crack.

“I think,” Wes says tightly, “that Cam shouldn’t be left alone with someone who once tried to burn a pair of my shoes.”

“It was symbolic arson,” I say sweetly.

Jace whistles. “This just gets better and better.”

“Wait until you hear about the glitter bomb,” I smile.

Cam lights up. “So thatwasyou!”

Wes pinches the bridge of his nose, and I dust my hands off as I finish my muffin. “So. Where do we start?” I ask. “Group interview? Alpha obstacle course? I do a vibe check on your Spotify playlists and pantry labels?”

“You’ll be staying here during the trial period,” Wes says flatly.

My stomach drops. “I’m sorry,what?”

“It’s standard pack-bonding protocol,” he replies, clearly delighted by my panic. “One week. Full compatibility assessment.”

“I thought we were dating,” I say. “Not entering a pheromone-themed escape room.”

“Oh, don’t worry—you’re free to leave,” Wes adds. “No one’s forcing you to be here.”

Cam visibly panics. “Wait—no! Don’t leave. I mean—you don’thaveto stay, but I think it could be…good. Nice. Comfortable. If you want.”

Jace raises an eyebrow. “He means we already changed the sheets and stocked the fridge.”

I blink. “You changed the—? Oh my god.”

Wes doesn’t turn around. “The spare room’s at the top of the stairs, second on the right. Don’t touch anything that isn’t yours.”

“Can I touch Jace?” I smirk.

“Please do,” Jace replies instantly.

Wes turns, looking like he might genuinely combust. “No.”

“Tempting,” I murmur, stretching just enough to pretend I’m adjusting my dress and watching as the vein in Wes’s neck twitches. “But… I’m not staying tonight.”

Cam frowns. “You’re not?”

“I’d like to get to know you both a little better before we discuss me staying anywhere,” I say, my tone honeyed as I glance between Cam and Jace. “You know: some one-on-one bonding time. No pressure.” My eyes flicker over to Wes. “And without any...glowering hallway monitors.”

Wes scoffs. “This isn’t a marketing internship. You don’t get to schedule coffee chats with the alphas.”

“Oh, I don’t?” I flutter my lashes. “That’s a shame. They have such promising…credentials.”

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