Page 19 of How to Lose a Pack in 10 Dates

“I alwayswastop of my class,” Jace says, winking as he stretches one arm across the back of the sofa. “In oral presentations.”

Cam, red-faced, valiantly attempts to change the subject. “I, um—I’m not free in the mornings during the week. School hours are Monday to Friday, obviously. But I could take you out for dinner? This weekend?”

My heart flips. Ofcoursehe wants to take me out properly. Ofcoursehe works full time shaping young minds and probably volunteers at soup kitchens or rescues stray puppies in his downtime.

“I’d like that,” I say, softening slightly.

Wes doesn’t soften. At all.

“She’s not a tourist,” he mutters. “You don’t need to impress her with candlelight and carbs.”

“No; but I wouldn’t mind being wooed by risotto and clear communication. You know—two thingsyou’refamously bad at.”

Jace grins. “Well,Idon’t have class in the morning. I could take you to the farmers’ market. I know the guy who makes those cinnamon rolls the size of your face.”

I blink. “You know a cinnamon roll dealer?”

“Perks of being hot and charming,” he shrugs.

Wes makes a sound like he’s either choking on bile or repressing a scream. Possibly both.

Jace shoots him a look. “Hey. I don’t see a problem with giving this beautiful woman the VIP experience.”

Then he winks at me.Winks.I let out an obnoxiously loud giggle—half for effect, half because it’s genuinely funny watching Wes lose structural integrity in real time.

“Do youhearyourself, man?” Wes turns to Jace. I’m convinced he’s one muscle twitch away from violence at this point. “She’s playing a game!”

“Oh,” I chirp, beaming at both of them. “Ilovegames.Especiallywhen I win.”

Wes scoffs. “Yeah, and the rules change every time she blinks. It’s like dating a landmine with lip gloss.”

“That’s rich, coming from someone who ghosts, growls, and then tries to alpha his way through every conversation as if he’s the boss of my uterus.”

“I’m not letting you screw this up,” he barks out.

I raise a brow. “Because you thinkIwill? Or because you already did?”

There’s a beat of silence. It’s heavy, charged, and utterly delicious—

But then Cam clears his throat. “You’re not leaving yet, though… right? I mean, even if you’re not staying the night, you should still get the tour.”

“Exactly,” Jace agrees. “Full orientation. That way you’ll know where the emergency exits are. And the beds.”

“Subtle,” I deadpan.

He winks, again.

I pretend to consider, then my shoulders sag. “Fine,” I say, pretending to be fighting a grin. “Butonlybecause Cam looks like he might cry if I don’t.”

Cam flushes. “I—no—I just think it’s good manners.”

Wes mutters something dark and stalks toward the kitchen, deliberately staying behind as we head upstairs.

“Enjoy yourselves,” he calls out sarcastically. “Try not to break anything. Or anyone.”

*

I’m flanked by two Alphas, and pretending I’m not hyper-aware of it is taking every ounce of restraint I have.

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