Page 33 of Coco and the Misfits

Not a pack. Not a nest. Not what I need.

So here I am, hunting work and stability.

The initial plan was to visit my usual haunts. The gym, for instance. Zayne, Gigi’s top alpha, works there as a senior trainer. I’ll ask him if he has any job for me. I’m not picky. I’d do anything from cleaning to answering phones or babysitting. It’s jobs I’ve done before. I have the experience.

The gym entrance is dim and elegant, and the long reception desk is manned by a redhead. She looks like an omega. Her smile is sweet.

“Hi. May I help you?” she asks, then her smile widens. “Oh, it’s you.”

Me, the hunk hunter. I have haunted this place for a while now. They know me here.

“Hi.” I wiggle my fingers. “Is Zayne in?”

“He’s… yeah, he’s in. Let me check if he’s teaching. I think he is…”

I wait, drumming my fingers on the desk’s polished granite as she clicks away on her computer.

Then a flash of gold catches my attention and I turn, coming face-to-face—or rather, face-to-chest—with Zach.

God, he’s hot…

“Coco?” He grins. “Did you come for our class as promised?”

“Our class? Oh. Oh no.” I shake my head. “I was actually looking for your dad.”

“My dad?” His blue eyes narrow. “What for?”

“I’m… in between jobs. I was wondering if he had anything in mind.”

His expression doesn’t change. “He’s teaching right now.”

“So I’m told.” I glance at the receptionist, who nods. “Yep.”

“I’ll ask him on your behalf later.” He lifts his little finger and winks. “Pinky swear.”

That has me grinning. “Thanks.”

“So… my class. You said you were interested. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“You have?” I snort. “Gimme a break. Our conversation was only a couple of days ago.”

“Not dying to see my face every evening. I get it.”

I open my mouth. Close it. God, he’s so pretty. I want to wrap my legs around his trim hips and fuse our lips together. Can’t he read my face? Is he teasing me?

“Speechless. I see.” Zach sighs. “I never get a break with girls like you.”

Wait… what? Was June right? Is he interested in me?

“Zach,” I start, “it’s not like that.”

“No? Okay then!” The grin returns. “Shall we go for drinks?”

But I shake my head because… “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t feel like it.”

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