Page 42 of Pack Scratch Fever

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My parents’ words echo in my head, along with the disappointment in their tone.

I’m always a disappointment.

Avery smiles. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Luna County needs you. Look at all the good you’re doing.”

Either Avery is the sweetest guy on earth, or he’s a master manipulator with words.

I’m betting on the former.

“You’re incredibly generous,” I offer.

He shrugs. “Incredibly accurate.”

I bark out a laugh. “Okay, now you’re just cheesy.”

I absolutely adore it, though. Maybe all I needed was for someone to truly see me and not think about all the things I should or could be doing.

He nudges my foot again. “Still being truthful.”

This time though, when he nudges me, I nudge him back. I press my foot against his, holding it there, and my stomach flutters in anticipation.

I’m twenty-six years old and playing footsie, but I’m enjoying every moment of it.

“This is the best date I’ve ever had,” I blurt, and Avery chuckles.

“Then we need to take you on some better dates,” he says, and my heart skips a beat.

We.

He means his pack.

Avery, Maddox, and Poe.

My face hurts from smiling, and I look down at my napkin on my lap.

“And we need to keep that smile on your face, too,” he adds quietly.

I shake my head, continuing to rub his foot. “Charmer,” I accuse.

“Is it working?”

I laugh. “Yeah. I guess it is.”

We stay until the restaurant closes.

I haven’t talkedto anyone this long besides Blair.

And even when Avery walks me out, his hand placed gently at the small of my back, I could talk to him for hours more.

I’ve only known him for a few days, yet it seems like we’re making up for lost time.

As if I’m discovering him again.

Something primal inside me confirms my suspicions.

Ours, my inner Omega confirms.He’s ours. We’ve been waiting for him.

We’ve been waiting for his pack.

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