Page 117 of Heat Island
“Because you’re always eager to get home to your alpha,” he says, voice dropping an octave lower.
Heat floods my cheeks. Six months into our bonded pack arrangement, and Lucas still affects me like this. “I’ll be even happier if my alpha doesn’t make us late to the most important meeting of our lives.”
Lucas narrows his eyes, still smiling as he shrugs on his jacket. “You’re going to pay for that smart mouth later,” he promises. “And I’m going to make Trinity help.”
A thrill runs through me at the thought. Trinity has proven surprisingly inventive when it comes to keeping us all satisfied. I don’t say that I’ve already decided what I want for Christmas this year—Trinity and Lucas teaming up to dominate me is at the top of my list.
Instead, I grab my keys and call out as Lucas heads for the door, “I’m counting on it.”
Kyren
I adjust the bass levels on the sound system, keeping one eye on Trinity as she dashes around the place like a gorgeous whirlwind. Her form-fitting satin dress catches the light as she moves, directing staff, checking decorations, and confirming last-minute details for tonight’s grand opening.
Six months ago, I thought Trinity bonding me on that plane had changed my life. I was wrong. That was just the beginning.
The bonding bite on my neck tingles pleasantly as I watch her work. Everything since that flight—moving into Matheo’s mansion with the others, waking up surroundedby packmates, sharing quiet mornings and chaotic evenings—it’s all been incredible.
But watching Trinity transform her small event planning business into a full-scale event management company has been something else entirely.
“Is that microphone going to work this time?” she calls across the room, pointing to the stage setup.
I give her a thumbs up. “Tested and perfect. Unless you want it to fail dramatically mid-speech? I can arrange that, too.”
Her laughter echoes through the high-ceiling space. God, I love that sound.
When Trinity offered me a full-time position as entertainment and production manager, I barely knew how to respond. Now I get to blend my technical skills with my love of music, curating entertainment and handling all production aspects for her high-end events. The flexible schedule even lets me play with my new band on weekends. For the first time, my work feels like more than just a paycheck.
Trinity bustles over, checklist in hand. Her professional face is on, but I catch the slight softening around her eyes that’s just for me. “How are we looking with the equipment? Any issues I should know about?”
“We’ve got one serious problem,” I say, keeping my expression grave.
Her eyebrows shoot up, and I see the immediate shift into crisis-management mode. Before she can spiral into worst-case scenarios, I pull her into my arms, dipping her backward dramatically.
“I haven’t told you I love you yet today,” I murmur against her lips before kissing her.
When I bring her back to her feet, she’s blushing, that perfect peach color spreading across her cheeks. “Kyren! We’re at work.”
“And?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Public displays of affection are unprofessional,” she says, though her smile undermines her stern tone.
I kiss her again, lingering just long enough to feel her melt against me before pulling back. “It’s okay. I’m pretty sure the boss is obsessed with me.” I lower my voice to a stage whisper. “And if she tries to fire me, I’ve got plenty of blackmail material. Those pictures she sent me yesterday, legs spread on her desk and panties barely hanging from her ankle. Very compromising.”
Trinity slaps my arm, her face growing even redder. “You wouldn’t dare.”
I waggle my eyebrows exaggeratedly. “Of course I wouldn’t. But she doesn’t need to know that.”
Her laugh fills the space between us, bright and uninhibited. I feel it vibrate through our bond, a warm pulse of happiness that echoes my own.
“Ms. Jones,” a voice calls from across the room. “We need your input on the champagne display!”
“Duty calls,” Trinity says with a sigh, still smiling slightly. She steps back, smoothing her dress. “Behave yourself.”
“No promises.” I wink as she hustles away.
I watch her go, marveling at how she commands attention without even trying. Six months ago, I was a sound tech playing cartoon effects when actors fell off stage rigging. Now I’m bonded to an incredible woman, part of a loving pack, and doing work I actually enjoy.
Not bad for a guy who once thought he didn’t deserveanything. Somehow, I’ve found myself with everything I’ve ever wanted and more.
