Page 10 of Once You Go Pack
Mila’s gaze followed Gerri’s pointing finger, and her world tilted sideways.
Two figures sat at the secluded corner table—a stunning woman with long dark brown hair and the most attractive man Mila had ever laid eyes on. Her heart plummeted for a split second as jealousy stabbed through her chest.
“That’s Cade’s sister, Lyra,” Gerri whispered quickly, sensing Mila’s momentary panic. “Family support system, you know how it is.”
Relief flooded through her, followed immediately by a new wave of nervousness as Cade turned toward them. Their eyes met across the café, and everything else faded into white noise.
Oh, wow.
He was magnificent. Six feet and change of pure masculine power, with broad shoulders that filled out his dark shirt in ways that should be illegal. His thick brown hair was styled with effortless precision, and his eyes—God, his eyes were the most intense shade of green she’d ever seen.
He stood in one fluid motion, his movements carrying the kind of controlled grace that suggested coiled strength beneath the surface. Every step toward them radiated confidence and authority, but not the performative kind she was used to seeing from successful men. This was different—primal, natural, like watching a predator move through his territory.
“Hello, Mila.” His voice was deep and rich, making her name sound like music. “I’m Cade.”
He extended his hand, and the moment their skin made contact, tingles shot up her arm. Warmth spread from their joined fingers straight to her core, and she suddenly forgot howto breathe. The café, the other customers, even Gerri’s delighted laughter—everything disappeared except the electric connection crackling between them.
What is happening?
“Well!” Gerri’s voice cut through the charged silence like a bell. “I’d say we’re off to a very good start!”
The spell broke, and Mila found herself staring up into Cade’s face, searching for some explanation for the intensity of her reaction. He seemed equally affected, his jaw tight with what looked like carefully controlled restraint.
“Please.” He gestured toward the table, his hand settling lightly on the small of her back as he guided her forward. The simple touch sent heat spiraling through her body, making her legs unsteady.
Then Cade did something totally unexpected. He pulled out her chair for her.When had a man ever pulled out her chair? Never, she realized, as Cade waited for her to settle before taking his own seat beside her. Close enough that she caught hints of his scent—something clean and woodsy with an underlying wildness that made her pulse quicken.
“Mila, this is my sister Lyra,” Cade said, his voice carrying that same careful control she could see in his posture.
The woman across from them smiled warmly, her green eyes—so similar to Cade’s but dancing with mischief—taking Mila in with obvious approval.
“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Lyra said politely. “Cade’s been?—“
“Eager to meet you,” Cade interrupted smoothly, shooting his sister a warning look that only made her grin wider.
He was eager to meet me?The thought sent a flutter of pleasure through Mila.
Gerri settled into the remaining chair, practically vibrating with satisfaction. “How’s your father doing, Cade? Any changes since we last spoke?”
The shift in Cade’s expression was subtle but devastating. The careful mask slipped just enough to reveal the weight of grief and responsibility pressing down on him.
“No improvement,” he said quietly. “The healers estimate we have two months at most.”
Mila’s heart clenched at the pain in his voice. She’d lost her mother young to illness and knew the particular agony of watching a parent fade. Without thinking, she reached over and covered his hand with hers.
“I’m so sorry.”
The simple words seemed to hit him harder than elaborate condolences might have. His fingers turned beneath hers, capturing her hand in a gentle grip that sent fresh waves of warmth through her system.
“Thank you.” His eyes held hers, and for a moment, the future king disappeared, leaving only a man facing loss. “That means more than you know.”
Oh no.The dangerous combination of attraction and empathy was already undermining her defenses.How could she say no to someone carrying such a burden? How could she add to his stress by rejecting this crazy proposition?
“We should probably lighten the mood,” Lyra interjected gently, clearly reading the emotional weight in the air. “Gerri, didn’t you want to hear about Cade’s childhood disasters?”
“Oh, absolutely!” Gerri clapped her hands together. “Embarrassing sibling stories are my favorite.”
“Lyra,” Cade warned, but there was affection beneath the exasperation.
