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“She could, though. She’d be better off that way, with just you and Ben, and not some criminal?—”

“Don’t,” I snarl, stepping on the brakes harder than necessary at a light. I turn to glare at Ace, who looks at me warily, insecure and exhausted. “You belong wherever I belong, right?”

His eyes are dull. “Yes.”

“And we belong wherever she is.”

He nods.

I hate seeing him like this. He goes to dark places in his mind, and there are only so many times I can pull him out before he sinks back down.

“We’re a pack now,” I continue. “We’re tied together, Ace.Always.”

I’ve never been the best with words. Usually, it’s Ace with something clever to say that could make me smile or warm my heart.

But I want to get that look off his face any way I can.

“Just hold on for me,” I tell him. “We’re almost there. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” His voice is haunted, and I tell myself he doesn’t have to wait much longer.

We’re almost at the restaurant where this all began.

My first date with Devyn was here, and now Ace will have that experience, too.

I’ve rented the place out, so it’s a limited staff, the chef, and us four.

Ben insists Devyn will love the gesture, and I don’t disagree.

Her eyes lit up at every bite she had here, and her joy was infectious that evening.

Hopefully that can happen again, with Ben and Ace at her side.

But we’re not even into the parking lot when we first scent Devyn.

Holy shit.

It’s like I’m being pummeled in my chest byOmega.Her sweetness fills the car, all cookies and vanilla and sugar, and Ace lets out a strangled moan.

“Holyfuck,” he gasps. “She’s here. I can feel her.”

My own body is a live wire, my inner Alpha desperate to come to the surface and take over.

“Patience,” I grit out, even as my chest aches. I pull us into a spot and place the car in park, then let out a deep exhale, panting.

“I can’t wait anyfuckinglonger,” Ace snarls, unbuckling his seat belt. He starts to reach for the door handle, but I grip his arm.

“Wait,” I command, my voice low. He breathes heavily, his chest heaving as he regards me.

“This is our chance to start over,” I say slowly. “Do not lose control.”

Ace’s eyes flare, the blue turning into an icy inferno.

“Do not lose control untillater,” I correct myself. “Focus on making her happy.”

“Iamdoing that, prick,” he snaps. “Now let me fucking go before I bite your arm off, Con.”

We stare at each other for another moment until I release my hold on him, and we both step out of the car.