Page 51

Dev will always,alwayshave me, even if she doesn’t believe me.

I’ll make sure there’s always a roof over her head and food in her stomach, and that she always has a soft, warm place to sleep.

A small smile shows on her face after my reassurance.

“I’m also excited,” she admits. “I think it will go well on Friday.”

“Of course it will,” I assure her. “This is a great thing you’re doing, baby.”

“Are you nervous at all?”

I roll onto my back and sigh, looking up at the ceiling.

“I am,” I admit. “A little. But it’s more for your sake, Dev.”

She mimics my position, then nudges my foot with hers. “Why?”

I swallow.

How much should I tell her?

I don’t want to put my insecurities on her, especially when she’s already wrapped up in her own worries.

But I recall my conversation with my cousin and decide to open up to her.

“I’m a Beta, Dev. There are certain things I can never do for you.” My voice trails off, and I fix my gaze on the ceiling, even though I can feel her looking at me.

“Yeah, but you’re Ben! No one else can ever be Ben.”

I chuckle. “I guess that’s true.”

She swings a leg over mine, then turns to place her head on my chest. “It would be weird if you purred,” she murmurs.

“Yeah?”

“Also, I need you to stay in control during my Heat. If you went all Alpha crazy, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

“I suppose.” I run my hand through her hair, playing with her golden curls. “I keep you from bouncing off the walls, so there’s that.”

“Yup. No one else can ever be Ben. I don’t need Alpha-Ben. I just need you.”

“A pack doesn’t hurt, though,” I remind her.

She yawns. “I know, but you’re just the way I want you. I wouldn’t change anything about you. I mean it.” She nuzzles into my chest, sighing contentedly.

I continue to stroke her hair long after she falls asleep. I don’t bother to get up and turn off the light. I just sink into my thoughts until I drift off to sleep, too.

Friday will be great.

Connor and I already get along; all that’s left is to meet his boyfriend.

What could go wrong?

10

ACE

Not to brag,but there are bite marks in the collar of my sweatshirt, courtesy of my boyfriend.