Page 103

“You’re right, but I’m choosing to give you another chance anyway. Don’t blow it.”Please don’t hurt me.

“I won’t.”

Despite all the reasons I should walk away, I believe he’s going to try. And so will I, because Nate and Dez feel like pieces of my puzzle. Beautiful additions to the life I’m struggling to carve out for myself. Only time will tell if Connor is too.

We walk a little longer in silence, adjusting to being in each other’s presence again before we turn back to the duplex. The longer we do, Connor stroking the back of my hand with his thumb, the better I feel. My instincts are settling, no longer at war with this potential alpha.

We’re not fixed, not by a long shot, but there’s healing happening and that’s what counts.

Nate’s in the same spot when we return, eyes narrowed on our hands. I feel hope in my chest, with that unique flavor that’s all him. “Have we kissed and made up?”

Connor’s grin is shaky at best. “Daphne’s decided to try and forgive my stupidity, yes.”

“Good.” Nate pulls me into his side for a hug, then does the same to his brother. “Took you long enough to apologize.”

Con looks at me, eyes somber. “It won’t happen again.”

With another great squeeze, Nate lets us go. “Now that you two are sorted, I’ve got to head to the garage for a bit. Didn’t want to go until you got back. You coming, Con?”

“Later. Daphne and I have a bit more to discuss first.”

“We do?”

Nate’s grin gets downright nefarious as he swoops in to kiss my cheek. “Have fun, kitten.”

Connor rolls his eyes, then motions toward my side of the duplex. “After you?”

“We’re not having sex.” Though it wouldn’t be a hardship, I need more time to get over what happened before I let him into my bed or my body. If we ever get to that point. Though makeup sex does sound nice.

“I never said we were.”

“Just wanted to adjust that expectation before you come inside.”

We’re barely inside when Connor notices the boxes littering my living room. In the enclosed space, his scent thickens, and he glares like he wants to burn them all. “What are those? Are you moving?”

As tempted as I am to make him sweat, I don’t want my home smelling like stressed out alpha. “Nesting supplies from Nate.”

Pillows and blankets—with gift receipts to stores nearby so I can exchange them if they don’t feel right—showed up yesterday with a staggering gift card that I immediately tried to give back. None too kindly, at that.

Me

Are you shitting me? Five grand is too much.

Nate

Fifteen thousand wouldn’t be enough. In fact, I’m getting you another one.

Me

WTF? Save your money.

Nate

I have plenty of it, so I’ll spend it where I please.

I mean…Sorry, gift cards are non-refundable. You’re welcome to give them away, but the store won’t take them back and they shouldn’t go to waste.

Me