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Dez runs a hand over her hair, careful not to tangle it. “Most packs live together during courtship, little muse. We knew that wasn’t happening, so this was the next best thing.”

She’s going to argue. I see the way her mouth twists as she looks between us. “I don’t like feeling like I owe you for this.”

“You don’t.” As soon as I lay my hands on her waist, Daph shudders, body softening. The longer we touch, the more relaxed she is, but she’s still unsettled. “It feels like I do.”

She wants this. Wants us. She’s just so used to fighting to be heard that she’s no longer listening to what her instincts need.

“We did this so you don’t have to deal with a landlord, but we understand that we may have gone too far.” Daph huffs when Connor kisses her cheek, lips lingering as he soaks up her pheromones after a long day away.

Finally, she sighs and I’m not the only one sagging with relief. “I’m still upset but thank you.”

I squeeze her, happy she’s giving us her true feelings even when it’s hard. “You’re welcome, kitten. Now, how can we make this right?”

I’m not sure about my brothers, but I’m thinking about something hot, wet and?—

“Let me pay something.”

Fuck no.

We all growl and Daphne bats at us with limp hands. “Hush. If I’m going to stay here, I want to pay the rent I agreed on. It’s only fair.”

“Little muse, I don’t think?—”

“Agreed, but not full price. Half.” Dez whips his head around at Connor’s interruption, but our pack lead only has eyes for Daphne. I hate the idea of her paying us anything, but him with my life.

Daph straightens. “Three-quarters.”

“No. A quarter.”

“This isn’t how you negotiate.” Dez and I watch like a tennis match, gaze ping-ponging between them as she throws her hands up.

“It is today.” Connor crosses his arms, smirking. “I won’t accept anything more than half.”

“Fine, but I pay full utilities.”

“Agreed.”

Daph chews her lip until Connor tugs it out of her mouth. He keeps his thumb on it, stroking the skin softly until she shudders. I don’t think she realizes he’s inching closer until their mouths almost touch. “We want something in return, though.”

“Other than my compliance?” she teases, a little too breathless to make it land.

“Obviously.”

“What do you want?” Daph’s so suspicious I nearly laugh.

“Stop fighting us about courting gifts.”

Thisis why Connor’s in charge.

When she starts to complain, he kisses her into silence. “On top of the normal things like dates and spending time together, gifts are an alpha’s way of showing we care. That we can provide. Fighting you on every little thing is exhausting. Not only that, it’s hard to build the trust that courtship is intended for when we’re battling over shit like buying dinner or mowing your side of the lawn.”

“You’re saying if I stop arguing about your courting gifts, you won’t go behind my back about the bills?” Daphne looks like she’s just waiting for him to pull the lever, her voice so cautious my chest squeezes.

“Correct. Let us take care of you, angel. Oh, and we want to see your store.”

“What?” Out of everything he’s asked for,thattrips her up. She stumbles and we nearly crack heads trying to steady her. “Why do you want to see that?”

My brothers and I share a glance before Connor cups her cheek. “Because it’s a huge achievement and you deserve your pack’s support.”