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“What the hell do I wear?” I ask as soon as Mellie answers the video chat, towel tight around my body.

She’s laying on her bed, hair up in a colorful messy bun and another gigantic t-shirt—probably from a one night stand—slipping off her shoulder, looking so different from the girl I grew up with.

“Where are you going?” she asks, legs kicking behind her. Her body shifts, showing me panties I made and the little cherry bomb tattoo she got on her ass as a dare at eighteen.

Yep, definitely a different view from our childhood.

“Not sure,” I finally say, staring at my wardrobe like it’s the enemy. “Should I ask?”

This is the third time that question’s come out of my mouth. I’ve infected our group chat with my nerves so much, Kai has temporarily stopped responding with anything other thanchill out.

“Fuck no. If he wanted you to dress a certain way, he should’ve told you what’s going on.” Her words are easy, but her tone is fierce. Mellie’s not the type to let things go, and she hasn’t forgiven Connor for the dinner yet.

“He apologized for what happened and he’s been making it up to me.”

“As he should. You know what else he should do? Be grateful I didn’t slash his fucking tires.”

Is it weird that this makes me love her more? “I’ll remind him of your generosity.”

“Good.”

We work through my closet until I end up with a black slip dress, ankle boots, and an oversized denim jacket that I’m pretty sure was Lacey’s when we first met. A few necklaces, a slick of lipstick, and I’m prepared for anything from afternoon brunch to a concert.

After Mellie tells me everything from ass to tit looks great, she softens. “You look happy, Daph. Way happier than you ever were with them.”

“I am.”

“That’s all we’ve ever wanted for you.” Her eyes mist and she growls, emotionally avoidant little monster. “I want to meet them soon.”

I want that too, but I feel like it’s too much right now. “I’ll do my best. Love you.”

“Love you too. Gobble some dick for me.”

“Uh…is now a good time?”

Mellie cackles when I whirl to find a red-faced Connor standing in the doorway of my bedroom.

We stare at each other, my eyes roaming becausegod damnthe man can dress up. With a black button down shirt rolled-up to show off his tattooed forearm and jeans practically painted on his ass, Connor looks ready to take me to dinner or be the show.

“Alright, I’m out,” Mellie says. “Enjoy the eye fucking and maybe some actual sex, too.”

The beep of our call ending is barely a blip. I’m too distracted by the man in front of me.

“You look beautiful.” He shifts forward, freezing when I growl. It’s instinctive. An automatic response to this alpha ready to stomp through my space without permission.

Like Nate, understanding dawns fast. Connor pulls himself back, bowing his head. “Apologies, omega. I didn’t realize this was your nest.”

“It is,” I say primly, waiting to see what he’ll do. Will he fight me on it? Will he let it go? Will he try to push my boundaries?

“It’s beautiful,” he says softly, smiling when I purr. “Would you like me to wait downstairs until you’re ready?”

I like that he doesn’t ask to enter. It settles my instincts immediately. This is an alpha who respects and cares about me. One who will take my answer without coercing me to change it.

“No, thank you.” I grab my purse, pleased.

He holds himself back while I’m in my room, but as soon as I’m in the hallway, all bets are off. Connor’s arms slip around my waist. His hair’s slightly wet, that cool scent muted under the soap yet still delicious.

“You look incredible,” he rasps, nuzzling his cheek against mine. The scent mark is so natural it takes me a moment to return it. “Thank you for coming with me.”