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“Do, what?”

“Apologize for shit that’s not your fault.”

“Uh…yes?” I say.

“Why?”

My friends know what happened with Pack Parker, but this woman is a stranger. My idol, yes, but a stranger. I shouldn’t want to tell her, but truthfully, I’m sick of holding it in. Keeping my past to myself like I’m the one who did something wrong. The more I admit what happened, the better it feels. Like purging poison.

“My exes were awful. They made every little thing I did feel like a problem.”

Travina nods solemnly. “Small-dicked weasels. We’ve all been there.”

A laugh stutters out of my mouth, unexpected and all the brighter for it. “Exactly.”

“Well, I can tell you that Pack Morgan is nothing like whoever they were. Honestly, they’re the best guys I’ve ever known.”

“Ah, I see what this is. Connor paid you to talk him up,” I tease.

“He wishes. Dude’s so smitten, he’d probably spend his life savings on an air writer just to get your attention. My pack sure didn’t get me a one-on-one lesson with a designer as a courting gift. Erin, either.”

My chest warms with affection, especially because I know she’s right. This is more than flowers delivered to my dorm or favorite foods shipped to my house. Connor’s been listening to what I say, paying attention to all the little things, even when I thought he wasn’t. I think I mentioned Travina once, some offhand comment during my heat that I barely remember.

Yet, he did, and he used that knowledge to do something incredible. Not only is he supporting me and the business I’m working so hard to keep, but he found me the tools I needed to improve and used whatever connections he had to make it happen. The truth of just how far he went for this courting gift settles the last bit of nerves from whatever Connor’s surprise is.

I refuse to think of it as a secret. It’s just something I don’t know yet.

Travina grins, twining her arm through mine and pulling me farther into her space. “Alright, enough boy talk. Show me your designs and let’s get to work.”

Anyone who’s saiddon’t meet your idols, hasn’t met Travina Bellencourt. She’s fucking amazing and I’m not just saying that because I have a minor crush on the woman.

I knew her designs were top tier, but beyond that she’s beautiful, funny and so easy to talk to. Without thinking, I’ve told her so much about my past, the shit I went through with Pack Parker and my goals for the future. Through it all, she’s shared her own journey to happiness as a beta with alphas of her own. We’re two people who lived through too much and came out the other side ready for peace. Two lonely souls who found partners that light them up inside.

Connor and Pack Bellencourt poked their heads in a few times to make sure we were okay but kept their distance. The snacks they delivered were delicious, but I barely ate, too focused on soaking up every second I could. After the fourth interruption, Travina was less than pleased and locked everyone out so we could focus. She even kicked out her omega, Erin, though only after a very thorough kiss and a scent mark that was borderline obscene.

By the time sunset rolls around, I’ve not only got three new designs planned for my store launch, but I’ve also learned a ton about how Travina works. The way she makes her prototypes to the little tricks she uses when sewing, all things I can add seamlessly into my design process to level up.

Like all good things, our day comes to a brilliant end with the sound of a frustrated knock on the door.

“Let us in, Travi. I want my omega,” Connor snaps.

I must have the dopiest expression because she rolls her eyes and shouts over her shoulder. “No! We’re not done.”

“Come on,bella.We made dinner.”

Our heads pop up, stomachs growling in unison at the smell of warm pasta and decadent sauce.

“That smells so good,” I whisper.

“This is bullshit. They know I can’t ignore carbs.” With another wistful glance at our chaotic sewing circle, Travina stomps over and throws the door open. “What time is it?”

“Half past seven,” Her alpha, Valentino, says from where he leans against the wall. “We left you alone for far longer than promised, but it’s time to say goodbye.”

Connor stands behind him, smaller but far more intense. His hand lifts in obvious request and I don’t even try to stop myself from walking to him. As soon as I’m wrapped in his arms, he nuzzles into my neck. “Hungry, angel? You missed lunch.”

I admit it. Food makes me go full-on omega puddle.

“Oh, fuck you, Connor Morgan. You’re not allowed to be adorable with my new friend.”