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Okay, fine. I hate it, but it’s not like I’m being neglected. Dez and Nate sleep in my nest every night, which does a lot to settle my nerves. Especially when one or both fucks me to sleep. I’ve never been so well-rested or relaxed. In fact, this morning, Nate did this thing with tongue and…

Lacey nudges my shoulder, pulling me out of my head with a pointed cough. Mel’s covering a shift for a coworker with laryngitis, and Kai has a standing appointment every month that Maverick takes her to, so they couldn’t make it, but Lace has been running around for hours, taking things off my plate so I can actually enjoy today.

I couldn’t love her more. Except for right now.

“Quit mindfucking your alphas,” she hisses.

Whoops. There’s definitely a small cloud of perfume around us. Grabbing the descenter, I discreetly spritz it. Don’t want the models thinking I’m getting horny because of them. Don’t get me wrong, they’re gorgeous, but that’s so unprofessional. And skeezy.Veryskeezy.

When I have the Lacey stamp of approval, she shoots me a sly grin. “Are you ready for later?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m gonna kick their asses.”

I’ve been nearly shaking with excitement since Connor asked me to come over for game night. It’s the first pack date night since gokarting and he even promised to be completely phone free the whole time. Does it bother me that that’s something he even needs to point out? Yeah, but I understand busy seasons all too well. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. Because if I think about it too hard, I’ll wonder why he’s on his phone all the time, yet he barely interacts with me. Or how he only actually unglues the device from his hand if we’re on a date with his brothers. How on the list of his priorities, I’m falling lower and lower.

Lacey gives me the gentlest smile. “Proud of you, Daph.”

I laugh, trying to ignore how much it means to hear her say that. “It’s just games.”

“You’re being brave and taking a chance, babe. That’s everything.”

My eyes prick and panic immediately wells.Does she know how anxious Connor’s absence makes me? Does she know that while my heart rests firmly with Dez and Nate, I’m still unsettled around their pack lead? It’s not that Connor’s a bad person, he’s just nothere. I still know so little about him and it doesn’t seem like he’s interested in getting to know me, either.

What happens if he decides he can’t handle an omega with as much baggage as me? Will he force his packmates to choose? I know Nate said they’d pick me, but that was when Connor was being an asshole. If he genuinely doesn’t feel a connection between us, will they try to find someone who suits all three alphas? Or will he force me to watch as he courts someone else to bring into the pack? I’d do it to keep the others, but it would devastate me.

Breathe, Daph. Nothing’s happening. It’s just your anxiety spiking.

It’s been like this a lot lately. The closer I get to Nate and Dez, the more worry about Connor creep in. It’s obvious my system isn’t comfortable with the pack lead missing, but I don’t know what to do about it.

Lace grabs my hand, squeezing enough to distract me from the wave of confusing thoughts ready to drown me. “Daph?”

Fuck.Get it together. Work now, breakdown later.

I can’t allow myself to fall apart, so I throw her a sunny smile and pretend everything’s okay. “You have to stop with the mushy gushy or I’m going to cry.”

She squeezes me in that perfect way that feels confined and helps my system relax. “You know I’m here if you need me.”

“I do and it means a lot.”

We hug, watching River finish Cress’s portion of the shoot before heading to check the progress on the next models. Jeron’s nearly done, his makeup flawless and subtle compared to the pale pink briefs leaving little to the imagination. His partner, Dolly Barton, sits next to him, already made up in drag. Her blonde hair is curled to the heavens, body wrapped in a sheer teddy that matches her boyfriend. Their chemistry is through the roof, and I already know the photos are going to be hot.

In fact, it’s giving me ideas. Could I get Dez and Nate into a photoshoot like this with me?

Lacey elbows me again as there’s a quiet knock on the door. “Seriously? Smell your damn flowers and think PG thoughts while I hand out the coffees.” She shoves a bouquet in my hand and walks away muttering under her breath.

This one’s larger than the roses we found in the room this morning from our friends. The little envelope taunts me from between the heavy blue hydrangeas and I pull it out, grinning when at the three cards shoved inside.

So proud of you, little muse. Your dreams are coming true because you’re doing the work. -Dez.

Can’t wait to see you tonight so I can hear all about your day. You amaze me. -Nate

I hope today is everything you want it to be. Always thinking of you. -Connor

Absolutely giddy, I lean in and snap a picture for them. The moment they found out about the shoot, they asked if they could run errands or get coffee orders, but I’ve always run a closed set out of respect for my models. Still, the offer meant so much.

Me

They’re beautiful, thank you.