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The thought of being without my nest makes me itchy, but I’ve started to like their house. It’s hard to feel lonely when it smells like them. “Sure.”

Dez glides a hand under my coat and over my hip. “You look beautiful, little muse. Probably best I’m not going, or I’d end up punching everyone who glances at you.”

“You’re not the punching type.”

“Not usually.” He nuzzles my cheek, purring softly. “But I think I’d make an exception for my omega, don’t you?”

My body should not like that, but all its saying is,good alpha.The doorbell rings before I let that slip, thank fuck.

While Nate lets my friends in, I lean into Dez’s touch. “It’s just a few drinks. I doubt we’ll get into much trouble.”

“You’re not the one I’m worried about. It’s the fucking idiots who are going to break their necks trying to get a sneak peek.”

Mellie shoves her way through the crowd in what I can only describe as her chaos outfit. Embroidered jean shorts so close to showing the bottom of her ass it’s unreal. Part of the pocket is cut out, flashing hip beneath the maroon fishnets she’s wearing. Her only allowance for the chilly fall night is the cropped sweater that matches the tights and a pair of insanely high heels I’d worry about rolling an ankle in.

“Don’t worry, boss man. We’ll keep the masses at bay.”

Kai’s in ripped black jeans and an equally distressed tee I’m pretty sure is Maverick’s. She’s got a hoodie layered under a jacket that also isn’t hers, and the same pair of boots she wears every day. It suits Maverick’s usual jeans, tee and boots attire.

Lacey’s skipped her usual sundress, opting for pink jeans that hug her ample hips and ass like a second skin and an incredible blush brocade crop top that dips low between her breasts. She’s even got pink boots and a coat to match. I’m obsessed.

“Looking great, babe!” she says. “Give us a spin.”

Connor’s eyes burn into me as I twirl, desperate for one final compliment from my pack.

“Well?” I want the heat that look promises. The desire I know is hiding beneath his guarded nature.

All I get is a gentle smile. “Call if you need a ride home.”

Disappointment hits hard and fast. The man’s never here and when I’m dressed like a fucking snack, he’s apathetic?!

“Knothead.” Kai shakes her head while Mellie and Lacey glare.

Dez and Nate look ready to throw Connor in the nearest body of water, but they hold their tongues. Maverick does not.

“Don’t worry about Daphne. I’ve got her.” He shoots my alpha an easy grin that Connor barely acknowledges.

“Call me,” he repeats.

“Sure.” Whatever it takes to get out of here. Rejection stings my skin until I want to crawl out of it. Fuck the drinks, fuck going out. Curling up in my nest alone sounds like the perfect night.

Lacey squeezes my shoulder as Maverick pulls her and the others out the door to the SUV. The second the door shuts, my pack lead’s standing in front of me. Connor stares, one slow caress of his eyes from my head to my toes and everything between. “You look beautiful, Daph.”

It’s a nice thought, but I can’t help but feel like it’s a little too late. Another confession only given now that we’re alone. “Thanks.”

“Are you okay?”

No. I don’t think I am at all. There was no surprise when Connor said nothing. No shock. No disappointment. I fuckingexpectedit.

It’s happening again.

No, it isn’t. Not with all of Pack Morgan. Just him.

I love Nate and Dez. They’ve let me in, shared their secrets and held space for my own. I trust them and I want them as my alphas. Connor’s only involved when it fits his schedule. He’s offered me pieces and only when he has to. It’s nowhere near the same situation.

Trusting him with my body is one thing, but I’m no longer sure I can trust him with my heart.

I need a fucking drink.