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She grins, smacking a scarlet kiss to my cheek as she passes. “Had it in my apartment. It’s even personalized.”

Weirdly enough, it doesn’t make me feel better.

Lacey comes in next, attempting her best boa constrictor impression. Her jumpsuit is gorgeous, pink daisy print showing off her curves. “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve beendyingto hear how your heat went.”

“She’s not the only one.” Kai runs her gaze over me, and I fight the urge to shift when they catch on puffy cheeks and swollen eyes. “You’ve been awfully hard to reach lately.”

” Suspiciously hard,” Maverick agrees.

Our beta friend stands at the back with dark swooping hair, and a pastry bag that has my attention. He watches Kai like she’s in the world’s prettiest lingerie instead of sweats and a sports bra. My chest pangs with jealousy I immediately smother.

He hands Kai the absolutely revolting green juice she insists on drinking constantly before slipping me a bag that smells like butter, chocolate and life itself. “Buckle up, butterfly. We’re kidnapping you.”

I don’t know what’s going on, but this croissant isamazing. My mouth is so full, I can barely talk, and I regret nothing. “Sorry, why am I being abducted?”

Mellie snatches half the pastry from my hand like a fucking seagull and stares me down as she eats it. “We decided we’re not letting you dodge our calls anymore. Your heat was a good excuse, but it’s over now. Get your bag. We’re going to cause mischief.”

I’ve known her long enough to be absolutely terrified. This excursion could be anything from egging my exes’ house to straight up arson. I motion to the shop, still munching on my treat. “I’ve got so much to do here. Seriously, another time.”

Kai looks around at the bare walls and messy floors. The renovation crew just finished opening up the area that’s going to house a select few sex toy brands I’ve already scouted, but they didn’t exactly clean up after.

“Looks good,” she says. “Whatever else you need done, we’ll help with.Later.”

I grapple for one last excuse to get them out of here. I don’t want to explain about the pack or Connor or my exes. Don’t want to disappoint the friends that have been so good to me.

Kai stares me down, arms crossed and energy thrumming. “Get in the car, Daphne, or I’ll put you there myself.”

I’m stubborn, but even I know when I’ve been beat. Shoulders slumped, I march outside and into the SUV like I’m heading to my own funeral.

Fifteen minutes later, we pull up to the last place I’m expecting. “A rage room?”

Lacey slips out of the car. “Seems like you have something on your chest. Might as well do some damage while you spill.”

“Hurry up! I want to get the good room.” Mellie shouts, dragging her sledgehammer as she walks past.

“Is she allowed to bring that?” I ask Maverick.

“Would you tell her no?”

Fair.

After signing a ridiculous number of waivers and slipping the attendant a fifty so Mellie can bring her hammer, we suit up and head to a room. It’s practically half a warehouse and full of random stuff. Old televisions, glasses and clocks litter every surface and inch of space. A car sits to my right, beat to shit though the windows are still intact. Someone’s even thrown a toaster, denting the wall.

It’s absolute mayhem.

“You’ve got an hour. If you want more time, you’ll have to extend.”

“We’ll let you know.” Kai stares the attendant down until they leave.

When we’re alone, Mellie props a hand on the hip of her protective coveralls. “You have three choices, babe. Get your rage on, spill about your heat, or tell us how the court date went.”

I’d rather eat nails than pick the last two. “Give me the sledgehammer.”

She snorts, waving to the back wall and an assortment of tools. “Get your own.”

While I choose my weapon, she climbs on a counter nearby and starts whaling on it. Lacey, who’s looking a little green, picks up a hammer and delicately destroys a tv. She doesn’t seem to enjoy it, but her face lights up when she tosses a plate to the ground, watching it shatter.

I grab a plain sledgehammer, walk to the car, and heft the tool over my head. I’ll admit, I don’t try very hard on the first swing, barely denting the side panel, but the burn of my muscles feels so good that I do it once more. My arms vibrate and as soon as I see the grapefruit sized dent in the car, there’s no stopping.