Page 96

Finally, fuckingfinally,it breaks…right as my phone goes off.

The vibration shakes my concentration, and I miss the downbeat.

“Motherfucker.” I throw my sticks, even as I grab the fucking thing off the counter. I hate admitting it, but work is a guilty relief. I don’t have time to worry about Daphne if I’m too inundated with texts and calls to breathe.

After another email to the vinyl manufacturer, I can’t get back into the groove. My instincts are restless, pulling me toward the duplex and my pack, even if I’m the last person any of them want to see right now.

That’s where he finds me, sitting in the dark.

Winter’s in his customary suit, though his tie’s off-kilter like he loosened it on the way here. Despite being a weekend, he spent the entire day at work. You wanted to talk?”

“I’ve got a bit of a problem, and I think you’re the only one who can help.” Swallowing thickly, I rotate the drum stick around my fingers, letting the motion distract my body while my mind races. The man never takes a break. Never dates or sleeps around. Never wants an omega. He’s the perfect person to discuss things with.

Hence me texting him at the ass-crack of dawn this morning to get onto his packed schedule.

Sighing wearily, Win waves me into the house. “My office.”

We walk through the renovated Victorian, and I see all the touches they’ve added. Pictures here and there, art on the walls, Kota’s plants on every surface. It feels like home in a way our pack house never has. A way I’ve craved for so long, even if I never admitted it.

Win’s office is warm and cozy. Bookshelves cover an entire wall and there’s this sprawling couch that looks like the perfect place to nap. A table in the corner has a puzzle spread out on top, Win’s version of quiet relaxation. I envy him the opportunity for peace.

He sets his briefcase down, silences his phone, and sits in one of the armchairs. “Tell me.”

Before I can, the door shoves open and a sleepy Jace walks in. “Sorry I’m late.”

My closest friend outside my pack, Jace and I go way back. His golden hair trails messily around his ears and the collar ofhis t-shirt. Sweats cover his lean build, muscled through boxing and the cardio he does for performances. Even at home, he wears rings on most fingers, matching his nose hoop. He looks like an exhausted, anxious rockstar.

Win stares at his packmate with disapproval. “I wasn’t aware you were going to be here for this.”

“Connor’s my friend. Of course, I’m going to be here to support him. Especially since he’s been going at it nonstop in the garage for days.” They have a silent battle of wills before Jace drops onto the couch at my side, smug as fuck. “Go on, Con. Tell us what’s up.”

“We found our omega.”

Jace is suddenly very awake.“Holy shit.”

I explain in stilted words, from Diamond’s to the failed dinner. Recounting the argument hurts, but I do it anyway.

When I’m done, Jace is laughing. “Only Nate would lose his virginity like that. Has he gone full stalker yet?”

“Considering he hasn’t been home, I’d say yes.”

“I’ll look out for the arrest.” Win taps fingers against his arms, eyes wandering the walls behind me. “Is her former pack going to be an issue? Does she need help?”

Guilt makes my heart skip. The first thing he asks is if Daphne needs help. The first thing I did was rip her apart. “I don’t know. I didn’t ask.”

Winter’s eyes narrow “Have you changed your mind about having an omega?”

“Maybe? I think I was going to try with Daphne, but then…”

“You showed your ass,” Jace offers.

“Yeah.” Christ, I hate this.

Win stares for a long time before breaking away. “Considering your divorce, I understand your initial reaction, but I have to say I’m surprised. Seems like Daphne’s dealing withthe same thing you did and yet, instead of offering her comfort and support, you treated her like the she wronged you.”

Winter: 1. Me: 0.

Jace squeezes the bridge of his nose. “You’re supposed to help, not make things worse.”