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Things had been so good between us lately. It was all because of Tully. She brought us together in a way that worked, and we would do anything to win back her trust.

“Walden, what is it?” Ajax dragged his finger through the condensation on his glass.

My chin hit my chest. I shed the exoskeleton of youth sooner than I should have. My strength lay in endless determination, poise, and fairness. I created the Baylark Foundation because I wanted to make a difference.

But why?

Admitting to Tully the lengths I’d gone to ensure the Hartlock gala went well made me wonder who it was all for, and if it was worth losing my pack, or my life. My family put expectations on me and I leaned into them until they became mine. I was good at being the responsible older brother. It fit my innate skills well. I never considered a different path until Tully burst back into my life.

She was perfect imperfection. Honey and fig, so sweet and soul quenching. The twinkle in her eye, stardust captured in a crystal globe. I colored between the lines. Monochrome. Tully burst off the pages. Glitter, pink, sunshine, and heart. I could be perfect my whole life and I’d never leave the same mark she already had. Because even when she was afraid of failing and made herself small, she had an uncanny way of leaving a lasting impression.

“I’ve always approached life like a checklist. The foundation. Our pack. The politics. I haven’t left room for anything else.”

“It’s been tough lately.” Lloyd reached out to squeeze my shoulder.

Although we didn’t underestimate the beta of our pack, his energy sometimes got lost among the alphas. But right now, his sunshine and salt warmed my skin. It made me wish for a beach day. Would Tully like the sun and sand? When was the last time I’d even taken a vacation long enough to go to the beach?

“Me being mayor, are you prepared for how that might affect your life?” I asked Pan specifically.

Really looking this time. We’d spoken about it, of course, but had I actually listened? Pan tilted his head, and I drowned in hazel. He could take my breath away with one searing look.

“I want whatever makes you happy.”

The vulnerabilitybetween his words tugged at my heart. I’d been such a selfish prick in more ways than one.

“Pup,” I sighed.

He rubbed the back of his neck and heat warmed his expression. “I’m used to performing, Walden, and I’m getting better every day. I won’t embarrass the pack again, I promise.”

I flinched, crossed the room, and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. Sugar filled my veins.

“I’m sorry, pup. I’m sorry to you all.”

“You’re freaking me out, Walden,” Ajax said.

I let out an empty laugh. Was I old enough for a midlife crisis? When Tully left, it started a chain reaction. Had I ruined all our chances for love to achieve a dream that wasn’t truly mine?

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Lloyd said.

“I’m thinking—” I trailed off as CJ pushed through the frosted glass door.

He wore a dark polo and black jeans and had a leather briefcase hanging over his shoulder.

“Don’t let me interrupt. What were you thinking?” He hit us with a wide smile, as if we hadn’t seen him attack our omega and threaten her.

I tipped my head at Lloyd, and he shifted his hands under the table.

“CJ.” I checked my watch. “You’re late.”

“It’s five minutes. Don’t get your panties in a twist.”

Did he not understand how precarious his situation was? Pan crossed his arms with a scowl, and his animosity made CJ pause as he pulled out a stack of papers.

“I can only imagine what Tully’s told you to warrant that kind of reaction.” CJ whistled.

“Was he always this big of an asshole?” Pan ignored his former friend and turned to Ajax, who nodded.

“In your defense, you were high most of the time you were with him. I imagine that helps with the deluded levels of arrogance and narcissism.”