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In a twisted way, I could see why Pan had teased him with the nickname, daddy. Stern, disapproving father vibes abound. My spine tingled.

It was presumptuous, and yet tears pricked the corners of my eyes. I’d been looking after myself since I was old enough to walk and deep down, I hated it. Being strong and independent didn’t come naturally to me. I wanted to be coddled. Protected. Cherished.

This pack couldn’t offer me that, no matter how soft, warm, and gooey my baser instincts went.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I protested, but Walden folded his arms, refusing to break his powerful stare.

This was the Walden I remembered, a leader.

“Walden will control every aspect of your life if you let him,” Lloyd joked.

Every aspect of my life?

Heat flared between my legs. Would he use that domineering tone in the bedroom? My nails dug into my palms to control my wayward thoughts.

“I’ll consider it, about the Omega Center, I mean,” I conceded in a strangled tone.

Walden gifted me a slow, approving nod, and I shivered in delight. Why did it feel so good to do as he wanted?

“How about some dessert?” Ajax called out, “I made chocolate mousse. Will that settle your sweet tooth?”

“Hey,” Lloyd pouted. “That’s my specialty.”

My mouth watered. The prospect of sugar overload whetted my appetite like nothing else. What would Chase say if he saw me now? He’d been the only alpha I’d ever noticed before and now I was practically falling over myself for this pack. I ignored the warning ache in my stomach.

I’d ignore any red flag for chocolate mousse.

“You’re not going to the Omega Center, are you?” Lloyd muttered in my ear as he arched a knowing eyebrow.

I shook my head, thanking Ajax as he put a bowl in front of me. Whipped cream and a mint leaf garnished the mousse. Lloyd didn’t press the subject, distracted by the bowl Ajax slid toward him.

“Thank you. This has been the best meal I have had in years.”

“Of course, of course. I’m so glad we could help. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like,” Ajax insisted, and waved between Lloyd and me. “I feel like I’m missing something, though. Do you know each other?”

Lloyd choked on his mousse, and I rubbed a flattened palm over his back. The furrow between Ajax’s brow deepened.

Oh, your packmate paid me for nudes and I touched myself to the sound of his rumbling voice.

Was that too much information for a near stranger?I touched myself to your coffee and hazelnut scent. There was no way I could admit that, could I? My cheeks flamed, and I swallowed more mousse to keep from answering.

“We have more than enough space, Tully,” Walden interjected, saving me from answering. He declined the dessert and leaned back in his seat.

I ignored the press of his gaze as I finished mine in silence.

Space wasn’t the issue, and he knew it.

Afterward, Lloyd walked me to the guest room, turning the knob and standing aside so I could enter. He hovered close,reaching out to tuck my hair behind my ear. I sidestepped with a quick grimace. I needed the touch too much and that scared me.

“Did I tell you how glad I am that you’re here? It feels like a dream come true right now,” he whispered.

My stomach swooped, and I snatched my bottom lip between my teeth. Our scents mingled as Lloyd cupped my face and stared down at me. His eyes were an anchor for the storm of my emotions. The waves of stress lapped at me softly, but his salt and sunscreen made it serene. I fought the urge to sink into his hold. What we experienced over the phone was amplified in person.

“I’m so glad you’re real,” I replied.

Lloyd laughed as his thumbs grazed my cheeks. “Not as much as I am. But can I ask a small favor?”

“What?” My breath hitched. Did he want to come inside? Could I say no if he asked?