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“Anyone would be lucky to have you as their alpha.” My nose nuzzled into him, and it elicited a surprised purr. “I’ve been wanting to do this since I saw you.”

His purr intensified, and it was just like his scent, sending a zing of energy down my spine. Ajax’s heavy arms cradled around my shoulders and pressed me closer. Ajax interlaced our fingers,and he squeezed our joined hands three times. We stayed until my stomach growled. Ajax’s chest rumbled with a soft laugh.

“Why don’t you show Tully your favorite room, and we can order some food?” Lloyd voiced from behind us, and I unhooked my fingers with a sigh. Ajax’s gaze was bright, like my brief hug lit him up from the inside out.

15

Tully

“You have a private theater room?” I sucked in a gasp as Ajax swung open the padded door.

Walden and Pan were already inside, and they shared a look.

There were several rows of red wine velvet chairs across from a massive screen, bordered by more burgundy velvet. The walls were painted black and lined with vintage movie posters. There was a popcorn maker in the corner and at the back of the room, rows and rows of film reels.

“T-This is…” I fluttered around, trying to take everything in. “Oh, and—Gods and this.”

My parents did not approve of my love for videography. They tolerated my fixation and eventually bought me my camera so I could make my own pretend movies. It was escapism at itsfinest, and being able to control what was on the screen was powerful.

I enjoyed being in front of it, too, until my mother told me my ‘little movies’ were a waste of time. How would they help give back to the community? That was the only thing that mattered.

“You might like these.” Ajax took me straight to the rolls of film and pointed out a section marked historical. I ran my fingers along the tags with a knot in my throat.

“I’m going to treasure this one even more, knowing I screened it for a Hartlock.” Ajax pulled out the documentary that played at the Starhaven Historical Society.

I grimaced, wishing the memory was a good one for me.

The scent of popcorn filled the air as Walden turned on the machine. This dark room was a balm to my omega instincts, and I shuffled a little closer to Ajax. Seeking his warmth and strength.

“What should we watch?” His low rumble was as soft and warm as the velvet chairs around us.

“We’ve got snacks, and whatever you might need.” Pan wandered over, holding up a pack of scent wipes.

My stomach knotted at the sight of the Campion Pack logo etched in gold. Did Chase ever tell his brothers where he got the formula and how he tested the early versions on me? How delighted he had been when our mingled scents became sterile.

It won’t be forever. Give me a little longer and I can introduce you to my brothers.

I shook off my disgust and when they weren’t looking, I swiped it into the trash.

“I remember the camera you had. Do you still enjoy that kind of thing?” Walden asked, handing me some popcorn. I stifled a laugh at how he looked, still in a suit, with a pocket square, but with black socks.

“We have that in common.” Ajax took one of the film reels over to the projector and fiddled with it.

After a moment, he stood back and turned the projector on. The motor whirred, and the screen lit up with black and white.

“When I was younger.” I snuggled into the seat, mesmerized by the silent movie playing.

“You know what? I’ve suddenly developed an interest in history and or movies.” Lloyd beamed, throwing himself into the seat beside me.

He was pleased I was pleased.

Butterflies rioted in my stomach. Ajax stalked to the side, flipping open a small, hidden cabinet. There was a minibar stocked with all kinds of drinks and utensils for cocktails.

“Is a cocktail safe to have before your heat, or is it like caffeine?”

Did I want to get tipsy in a dark room with Baylark Pack?

My gaze flickered to the trash can, where I’d tossed the wipes. My skin ached like a raw pulse.