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“Was?” Lloyd whispered, and the hope sparking in his expression could have lit up a midnight sky.

Walden sighed. “That’s not true, anymore.”

“We’re practically strangers,” I protested, wetly.

“Strangers?” Lloyd jumped in before I finished speaking. “Tully, I’ve told things to you I’ve never told anyone.”

I wanted to turn the jangled mess of my insides out and sift through my excuses, my reasons, and build a wall between us. Didn’t they understand how much of a mess I was? But as I searched and searched inside my thumping heart, I couldn’t find anything strong enough. I’d been so sure a week ago.

Starhaven had nothing left for me. But now…

“After that heat?” Pan dragged his finger down my jaw with a hungry look. “You think I don’t know you?”

“My body.” I flushed.

I was being deliberately stubborn and obtuse. But there was my heart to contend with. The one Chase bruised with words,and I wanted to believe Baylark Pack didn’t have it in them to do the same.

“We can tell you a thousand times over how much we want you, which we do, but you don’t trust words. But instead of running, which I can tell you want to, why don’t you give us a chance to show you?” Walden stroked his thumbs down my body and there was tension underneath the soft tone he used.

His offer wrenched my ribcage in two. My heart pounded with a vulnerable beat.

“Give us a chance,” Ajax added.

I searched their faces and found devastation, at the thought I might leave. Could they truly help my insides feel less like a mudslide?

My lungs hurt as I held my breath. I curled my hands on my lap and sank my fingernails into my palm.

I wanted what they offered.

“If—whenhe finds out I’m here, that alpha might cause trouble. I don’t want you to be ashamed of me.”

The admission was small, but the vulnerability it caused in me was a gulf. Walden made a noise, leaning forward to drag his nose down my neck. His breath puffed over my skin and his taut, naked body under mine was a hot, silky promise. It made me tingle all over. His teeth scraped and I let out a surprised squeak, unable to contain my surprise.

“We’ll take each day as it comes. If this alpha from your past dares come near you? I’ll make sure he wishes he was never born.” Walden pulled back, and I stared into his eyes. So warm with trust and devotion.

“Do you remember my parents' funeral?”

“Of course.”

“I was mortified and ashamed at not being able to handle my emotions. When you left, that was when this alpha introduced himself.”

A crease appeared between Walden’s eyes. “You were grieving, and so innocent about the world. I kick myself that I didn’t stay with you.”

Pan leaned over and bopped my nose. “Not so innocent now, are you, angel?”

Warmth curled in my stomach, but I shook my head.

“I felt so small and useless standing next to you. I-I don’t even know who Tully Hartlock is, and what if she ends up being someone you don’t like? That you're ashamed of?”

“Don’t worry about shame. That’s my job.” Pan winked.

Would it be too much for me to have what I wanted for once? A tangled mess of love and a home where I truly belonged?

“We love you, Pan. Flaws and all. And Tully, if I ever make you feel that way again, tell me.”

I nodded, my throat tight.

“Communication is key,” Ajax added.