Page 15 of Pack Plus One

I nod, not trusting myself to speak, and make my escape toward the restrooms. I need a minute to breathe, to remind myself this is all temporary. Just a convenient fiction to get me through one awkward evening.

Except it doesn’t feel like fiction anymore. Not with the way Caleb’s eyes follow me across the room, or how Mason’s quiet attention makes me feel both seen and protected. Not with the way Liam seems to read my every emotion before I’ve even fully processed it myself.

I push open the restroom door with more force than necessary and lean against the sink, exhaling slowly. An omega touching up her lipstick gives me a curious look.

“You okay, honey?”

“Fine,” I say automatically. “Just... taking a breather.”

She nods knowingly. “Let me guess. Overwhelming alpha?”

I laugh despite myself. “Try three of them.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Pack dynamics, huh? Been there.” She caps her lipstick and drops it into her clutch. “Good luck with that.”

After she leaves, I wash my hands and press the cold tips of my fingers under my eyes. It’s an old trick for calming down, but right now, it barely helps. I check my reflection, smoothingmy hair and reapplying lipstick. I look flushed, eyes a little too bright. Like I’m enjoying this game way more than I should be.

Maybe I am.

When I emerge from the restroom, Liam is waiting in the hallway, looking casual but alert. My heart does an annoying little flip.

“Everything okay?” he asks, his gentle voice belying the intensity of his gaze.

“Fine,” I say, wondering how obvious it is that I was hiding. “Just needed a minute.”

He nods, but doesn’t push for more explanation. “It’s getting crowded in there. I thought you might like some air.”

He gestures toward a set of French doors leading to a small balcony overlooking the estate gardens. It’s thoughtful and exactly what I need—a moment away from the press of bodies and the weight of Eric’s occasional glares.

Eric. What a dick. Fuck. Him.

“That would be perfect, actually.”

Liam guides me through the crowd with a protective hand hovering near the small of my back, not quite touching like Caleb had, but close enough that I can feel his warmth. I can feel his gentle strength as he moves, creating a path and subtly shielding me from the curious stares of other guests.

Something warm unfurls in my chest at his consideration—the way he protects without claiming, supports without demanding. It's a delicate balance I didn't know alphas were capable of.

The evening air is cool and sweet with the scent of roses. I take a deep breath, closing my eyes briefly as the tension in my shoulders begins to unwind.

“Better?” Liam asks, leaning against the stone balustrade.

“Much,” I admit. “Thank you. I’m not usually so... overwhelmed at these things.”

“It’s a lot,” he agrees. “Even for us, and we do this kind of networking regularly.”

“Is that really why you’re here? Networking?”

He hesitates, then nods. “Partially. We’re trying to expand our client base. This wedding has several potential high-profile clients attending.”

“And the, um, hired date?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me. “Is that standard procedure?”

A small smile plays at his lips. “No. That was Jude’s idea. The invitation specified pack seating, and he thought showing up as four packmates without an omega would draw attention.”

“Of course he did,” I mutter, earning a soft laugh from Liam.

“He’s not wrong, though. People make assumptions about alphas without an omega.” His expression turns thoughtful. “Tell me about your bakery. What made you decide to open your own place?”

The abrupt change of subject catches me off guard, almost like he’s genuinely interested. Which he couldn’t be. He’s an alpha after all. One who probably thinks an omega opening her own business is horseshit.