Page 169 of Pack Plus One

“I’ve got her,” Liam says, moving to my side with calm efficiency. His arm wraps around my waist, providing support that I suddenly realize I need as another wave washes through me, making my knees weak.

The next few minutes pass in a blur of controlled chaos. Mason handles the bill with remarkable speed, possibly setting some sort of record for fastest payment of a fourteen-course meal. Jude, true to form, creates a minor scene by “accidentally” knocking over a water glass, drawing attention away from our hasty departure.

Caleb leads the way, clearing a path through the main dining room with the sheer force of his alpha presence. I’m vaguely aware of other diners turning to watch our exit, but their faces blur into an indistinct mass as another cramp seizes my abdomen.

“Almost there,” Liam murmurs reassuringly, his arm tightening around me as we reach the entrance.

The night air is a momentary relief against my overheated skin, but the respite is brief. By the time we reach the car, I’m trembling, my entire body now in the grip of pre-heat symptoms that are progressing far faster than usual.

“This is happeningreallyquickly,” I breathe as Mason opens the car door. “Usually I have more warning.”

“Emotional catalysts can accelerate the process,” Liam explains, helping me into the back seat. “Significant life changes, stress... or a sudden proposal.”

“Ha.” I can’t even laugh, leaning my head against the cool window. “So my body decided to celebrate us being engaged by going into spontaneous heat? Very practical.”Oh my God, did Ijust say engaged? I’m engaged. I really am.The thought seems to send another wave through me.

Jude slides in beside me, his usual joking manner subdued. “Silver lining: at least it happened with us nearby. Imagine if you’d been alone at the bakery tomorrow.”

The thought sends a chill through me despite my rising temperature. Public heats are an omega’s worst nightmare—vulnerable, exposed, at the mercy of whatever alphas happen to be nearby.

Caleb takes the driver’s seat, his knuckles white on the steering wheel as he navigates through evening traffic. In the rearview mirror, his eyes catch mine, dark with concern and something deeper.

“Hold on,” he says simply. “We’ll be home soon.”

Home. The word fills me with longing so acute it’s almost painful. Not my apartment, but the pack house. Their den. Where the nest waits—the nest I rebuilt myself, with pieces of each of them arranged in patterns that felt right to the rabid omega instincts currently trying to claw their way out of me.

Another wave of heat courses through me, stronger than the last, drawing a small whimper from my throat before I can suppress it. The sound has an immediate effect on the alphas, their scents sharpening with protective instinct and something more primal.

“Caleb, windows,” Mason orders from the passenger seat, his usually calm voice tight with restraint.

Caleb immediately rolls down the windows, allowing fresh air to circulate through the car. It helps, but only marginally. My scent is changing rapidly now, the sweet vanilla-cinnamon taking on the unmistakable notes of omega heat.

“How much longer?” Liam asks, his arm still around me, his touch both comforting and increasingly distracting as my skin becomes hypersensitive.

“Ten minutes,” Caleb replies, accelerating through a yellow light. “Maybe eight if I push it.”

Eight minutes feels like an eternity in my current state. I squirm in my seat, the sleek silk of my dress suddenly an irritant against my overstimulated skin. “I’m sorry about dinner,” I manage, clinging to conversation as a distraction from the growing ache between my thighs.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Jude says, his tone gentler than usual. “Though I do feel cheated out of the chocolate soufflé they were about to bring out.”

“I’m sure that’s your biggest concern right now,” Liam remarks dryly.

“I contain multitudes,” Jude replies with a shadow of his usual grin. “Concern for Leah and mourning for missed dessert can coexist.”

Their banter washes over me, familiar and comforting despite the circumstances. I try to focus on it rather than the increasing dampness between my thighs or the way each bump in the road sends jolts of sensation through my core.

By the time we reach the pack house, I’m barely coherent, my body fully in the grip of heat hormones. The transition from pre-heat to active heat has never happened so quickly before, leaving me disoriented and desperate.

“I’ve got you,” Liam murmurs as he lifts me from the car, his arms strong and secure around me. The contact sends a wave of relief through my system, my omega instincts recognizing safety and protection in his embrace.

The journey from car to nest is a blur of movement and sensation. I’m vaguely aware of doors opening, of Mason moving ahead to prepare the space, of Caleb’s calm voice giving instructions. But most of my focus is on Liam—his scent, his strength, the steady beat of his heart against my ear.

When we finally reach the nest room, I nearly sob with relief. The circular mattress is just as I arranged it, blankets and pillows forming a perfect sanctuary in the center of the room.

Liam sets me down gently in the center of the nest, and immediately I curl into the softness, seeking comfort against the growing discomfort between my legs.

Jude reaches me first, his hands surprisingly gentle as he helps me out of my dress. The silk slides away, leaving me in nothing but the red lingerie I’d chosen with such care earlier in the evening.

“Christ,” he growls, pupils blown wide. “Look at this fucking feast.”